The Jicks formed in 2000 in Portland, Oregon, United States, almost immediately after Pavement's 1999 "hiatus" began. The group's first record - which had a working title of Swedish Reggae - was simply called Stephen Malkmus. It was released by Matador Records on February 13th, 2001. At least a few of the songs were proposed Pavement songs before the group disbanded.
The group made their official live debut at New York's Bowery Ballroom only a few weeks before their first record was released. Around this time, Pavement's auxiliary percussionist Bob Nastanovich began acting as The Jicks' manager.
Pig Lib was the name of the band's second record, which was released in 2003. The songs had a much looser yet darker feel, and the band sounds more comfortable playing with one another. Malkmus has since expressed regret in some of the decisions he made with putting certain songs on this record. The album received decent reviews, gaining 3/5 stars from Allmusic and an 8.0/10 from Pitchfork Media.
For the first several years of The Jicks' existence, no Pavement songs were ever played live. Then on May 23, 2003, spontaneously and without notice, the band opened the evening's show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with "Summer Babe" from Pavement's Slanted and Enchanted album. What followed was a complete set of Pavement tracks in the chronological order that the band originally released them, playing roughly two-three songs per album. This concert has been dubbed by fans as The Milwaukee Show.
Notably, The Jicks opened up for Radiohead on the band's North American tour in support of their album, Hail to the Thief.
Face the Truth, credited only to Malkmus, came in 2005 to ecstatic reviews, many of them claiming a return to Wowee Zowee-type form. Most of the album was recorded by Stephen alone in his basement, although each member of the Jicks play on at least one song on the record. The band toured only a small amount behind this record, partially due to the fact that Malkmus had a new child.
On October 2nd, 2006, it was reported by Pitchfork that Janet Weiss, drummer of Quasi and the defunct Sleater-Kinney, had officially joined the band, replacing founding drummer John Moen, who left to be the drummer for The Decemberists.
On March 4th, 2008, their latest album "Real Emotional Trash" was released.
In 2011, shortly after recording their fifth album, it was announced that Janet Weiss had left the band. She was replaced by Jake Morris, formerly of Joggers.
On August 23, 2011, the album "Mirror Traffic" was officially released to generally positive reviews.
All Over Gently
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The sweetest goodbye
Sweet little peppercorn
I want out of your pie
Hug me, don't slug me
A Mexican Jew
Stay if you want
There's been some soft grass grown between us
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
When they talk about bad blood
They don't mean us, no
It's all over gently
The sweetest goodbye
You sweet little sassafras
I want you out by July
Good when it started
Still pretty good
Stay if you wanna
But I don't think you should
There's been some soft grass grown between us
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
But when they talk about bad blood
They don't mean us, no
Common collegian
High roll
He's the driver
He's got the reigns
The song "All Over Gently" by Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks is a breakup song that shares the pain of ending a relationship that started well and was good while it lasted. The opening line "It's all over gently" conveys a sense of serenity, as if the couple has come to terms with the end of their romance. The phrase "sweetest goodbye" suggests that the separation was amicable, and the relationship ends on a positive note.
However, the lyrics get a bit more complicated as the song progresses. "Sweet little peppercorn, I want out of your pie" implies that the singer wants to leave their partner, while "Hug me, don't slug me" suggests that this separation is not mutual. The line "A Mexican Jew, stay if you want, but don't forget we're through" suggests that there might be cultural and religious differences that contributed to the end of the relationship.
Overall, the song is about the complicated emotions that arise when a good thing comes to an end. It touches upon the mixed feelings of relief, pain, nostalgia, and acceptance that often accompany the dissolution of a romantic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
It's all over gently
The relationship is coming to an end, but it's happening peacefully and without conflict.
The sweetest goodbye
Although the couple is breaking up, they're doing so with fondness and compassion for one another.
Sweet little peppercorn
The person being addressed is endearing and cherished by the singer, like a tiny but powerful spice in a recipe.
I want out of your pie
The artist wants to extract themselves from the relationship, like removing a slice from a whole pie.
Hug me, don't slug me
The artist is seeking comfort and affection, rather than anger or violence.
A Mexican Jew
The identity of the singer is ambiguous and perhaps multifaceted, like a person who identifies with multiple cultures or religions.
Stay if you want
The singer is telling their partner that they have a choice in staying in the relationship or leaving.
But don't forget we're through
Even if the partner decides to stay, the artist is emphasizing that the relationship has already ended.
There's been some soft grass grown between us
Metaphorically, time has passed and distance has developed between the artist and their partner.
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
This repetition emphasizes the passage of time and creates a nostalgic feel to the song.
When they talk about bad blood
The singer is pointing out that rumors or conflicts that may exist between others do not apply to them.
They don't mean us, no
The artist and their partner are not part of any negative gossip or disagreements that may be happening around them.
You sweet little sassafras
Similar to 'sweet little peppercorn', the singer is expressing affection for their partner.
I want you out by July
The singer has a desire to end the relationship by a specific time.
Good when it started
The singer is acknowledging that the beginning of the relationship was positive and enjoyable.
Still pretty good
Although the relationship is ending, the artist still has positive feelings towards their partner and the relationship.
Stay if you wanna
Again, the artist is emphasizing that their partner has the option to stay in the relationship if they choose to do so.
But I don't think you should
However, the singer doesn't expect their partner to stay and believes it would be best for them to move on.
Common collegian
This phrase is reminiscent of college life and could imply a sense of nostalgia or immaturity.
High roll
Perhaps referring to gambling or high-stakes situations, this phrase may indicate a sense of risk or excitement in the relationship.
He's the driver
Metaphorically, the artist is implying that their partner is in control of the relationship or has a greater influence on its direction.
He's got the reigns
Continuing the metaphor of being in control, 'reigns' are associated with guiding and maneuvering, implying that the artist's partner holds the power in the relationship.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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