I've got a trigger-cut....

Lies and betrayals, fruit covered nails, electricity and lust...

Pavement, how come it took so long to find ye? Steven Malkmus, why did I wait almost 3 years after hearing your solo album to even look into the band that helped to define indie rock in the 90s and beyond? Well lets just say better now than never. Pavement sounded sloppy at times, refined at others, quirky lyrics, sweet guitar riffs and an attitude that music could be whatever you wanted it to be. They came out at a time when grunge was all the rage. These guys looked like college preps when everyone else wanted to be rockin the flannel. They had the I don't give a shit, we know how to make great music attitude. I'm going to be listing some tasty musical treats below. Take time to listen to them a couple of times through, they will grow on you. Let the countdown begin...

5. Date w/ Ikea - Brighten the Corners

Just a very catchy song. Almost peppy. Layered, fuzzy guitars, cool little bass riff, soaring sing along chorus...


4. Elevate Me Later - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain

There's just something about the verses in the song, I really can't put my finger on it, I think its the difference in dynamics. There really isn't a chorus in this song, and quite frankly it doesn't need one.



3. Stereo - Brighten the Corners

From the opening guitar fuzz, you can feel this one is going to rock to climax from the beginning and it doesn't disappoint. The guitar just rocks underneath Malkmus's vocals in the chorus. I love the little guitar riff right before the chorus...



2. Silent Kit - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain

The intro to this song is just dirty, nasty, rockin guitars, cowbells, little bluesy riffs until the vocals come in. Does the melody in the verse sound like anything familiar? Think the 50s, the day the music died... Buddy Holly 'Everyday'. Then it goes into an angry sounding bridge, but a great transition nevertheless. Wonderful song construction.



1. Trigger Cut - Slanted and Enchanted

This is the song that got me hooked on Pavement. I think I listened to it 10 straight times after I first heard it. It is my favorite song by them and for good reason. The intro starts the song chugging along. Malkmus comes in with the vocals that are by no means good, but there is that rawness that makes it so appealing. It really is a simple song, but it all fits so good together, the chord progression is great, the ooo's in the bridge the background vocals, and just when you think its going to kick back into the chorus it goes into another verse. Then ends the same way it started, guitars chugging right along. A classic indie rock song.



Honorable Mention

Shady Lane - Brighten the Corners
Summer Babe - Slanted and Enchanted
AT&T - Wowee Zowee
Pueblo - Wowee Zowee
Baby C'mon - Steven Malkmus

Hope you enjoy!