Spin - "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.'" Rolling Stone - 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." Paste - "It is warm and approachable, filled with punchy songs, adventurous arrangements, a few admirable experiments and enough memorable moments to demand repeat plays." Clash - "As with most of his oeuvre, there is a celebration and slight repudiation of rock tropes....An assuredly sparkly album." Uncut - "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." Spin - 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."

Rovi

Former Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus presents his seventh studio album with the Jicks. Sparkle Hard follows 2014's Wigs Out Jagbags and was produced by Chris Funk of the Decemberists. The 11-track record features lead single "Shiggy," the previously released "Middle America," and "Refute," with Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth. ~ Bekki Bemrose|

Rovi