Pitchfork

It looks like Janet Weiss' previously reported gig with Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks is definitely a permanent thing. She is now an official member of the band, who will tour the West Coast in January, though specific dates have yet to be announced. In an interview with the Portland Mercury's blog, Weiss said she is excited about "the fall/winter seasons [which] will most likely be dedicated to working on new material, and gearing up to record an album."

Weiss further explained the circumstances of her arrival in the band by saying, "I've been intrigued with the possibility of playing with the Jicks ever since John Moen left to be a Decemberist full-time. My schedule hadn't really allowed it though, until recently, when I became much more available. [Jicks bassist] Joanna Bolme joined Quasi on our last round of tours, so I knew for a fact that our rhythm section could stir up some magic. And what self-respecting musician wouldn't jump at the chance to play with one of the staggering guitarists of our generation?! I'm excited to be in a situation where folks like to improvise, to push the envelope."

She also hinted at the sound of some of Malkmus' new material. "Steve's got a bunch of ballsy new songs. I'm enjoying getting inside a new and very different brain, trying to find the drum parts that suit his creativity. I appreciate how far out and wild he gets with his playing, and look forward to forging into some new territory."