Personnel includes: Stephen Malkmus (vocals, guitar, keyboards, synthesizer, bass); Joanna Bolme (piano, synthesizer, bass, claves, background vocals); John Moen (drums, percussion, background vocals); Heather Larimer (percussion, background vocals). Recorded at Jackpot, Portland, Oregon, Supernatural, Future Rhythm Studios, San Jose, California between May and August 2000. Pavement split at the end of the '90s, having pioneered the lo-fi approach and saved indie-rock from eating itself. Rising from the rubble, the band's singer/songwriter emerges with a solo debut that (surprise) bears a strong resemblance to none other than his erstwhile ensemble. Pavement had been getting progressively more sophisticated right up until its breakup, so this album finds Malkmus negotiating from a position of musical strength. All the elements that fans found attractive in his former band are here; quirky, mega-ironic lyrics that reference everything from Sarasota to Yul Brynner, eccentric, spastic rhythms, and perfect little guitar hooks. On the lovely, affecting "Church on White," Malkmus momentarily drops the post-modernism, reaching for an earnest melodicism that is one of the album's major coups. But if you're hoping for a departure from the indie king's Pavement past, you'll find yourself in the strange position of being disappointed by a batch of infectious, well-written songs played with enthusiasm and skill.

1. Black Book
2. Phantasies
3. Jo Jo's Jacket
4. Church On White
5. The Hook
6. Discretion Grove
7. Troubbble
8. Pink India
9. Trojan Curfew
10. Vague Space
11. Jenny & The Ess-Dog
12. Deado