Stephen Malkmus

As one of the principal members of the band Pavement, Stephen Malkmus helped define the sound of 1990s American indie-rock. While his solo work retains Pavement's abstract literary sensibility, Malkmus indulges a broader musical palette when on his own, evoking everything from British folk and '70s prog to psychedelia and blazing guitar-rock. With the assistance of his backing band, the Jicks, Malkmus has established himself as one of the most respected guitar players in underground rock. In 2007, drummer Janet Weiss, formerly of Sleater-Kinney, became a full-time Jick.

• pop rock