Real Emotional Trash

One of the things Malkmus does really well is repeating lyrics in a way so that they can be interpreted as many things like in "Cut Your Hair" when he yells "career" over and over, or is it "Korea"... he does this in a way so that it doesn't matter; both work and both have meaning. I think he does this in Realy Emotional Trash. He may be saying "puh-lease me" and he may be saying "police me", probably saying a little of both, and really they both work and both make for equally satisfying interpretations (though I personally prefer police me).

I am so obsessed with this song. I have no idea what it’s about, but some of the lyrics really grab me, even though Malkmus doesn’t really fuss with lyrics anymore. I particularly love the “Chardonnay on your gypsy skirt” line. My girlfriend says that “point me in the direction of your Real Emotional Trash” is so her. She rocks! Incidentally, I met Malkmus and the rest of the Jicks in November. Nicest people ever!!! Especially Malkmus

Also, I think it’s “Puh-leeeease ,me! Puh-leeeease me!”

I'm sure he says puh-lease me.

Here's the proof http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvIgwyaAjDY

This is the title track and I think it signifies what the album is about and where Malkmus is at as an artist. The big thing, is that the lyrics here match the flavor of the music in a way I don't think I've ever seen before.

Musically, the first part is a stately, clean, mid-tempo, rootsy rock riff with a generous helping of keys. This syncs up with the lyrics which honestly describes grown-up relationships. People make compromises, even if they don't want to, and delve into some "real emotional trash" so that they can grow and experience love.

Then there's that proggy breakdown, wacked-out guitar parts and the beat slows to a standstill.

Then the slow crawl in momentum which just keeps building and building more tension (which is awesome).

And then the blistering drums kick in and you get the pure rock and roll release. The lyrics are just about fun stuff. Roadtripping, boozing, probably dancing (chardonnay spill), and then at the end (puhhleease me), everyone knows what that's about.

So, I think the song is about being a grown up but remembering to have fun.

I kind of wondered if this wasn't a reflection on what it's like living with 3 women (wife and two little girls). That's my current situation also and let me tell you, daddy's on the run, because there is a ton of Real Emotional Trash in my household :-)