Stephen Malkmus Sparkle Hard [Digipak]

3.5 stars out of 5 -- "The album's sweetest moment might be 'Middle America.' It's Malkmus at his most straightforwardly graceful, strumming a folkie melody like a guy in his backyard figuring life out at his own easeful pace, balancing everyday worry with goofy sweet nothings."
"Malkmus makes sure to remind you that he's still a '70s rock enthusiast who is not above a show-boating guitar move, like playing it behind his neck, with the closing seven-minute freakout 'Difficulties -- Let Them Eat Vowels.'"
Included in Spin's "The 51 Best Albums of 2018" -- "Bluesy standout shuffle 'Future Suite' gets bent on stream-of-consciousness prose that invites translation. 'Refute' is a sly, countrified duet featuring Kim Gordon."
"Malkmus's dreamy tumble of tranquil and more turbulent images in 'Solid Silk' take on a more ethereal aspect thanks to King's lovely, Robert Kirby-like arrangement."
Paste (magazine) - "It is warm and approachable, filled with punchy songs, adventurous arrangements, a few admirable experiments and enough memorable moments to demand repeat plays."
Clash (Magazine) - "As with most of his oeuvre, there is a celebration and slight repudiation of rock tropes....An assuredly sparkly album."