Set aside the title Traditional Techniques, which appears to be a veiled riposte to Groove Denied, the happily modern, vaguely electronic album Stephen Malkmus released in 2019. The name accentuates the gulf between the two records, but Traditional Techniques is the album Malkmus has been threatening to make for nearly a quarter-century: an amiably trippy and decisively mellow psych-folk adventure, steeped in the obscure sounds of the British and American underground from the twilight of the hippies. A strain of this style ...
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Set aside the title Traditional Techniques, which appears to be a veiled riposte to Groove Denied, the happily modern, vaguely electronic album Stephen Malkmus released in 2019. The name accentuates the gulf between the two records, but Traditional Techniques is the album Malkmus has been threatening to make for nearly a quarter-century: an amiably trippy and decisively mellow psych-folk adventure, steeped in the obscure sounds of the British and American underground from the twilight of the hippies. A strain of this style has run through his music since at least Pavement's sprawling 1995 double-LP Wowee Zowee, but Traditional Techniques benefits from Malkmus' relaxed middle age. Over the years, he's gained restraint and sharpened his focus while retaining his affection for winding melodies and hazy delivery. All these elements elegantly cohere on Traditional Techniques, so the album has a gentle, slightly stoned sway yet it doesn't quite ramble. It's rarely as sharp and lively as "Xian Man," which is buoyed by trebly curlicues from contributing guitarist Matt Sweeney, but the unhurried unveiling of mind-bending folk is quietly gripping. Malkmus doesn't abandon his sly sense of humor -- it helps propel the desert drone of "Shadowbanned" -- but when he sings of "The Greatest Own in Legal History," it's not with a smirk but a weary and reluctant heart. That weathered emotion is as great a unifier on Traditional Techniques as the choice to delve deep into psych-folk and, indeed, it's difficult to view the two strands as separate. From its aesthetic conception to its casual execution, Traditional Techniques seems deeply felt, a resonance that may reflect Malkmus' enduring love for this obscure sound but also is a bit startling. Malkmus isn't necessarily wearing his heart on his sleeve -- his songs remain slanted at a leftward angle -- but Traditional Techniques feels starkly openhearted and relaxed, which means that the album can surprise emotionally even if it is firmly rooted within his musical wheelhouse. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi
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Add this copy of Traditional Techniques to cart. $9.06, fair condition, Sold by Service First Media rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Taylorsville, KY, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Matador.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
Add this copy of Traditional Techniques to cart. $10.76, good condition, Sold by Streetlight_Records rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Cruz, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Matador.
Add this copy of Traditional Techniques to cart. $12.25, very good condition, Sold by Service First Media rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Taylorsville, KY, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Matador.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Includes disc(s), case, booklet, and back artwork. May show slight wear. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality.
Add this copy of Traditional Techniques to cart. $33.64, new condition, Sold by Revaluation Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Exeter, DEVON, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2020 by Matador Records.
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