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.
Tune Grief
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The kind of things you say
Your own worst enemy you say them every day
The dead life from a saint
I could know each tongue
I could take you son i could rush
Into one slow stream so long
Out and shove it in my face i saw the wire
Marjorie loves to see the sounds
Of the Russian lie
Was it time you got a a pink steroid
And you know who's the sum
Who's the cinnamon and ketchup again
Who you spun, who you seein'
The one-line ride so strong
Will you give me time to break it out
And shoot it in the leg
When they talk about alternative rights
They have no people, no shame
Lies, all lies, all lies
Boredom in the bedroom
The time when the guideline lies
And the lovin' to the people
Shinin' when the people
Spill into the bedroom with the
Light on the door our time to shine
Who's a its so strong
Will you give me time to shove it out
To put it in the hay oh whoa whoa
Will you give me time to shove it
Out and put it in my face
In "Tune Grief," Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks delve into themes of self-doubt, inner conflict, and the struggles of communication. The lyrics suggest a constant battle within oneself, as the singer refers to themselves as their own worst enemy, repeatedly saying things that undermine their own confidence and happiness. The line "The dead life from a saint" could be an allusion to feeling trapped in a life or persona that doesn't align with one's true desires.
The reference to Marjorie and the Russian lie adds an element of deception and disinformation to the song. It could symbolize the way we sometimes indulge in falsehoods to escape reality or justify our actions. The mention of the alternative rights, shame, and lies hints at political or social commentary, critiquing the lack of integrity and honesty in certain circles.
The chorus, "Boredom in the bedroom, the time when the guideline lies, and the lovin' to the people," contrasts feelings of dissatisfaction within one's personal life with the desire to connect with others. The bedroom acts as a metaphorical space where one confronts their own limitations and contradictions, but also where they seek love, understanding, and validation. The repeated plea for time to "shove it out and put it in my face" could reflect a need for catharsis and a desire to confront and accept the truth, whatever it may be.
Overall, "Tune Grief" captures the internal struggle between self-doubt and the quest for authenticity, highlighting the complexities of human emotions and the constant negotiation between one's inner world and external relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
One, two, three, four
Counting off the rhythm of the song
The kind of things you say
The words you speak
Your own worst enemy you say them every day
You criticize yourself constantly
The dead life from a saint
The emptiness in a seemingly perfect person
I could know each tongue
I can understand every language
I could take you son i could rush
I could carry you quickly
Into one slow stream so long
Into a continuous flow that seems never-ending
Will you give me time to rush it
Can you allow me to move quickly
Out and shove it in my face i saw the wire
Expose the truth to me, I witnessed the deception
Marjorie loves to see the sounds
Marjorie enjoys experiencing music
Of the Russian lie
The deception originating from Russia
Was it time you got a a pink steroid
Do you need a boost of excitement or energy
And you know who's the sum
And you know who is the result
Who's the cinnamon and ketchup again
Who is the unique and unexpected combination
Who you spun, who you seein'
Who have you influenced, who are you dating
The one-line ride so strong
The straightforward experience that has a powerful impact
Will you give me time to break it out
Can you grant me an opportunity to express it
And shoot it in the leg
And deliver it forcefully
When they talk about alternative rights
When they discuss unconventional beliefs
They have no people, no shame
They lack genuine supporters and moral accountability
Lies, all lies, all lies
Deception, nothing but falsehoods
Boredom in the bedroom
Feeling uninterested or uninspired in intimate settings
The time when the guideline lies
The moment when expectations are misleading
And the lovin' to the people
And the affection towards others
Shinin' when the people
Becoming noticeable when people
Spill into the bedroom with the
Enter the intimate space with
Light on the door our time to shine
Illuminating the opportunity for us to excel
Who's a its so strong
Who is feeling powerful and influential
Will you give me time to shove it out
Can you grant me a chance to express it boldly
To put it in the hay oh whoa whoa
To place it in the mix with enthusiasm
Will you give me time to shove it
Can you allow me to push it emphatically
Out and put it in my face
To expose it directly to me
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
valdes batista santos
Very good!!! Alternative song, crazy and deep. I'll listen in my adventure in the Chapada Diamantina - Lençóis - BA - Brazil.
Raabert Ellis
YES MALKMUS!! YOU ARE SO FUCKING AWESOME!!! GO RON PAUL! RIGHT ON
Carlo Marchiori
Better than Johnny Rotten himself