I’ve been covering Pavement’s albums over the last week or so – revisiting their five albums has helped me to appreciate them more, and how full of ideas their albums are. They’re definitely a strong contender for the best guitar band of the 1990’s – all of their albums were released in the 1990s, and their work encapsulates the ironic, post-modern, slacker rock that the 1990s is arguably remembered for.
Pavement’s five albums are all different in character.
1992’s Slanted and Enchanted is lo fi and ragged
1994’s Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain is a nod to classic rock.
1995’s Wowee Zowee is long and sprawling
1997’s Brighten The Corners is mellow and relaxed.
1999’s Terror Twilight is mellow and textural, with Stephen Malkmus collaborating with producer Nigel Godrich.
Pavement’s catalogue is even enough that I’m sure all of their albums have supporters. Do you have a favourite – vote below, and let us all know why in the comments.
[polldaddy poll=9759613]
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I love all of them! Completely biased! PAVEMENT!!
Yes, they’re a very good band. I feel like I still have a lot of listening mileage on them. I have Malkmus’ first solo album, which I’ve never really warmed to. Do you recommend any of Malkmus or Kannberg’s post-Pavement stuff?
All of it! That first solo Malkmus, once it clicks for you, it’s gonna be a favourite. That one reminds me so clearly of our time living in Montreal. Total album/place connection.
The Spiral Stairs record is good, as is all of the Preston School Of Industry. Honestly, I can’t think of bad stuff.
Shoot me an email at keepsmealive at gmail dot com for more info!
The poll would only let me choose one. I couldn’t do it.
OK, I’ll consider making a multiple choices allowed poll next time I make one on the blog.
Cool. ‘Cos for this band, I woulda given them all a vote!
My vote is Brighten The Corners. I’ve always loved that album just that wee bit more – seemed leaner and straightforward, I guess. Also, there’s the opening salvo of Stereo and Shady Lane, not to mention Embassy Row and Kannberg’s Date W/ IKEA and Passat Dream!!
Those are pretty much my favourite songs on Brighten The Corners too – I especially like Kannberg’s two songs, and it’s probably his strongest set of songs on a Pavement album. But I was initially disappointed in how straight forward it was, and it’s always been my least favourite. Still very good though.
I’m with both Aaron & J!
Aaron in that it’s a group I feel so strongly about, caps lock is more than called for – and J, as although on any given day it could be Slanted as well, today felt like a Brighten the Corners day. Side A especially!
I went with Slanted and Enchanted. Possibly because it was my first, possibly because the lo fi sound was what I expected from Pavement after I’d read about them, or maybe because it’s the freshest. Definitely a band where there’s no real wrong choice.
hear hear!
Good poll, I struggled to pick between the first 2 ??? In the end I flipped a coin…but I did vote
I actually assumed that it would be a two horse race between the first two, but it’s good to see other albums getting votes.