03/07/01
 Probably the best self-titled album of early 2001
Stephen & Jicks will continue their worldwide touring in support of the excellent ‘Stephen Malkmus’ CD/LP, and be on the lookout (or alternately, just tune in) to SM & band performing “Jenny & The Ess-Dog” on “The Late Show with David Letterman” on April 10. The snazzy single of the same name comes out that same day, what a coincidence.

02/06/01
Network television is your best entertainment value
In the aftermath of the an incredibly well-received NYC solo debut last week, and with a mountain of press acclaim building up all over our offices, Stephen Malkmus will be bringing his mind and mouth to CBS’ “The Late Show With David Letterman.” Stephen and the Jicks will be playing on an early April telecast, and once we’re allowed to tell you the date (currently being kept secret for fear of provoking America’s enemies — they’d like nothing better than to take a shot at a respected youth icon and symbol of truth. And Stephen might be in danger, too) that’s exactly what we’ll do.

On April 10, we’ll be releasing a CD single of “Jenny & The Ess-Dog” along with non-album material. There’s been widespread speculation on what the 2nd single from this album might be, and now there can be widespread debate over whether or not this is the right choice. Hey, maybe you should start your own record label!

01/22/01
The Voice That Makes It Happen
Stephen recently took time out from his busy interview schedule to... get interviewed again. Sick of softball questions like “how did you get your name?” and “is there a law that says you can only fall in love once?” Stephen willingly submitted to a harsh interrogation at the hands of Nils and Matt. Not sure who played good cop and who was bad, but you can see the results for yourself in beautiful real video footage at

Contest time! As you might have read, Stephen’s solo debut was provisionally entitled ‘Swedish Reggae.’ For fear of getting filed in the “reggae” or “world music” section at Tower, a corporate decision was made to force Stephen to call the album something really crazy. Like, ’Stephen Malkmus.’ Anyhow, if you can name another practicioner of Swedish reggae, you might win yourself a pair of tickets to Stephen’s sold out show at the Bowery Ballroom this Thursday night (1/25). The most creative answers will be unveiled in this space.

To Enter: Send your full name and answer to contest@matadorrecords.com. We’ll contact the winners via email, so make sure your return address is right. You’ve got to be 18 or older and will need to present ID at the door to claim your tickets. We’ve got 10 pairs to hand out.

Q: When does a “party” not have food, drinks, good conversation or any possibility of sex? Other than a party at my house, that is? A: An Internet “listening party.” The entire Stephen Malkmus album will be streaming through February 16 on broadcast.com

“Discretion Grove”
ole-494 — 7"/CD5 — Street Date: 01/16/2001
The first single (and first release) from ex-Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus is a taster for his debut album, to be released 4 weeks later on February 13. Featuring the driving, singalong, and somewhat oblique album track “Discretion Grove” on the A-side, and two non-LP tracks (“Sin Taxi” and “Leisurely Poison”) on the B-side of the CD5 (one on the 7"), the single will whet the appetite of Pavement fans curious about what their idol has been doing since the group disbanded last year.

Stephen is currently planning a US tour in March/April with possible European and Japanese dates to follow.

12/04/00
Stephen Malkmus —
Formerly of a band we love and respect
The following is official news from officialdom. If anyone claims that know the real story and it doesn’t look like the words below, well, they are just messing with your head.

Stephen Malkmus debut solo record entitled ‘Stephen Malkmus.’ In North American stores on the Matador label (OLE-444-1,2) on Feb 13, 2001.

Final track listing:
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 and the Ess-Dog
12. Deado

A pre-album single of “Discretion Grove” with two B-sides (“Sin Taxi” and “Leisurely Poison”) will be in stores Jan 16.
Stephen is currently planning a US tour in March/April with possible European and Japanese dates to follow.

08/04/00
Matador announces new album from aspiring singer-songwriter & friends.
Matador announces new album from aspiring singer-songwriter and friends. We’re still not sure of titles, dates or anything else, but we can tell you that sometime in early 2001, Matador will be releasing a new full-length album by Stephen Malkmus, fronting a new trio known as The Jicks. We at Matador have always been supportive of new, unheard artists, and we’re confident that the rock & roll stylings of these youngsters will be like nothing you have ever heard. OK, check that, they will actually be very much like something you have heard (but something very good, indeed).