Robert's Record Corner (Episode 011): Stephen Malkmus, former leader of '90s alt-rock band Pavement, debuted some surprising new music last Saturday at the new location of Portland's PICA. No Stoner jams, no Jicks, no physical guitars. Instead it was just Stephen, some Bowie-circa-1977 synths and loops, and some vocal lines about Larry and a certain canary.

I like the direction. I give it FOUR SANDWICHES out of five. Here's my review.

Incidentally the show — headlined by actor/singer Ann Magnuson and New York art-rock band Bongwater – was a kick-off to the new location of the excellent Portland Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA) in east Portland's Eliot neighborhood. There was video art and tamales.

You should go there sometime.