From the day nigh when the first scratchy sounds of Pavement floated in the ether above Stockton, the music of Stephen Malkmus has been the gift that keeps on keepin’ on. Much of 2008’s Real Emotional Trash, his fourth “solo” LP (this one credited with The Jicks), is decidedly low-down and heavy. It could hardly be otherwise with monster drummer Janet Weiss, alongside bassist Joanna Bolme and guitar/ keyboardist Mike Clark. Meanwhile, Malkmus the guitar hero is on full display here. “Dragonfly Pie,” “Baltimore,” and the title track are alchemic combinations of intricate composition and unfettered jam. These songs may sprawl like the Central Valley, they may spread out like a jet’s flame, but when they reach that last tract house they gracefully spread their wings and head for the unclaimed land beyond.