Jamie Stewart, torch carrier for “crazy 80s British guys” (his words), recently announced that he is writing a biography about his bizarre sex life. Taking the advice of his father to not hold back anything, and that some amount of uncomfortableness is evidence that you are doing it right, this may be a step over the line dividing honest exhibition and pornographic peddling. Speaking of that gray line, the jaw droppingly explicit live favorite, and ode to tone, “Fabulous Muscles” appears on this split in all its pectoral glistening, slap-me-on-the-patio (Smiths reference #1!) infatuation glory. With a chorus that would make Caligula blush (Smiths reference #2!), I’ll refrain from quoting it, but lets just say that if Stewart’s bisexuality was ever in question, it’s not anymore. I can’t think of any band, except maybe Deerhoof, which would blend well with the experimental harsh-soft-hard stylings of Xiu Xiu on a split EP, but the pairing with The Jim Yoshii Pile-Up (both bands come from California) is about as close to coagulation as it’s going to get. The JYPU, whose previous full length Homemade Drugs was a bit too slow and meandering, but contained the sing-a-long gem “Double Negative” to save it from complete drudgery. Like JYPU, Xiu Xiu went through some line-up changes in the release of their sophomore album A Promise, which was less cohesive, but contained some slammin’ individual tracks. Both bands refuse to lie still, especially Xiu Xiu, which has released enough music this year to fill three confessional diaries, and is exhibiting no signs of slowing down. The Jim Yoshii Pile-Up begin the alternating tracks by each band format with a cover of Casiotone for the Painfully Alone’s “Seattle, Washington.” Nearly a minute longer than the original, with a fuller grand piano sound, vocal ad-libbing, and sill maintaining a hint of the original, it’s exactly how covers should be done. The other JYPU tracks show how talented they are lyrically, but that they could do much better instrumentally. “Birthday Cake” speaks to the dispirited college boy in us all: “I put a file in your birthday cake / Because a cheap cliché and a half-hearted gesture / Is what you asked for this year / I spent a day on that damned mix tape / I should have known that you’d have Nick Drake.” Now, I’ll admit, I didn’t buy this split for the JYPU songs. I bought it because I can only listen to “Well I Wonder” so many times until I uncontrollably write BAD on my neck and stuff gladiolas in my back pocket. “Bunny Gamer” begins with electronic clicks and a single strummed electric guitar note. “Feels retarded / I want you to like me” Stewart sings. All three tracks have one thing in common: they all seem to be love songs. The previous mentioned “Fabulous Muscles” is of the gay S&M variety, “Nieces Pieces” of the sibling, and “Bunny Gamer” and “Little Panda McElroy” of the significant other. The latter track being like many of those on A Promise begins gently, then assails listener with noise and whimpering vocals. When I first heard the song, and the electro organ kicked in, I pictured Stewart being dragged by a horse through the mud, face upwards, still singing the songs lyrical motif, “I can do it.” Appearing little over a month ago on Fag Patrol, a collection of acoustic renditions of new and old Xiu Xiu tracks, and a cover, “Nieces Pieces” hasn’t changed much. It’s still naked, and it’s still not something you’re likely to play while tanning on the beach. A crisper sound and cacophonous coda are the only additions to Stewart’s anxious caveat: “I can't wait to watch you turn from good to bad.” Absolutely Kosher Records stated that the songs on this split will appear on both artists’ next albums. I hope that is not the case. They are just fine, even great, but I know after hearing them, I’d rather hear something new on the full lengths. I’m optimistic that as great as these tracks are, both bands can one up themselves, and not have to rehash old ground.