Ode to Pavement – Kinda

As many of you know, it's sometimes difficult to come up with good ideas for blog posts – I feel like my brain has been drained of all creativity regarding anything music-related. So, as a result of this brain-drain, I decided to write a post about one of my favorite bands because I know you've all been ITCHING to learn everything you never cared to know about a band that you may or may not have listened to. I'm talkin' bout Pavement, ladiez and gentz – the iconic, legendary, mouth-watering, founding-fathers of what we now know as "indie/lo-fi/alt" rock.

Brief history in 10 words or less: Stockton, CA., Stephen Malkmus, 1990s, Matador, Best Band Ever

There you have it! Now you know all about Pavement and why you should listen to them. Jokes. Let's take a look at their albums, shall we? Come this way, sir.




Pavement's debut studio album that came out in 1991 on Matador Records. I was born in 1991! I wish I was cool enough to listen to Pavement when I was a baby, but cassette tapes get all messed up when combined with the fluids of the womb. On another note, the name of album came from the title of a Silver Jews cartoon made by David Berman – he's the man, you should all listen to the Silver Jews too if you don't already. Look at how much you're learning! Sooo many new tunez. Slanted and Enchanted has been noted as one of the most influential records of '90s – prime tracks include 'Here,' 'Two States,' and 'Baptist Blacktick.'

Ah, Crooked Rain, Crooken Rain. The album that changed it all. This is when percussionist Bob Nastanovich and bassist Mark Ibold joined the team – and all the moons and stars and little floating galaxies in the sky aligned in perfect harmony. "Cut Your Hair" was the poster child track from Crooked Rain, and was Pavement's closest encounter with the mainstream population. In 2004, Matador reissued the album on two discs – the second disc full of unreleased tracks (it's pure gold, Gold Soundz) featuring Gary Young, Pavement's original drummer. All tracks are amazing ridiculosity – including "All My Friends." WATCH.

Wowee Zowee, Pavement's third studio album, is LOADED with hit after hit. It's more experimental than the others, but equally as awesome.  Every track sounds just as good as the next – lyrically and musically. Stephen Malkmus is a genius. He's so weird. And I love him for it. It's like he's reading my mind, only my mind is consumed with the thoughts of a middle aged schizophrenic.

"Dental surf combat
Get out those hard-hats
And sing us some skat."

What does that mean? No one knows. No one cares.

Pavement definitely calmed it down a little with this album. It's far less sporadic/avant garde than Wowee Zowee. Less marijuana-induced lyricism? Perhaps. It's still a real gem. It starts off with the undeniably catchy track, 'Stereo,' and slowly progresses toward 'Date With Ikea,' one of the only songs not written/sang by Stephen Malkmus. The last track, 'Fin,' is a slow jam. Some of Pavement's more bluesy aspects are highlighted on this 5 minute song – it's rather gloom-and-doomy – but perfect for those days where getting out of bed is too much to handle, ***pulls blanket over head***

 

The last and final album. Makes me wanna cry a little. Or a lot. Terror Twilight was named by Bob Nastanovich – the coolest
cat in town. Look at how awesome he is here in this video.
He also came up with the title, according to Wikipedia, "Terror Twilight is the short span between sunset and dusk; this is considered the most dangerous time in traffic, because half of the people switch on the headlights, and the other half doesn't. It's when most accidents happen." So deep and profound GOD I love it. And all things Pavement. "Spit on a Stranger" is bittersweet. "Major Leagues" is a tear-jerker. And "Carrot Rope" is infectious. Press play NOW.


GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY I LOVE THIS STUFF.

So there you have it. Pavement's discography. Everything you never wanted or ever needed to know. Stephen Malkmus is a god. He's my 45 year-old, father-of-two, happily married, dream-hubby. I saw him play this past fall in NYC, it was real nice. Swoon<3Swoon<3Swoon<3.

Here's a pic of us: 

My head grows out of his shoulder!