Get your tickets to see Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, on sale now. They are playing at the Vogue March 22, with John Vanderslice opening. Malkmus is a witty, intelligent lyricist, cracking indie-musical jokes about drummer's haircuts, awful toe rings and how Yul Brenner's baldness liberated the actor from ego constraints and allowed him to be an integral part of one of the great sci-fi films of all time, "Westworld". Malkmus also occasionally publishes poetry in prestigious literary journals, yet still manages to poke fun at many pretentious poets and poetry. Still not convinced? Check out his website www.stephenmalkmus.com where you can view a magically animated video and see photos of the Jicks in the studio recording and mixing the forthcoming album, "Real Emotional Trash" due in March from Matador records. (The log cabin style studio looks like the Rocky Mountain Way facility where Joe Walsh recorded his 70s masterpiece and mainstay of album oriented rock radio, for what that is worth.) If nothing else, check the site to see an explanation of his latest indie rock gag, which involves referring to Iron and Wine as "Beards and Vests".