Wig Out at Jagbags
by Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jan 7, 2014
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. Mab_987
    Feb 2, 2014
    8
    This was my full-length introduction to the Jicks (as a casual Pavement fan) & it's my first loved album of 2014. WOAJ is a set of great indie/alt-rock tracks filled with personality, wit & hooks. Not to mention that the production really helps give it a loose & almost live feel throughout. 84/100

    (If you wanna see my full video review where I go more in-depth, look up my YouTube    This was my full-length introduction to the Jicks (as a casual Pavement fan) & it's my first loved album of 2014. WOAJ is a set of great indie/alt-rock tracks filled with personality, wit & hooks. Not to mention that the production really helps give it a loose & almost live feel throughout. 84/100

    (If you wanna see my full video review where I go more in-depth, look up my YouTube channel "Spin It! Reviews".)    … Collapse
  2. Gremmos
    Jan 11, 2014
    8
    Getting better with age. Like 'Tune Grief', Shibboleth is just about the best crafted rock songs and always served on a mixed plate. The video for Cinnamon and Lesbians made me 'kak' right-hard. Most of the reviews are surprised that there are more SMATJ albums than that Stockton band, I'm not, there all dripping with talent, poetry and smart arsery, and they keep coming out. This is theGetting better with age. Like 'Tune Grief', Shibboleth is just about the best crafted rock songs and always served on a mixed plate. The video for Cinnamon and Lesbians made me 'kak' right-hard. Most of the reviews are surprised that there are more SMATJ albums than that Stockton band, I'm not, there all dripping with talent, poetry and smart arsery, and they keep coming out. This is the smoovest since the last. It sounds like fun being in this band, Houston Hades stands out with woo's & doo's reminds me why I bought Slanted & Enchanted, Great singing. Can someone publish some lyrics… Expand
  3. Custom_Concerns
    Jan 12, 2014
    7
    Wig Out at Jagbags is nothing you haven't heard before, but it's nothing you wouldn't like to hear again. Impressive instrumentals, charming lyrics, and memorable melodies prove this album worthy of many returning listens. A great indie/alternative rock album that pays homage to the sounds of music from decades past.

    77/100

    Track Picks: Lariat, J Smoov, Chartjunk
  4. woody3000
    Feb 7, 2014
    9
    I've always dug Pavement/Malkmus but this record for some reason really made me "get it" for real and i've gone S.M/Pavement crazy. The most youthful, fun Jicks record yet. Signature ridiculous/brilliant lyrics and of course Malkmus is one of the finest guitar players of the modern era - this record displays that beautifully. The Jicks aren't self serious and if you're looking for an epicI've always dug Pavement/Malkmus but this record for some reason really made me "get it" for real and i've gone S.M/Pavement crazy. The most youthful, fun Jicks record yet. Signature ridiculous/brilliant lyrics and of course Malkmus is one of the finest guitar players of the modern era - this record displays that beautifully. The Jicks aren't self serious and if you're looking for an epic indie prog masterpiece - you won't find it. But to quote Lester Bangs “The first mistake of art is to assume that it's serious.”. Dig this.… Expand
  5. exodus9237
    Sep 21, 2014
    9
    The first new album I heard this year. The greatest beginning that I could ask for. This album clearly states that we will have Stephen Malkmus for a while, and The Jicks are at their most steady point. I liked more Mirror Traffic, but the melodies in Wig Out At Jagbags are more complex with Malkmus characteristic lyrics, and the addition of new instrumentation and great song structures.The first new album I heard this year. The greatest beginning that I could ask for. This album clearly states that we will have Stephen Malkmus for a while, and The Jicks are at their most steady point. I liked more Mirror Traffic, but the melodies in Wig Out At Jagbags are more complex with Malkmus characteristic lyrics, and the addition of new instrumentation and great song structures. Chartjunk and J Smoov are masterpieces and are two of the best songs I have heard all year.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. The Quietus
    Feb 19, 2014
    50
    There are just too many occasions where Malkmus' tone bypasses droll, flies directly over kitsch, and lands way out in the rough with no hope of ever retrieving the ball.
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  2. Record Collector
    Feb 5, 2014
    60
    It never feels quite enough to warrant the repeated listens that any one of Malkmus’ other solo records deserve, which feels something of a travesty.
    Read full review
  3. Q Magazine
    Jan 28, 2014
    60
    It's the most consistently enjoyable Malkmus/Jicks LP since his excellent self-titled album of 2001. [Feb 2014, p.117]
See all critic reviews »