Real Emotional Trash
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks · 2008
55 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
A sprawling blend of intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics that meander through a landscape of emotional complexity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dragonfly Pie — This opening track sets the tone with its unique blend of whimsical lyrics and complex musical layers, effectively introducing listeners to the album's thematic explorations.
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Real Emotional Trash — The title track exemplifies the album's experimental sound and features a captivating build-up that showcases Malkmus's knack for blending melody with abstraction.
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Cold Son — With its introspective lyrics and laid-back instrumentation, this track stands out for its contemplative mood, highlighting Malkmus's ability to evoke emotion through simplicity.
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Baltimore — This song features dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, reflecting Malkmus's storytelling prowess while encapsulating themes of nostalgia and longing.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate songwriting and strong performances, balancing experimental elements with lyrical depth.
What we noticed
- The album features several tracks that exceed six minutes, allowing for extended instrumental sections and improvisational moments.
- The lyrics often intertwine personal reflection with abstract imagery, inviting listeners to interpret their meaning.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- sprawling introspective soundscapes
- meandering emotional explorations
- engaging late-night contemplation
- intricate guitar work focus
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer tight, concise albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Real Emotional Trash was Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks' fourth studio album, following their more straightforward effort, Face the Truth. At this point in his career, Malkmus was exploring more experimental sounds and lengthy compositions, continuing to establish his post-Pavement identity as a solo artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pavement· The Decemberists· Built to Spill
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Dragonfly Pie 5:08
- 2 Hopscotch Willie 6:56
- 3 Cold Son 3:42
- 4 Real Emotional Trash 10:08
- 5 Out of Reaches 4:51
- 6 Baltimore 6:37
- 7 Gardenia 2:53
- 8 Elmo Delmo 6:41
- 9 We Can't Help You 3:04
- 10 Wicked Wanda 5:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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