Preston School of Industry — Monsoon

Scott Kannberg’s contributions to his old band Pavement often stood out among the Stephen Malkmus-penned masses. Malkmus’ charm lay in his wit, which also often fell into the too-clever-by-half category, while Kannberg was poppier and more accessible, even at his weirdest. Now that Kannberg has his own band, Preston School Of Industry (Malkmus fronts The Jicks), he’s given free reign to make the kind of music he likes, which is pretty similar to his Pavement material. He still likes arty guitar noodling, but he also hasn’t given up on melody. "Walk Of A Gurl" is a highlight here, as is "Caught In The Rain." While the A-side is a little easier to get one’s head — and ears — around, the B-side is where things get a little odder and a little more, well, Pavement-ish. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s kinda nice to have the sweeter, gentler side of Kannberg in the foreground.

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