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.
Vanessa From Queens
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got your ballerina tights around my head
In a samurai pose on the bed
Vanessa from Queens
And the water drippin' from the faucet
Is like mardi gras on the 12th of June
Vanessa from Queens
I got the right to fly
I'm gonna show you the time of your life
I got the rights to fly
So give it up right there now
Give it up right there now
What about me?
Well the avenue is in a panic
Bob Packwood wants to suck your toes
Such a lovely lovely lovely way to go
Vanessa from gresham, that's right
Do your duty, work that body
Keep the elements off with a smile
And never have to work another day
Vanessa from queens
I got the right to fly
I'm gonna show you the time of your life
I got the right to fly
So give it up right there now
Give it up right there now
The lyrics to Stephen Malkmus's song Vanessa From Queens are somewhat cryptic and open to interpretation. The first stanza could be interpreted as a scene of intense passion and sexual energy, with the singer describing his partner as wearing ballerina tights and posing like a samurai on the bed. The reference to Vanessa from Queens suggests that this is a portrait of a particular person or type of person, someone who embodies a certain kind of energy and excitement.
The second stanza introduces a more poetic and abstract image, comparing the sound of water dripping from the faucet to the vibrant energy of Mardi Gras. This could be interpreted in a number of ways, perhaps as a celebration of life and the simple pleasures that bring us joy. The singer then implores Vanessa to "let me love you," suggesting a deep emotional connection between the two.
The third stanza introduces a new element: the idea of flying. The singer declares that he has the right to fly and promises to show Vanessa the time of her life. This could be interpreted in a number of ways, perhaps as a metaphor for the freedom and liberation that comes with true love and self-expression. The song ends with a repetition of the phrase "give it up right there now," which could be interpreted as an urgent plea for Vanessa to give in to her emotions and allow herself to be vulnerable.
Line by Line Meaning
There's aggression in the air this morning
There's a strong feeling of tension and hostility present today
Got your ballerina tights around my head
I'm thinking about you, imagining you close to me and feeling entranced by it
In a samurai pose on the bed
I'm imagining us in a strong, bold and commanding position together
Vanessa from Queens
You, Vanessa, from the neighborhood of Queens in New York City
And the water drippin' from the faucet
The sound of the water dripping is like a festive occasion
Is like mardi gras on the 12th of June
The sound of the dripping water is like a joyful celebration
Why don't you let me let me let me love you
I want to express my feelings of love towards you and wish you would let me do so
I got the right to fly
I have the freedom and ability to soar and live boldly
I'm gonna show you the time of your life
I'm going to give you an unforgettable experience
So give it up right there now
Let's seize this moment and make the most of it
What about me?
What about my needs and desires?
Well the avenue is in a panic
There's chaos and uncertainty in the street
Bob Packwood wants to suck your toes
There are people who will exploit you and take advantage of you, even those in power
Such a lovely lovely lovely way to go
A sarcastic remark about how terrible it would be to experience that kind of exploitation
Vanessa from gresham, that's right
You, Vanessa, from the neighborhood of Gresham
Do your duty, work that body
Take care of yourself, keep moving and stay healthy
Keep the elements off with a smile
Stay positive and keep a good attitude despite challenges
And never have to work another day
Live a life of leisure and freedom from having to work
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Peter Cook
I hadn't listened to this album in years until recently. I remember being kind of disappointed at the time of its release. Looking back on it now it's a great set of songs!
You're Jovian
Peter Cook had a similar experience
Ariel
This was a solid album by malkie
Vanessa Carney
Commenting bc my name is Vanessa and I live in Queens. Confirming this song is not about me. :/
Vanessa Faulkner
I am a Vanessa too and use to on Gresham...luv this song! My friend use to sing this to me .... always made me smile....
Econ Major
Just brilliant cant say anything else I'm just done
Michael J. K.
This is myyy jaaaaammmmmm
newyearsgang
+Michael J. K. AMEN BROTHER