Stephen Malkmus spent the better part of last year making dreams come true on the Pavement reunion tour. All the while, he was plotting away at new material with co-conspirator Beck – who produced + recorded Mirror Traffic between his home studio, and the Sunset Studios of LA. Described by Malkmus as ‘relatively approachable’, its 15 songs are measured and melodic, and ’Senator’ is 2011′s best take on rugged ’90s riffage. Put it on in the car and play it front to back. It’s out today in Aus/NZ.