Listed: Pavement's Topmost Studio Records
In the realm of 90s indie rock, Pavement stands as a cornerstone, leaving an indelible mark on the genre with their five studio albums released between 1992 and 1999 [1]. This article delves into the band's discography, highlighting their influence and critical reception.
| Album | Release Year | Notable Features & Influence | |-------------------|--------------|------------------------------| | Slanted and Enchanted | 1992 | A lo-fi, ramshackle masterpiece; set the template for 1990s indie rock with its catchy melodies, cryptic lyrics, and off-kilter production. Considered one of the most important indie albums ever. | | Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain | 1994 | Broader, more accessible sound; includes the semi-hit "Cut Your Hair." Blends classic rock influences with Pavement’s signature slacker charm. Helped bring indie rock to a wider audience. | | Wowee Zowee | 1995 | Sprawling, eclectic, and experimental; a deliberate departure from their previous sound. Initially polarizing, but now seen as a creative high point, showcasing the band’s willingness to take risks and defy expectations[4][5]. | | Brighten the Corners | 1997 | More polished and concise; reflects a maturity in songwriting. While less chaotic than earlier work, it’s praised for its melodic depth and lyrical wit. | | Terror Twilight | 1999 | Their final studio album, produced by Nigel Godrich (known for his work with Radiohead). Features a lush, detailed production and more introspective lyrics. Though sometimes seen as a departure from their early sound, it’s appreciated for its sophistication. |
## The Indie Rock Pioneers
Pavement’s albums are seminal in indie rock for several reasons:
- **Lo-Fi Aesthetic:** Early albums like *Slanted and Enchanted* embraced a DIY, lo-fi sound that became a hallmark of indie rock, inspiring countless bands to prioritize feel and creativity over technical polish. - **Lyrical Wit and Obscurity:** Frontman Stephen Malkmus’s cryptic, ironic, and often humorous lyrics set a new standard for indie rock songwriting, influencing a generation of bands to value wit and ambiguity. - **Musical Eclecticism:** Albums like *Wowee Zowee* demonstrated that indie rock could be adventurous and unpredictable, blending genres and moods in ways that expanded the boundaries of the genre[4][5]. - **Cultural Impact:** Pavement’s reluctance to conform to mainstream expectations—eschewing music videos, refusing to “sell out,” and maintaining a slacker image—became a blueprint for indie authenticity. - **Critical Acclaim:** Three of their albums were included in Rolling Stone’s 2023 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, cementing their legacy as one of the most important bands in indie rock history[1].
## The Lasting Legacy
Pavement’s work not only defined the sound of 1990s indie rock but also provided a model for artistic integrity and musical exploration that continues to influence artists today. Their albums are celebrated for their originality, intelligence, and enduring appeal, with each record offering a distinct take on what indie rock could be.
Some standout tracks include "Unfair," a cathartic bonfire of a song from Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, and "Grounded" from Wowee Zowee, a moment where Malkmus's voice and Scott's guitar create a feeling of sheer fear and pathos.
In 2024, a part-documentary, part-biopic film about Pavement, titled "Pavements," was released, exploring their return to live performance in 2022. Terror Twilight (1999) is the final chapter in Pavement's 5 album run, and it showcases a bittersweet melancholy as the band drifts apart.
The band's music has influenced various contemporary artists such as Mac DeMarco, Beabadoobee, Destroyer, Parquet Courts, Horsegirl, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, and more. Pavement's sound, a blend of noise, punk, lo-fi experimentation, and classic pop songwriting, often associated with the sub-genre of 'slacker rock', continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike. Sign up to receive news about pre-orders, exclusives, and special offers related to Pavement's music to stay updated on this iconic band's legacy.
- Pavement's seminal album, "Wowee Zowee," not only demonstrated musical eclecticism but also showcased a blend of genres, including music, that expanded the boundaries of the indie rock genre.
- The aptly titled track "Unfair" from Pavement's album "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain" showcases their lyrical wit and the band's signature off-kilter production style, reminiscent of the entertainment genre known as music.
