Pavement is an American indie rock band formed in Stockton, California in 1989. The band’s sound is characterized by their lo-fi aesthetic, jagged guitar riffs, and witty lyrics. Pavement’s music has been described as a mix of indie rock, post-punk, and slacker rock, with their early albums often featuring unconventional song structures and noisy instrumentation.
The band achieved critical acclaim with their 1992 album “Slanted and Enchanted”, which is considered a landmark of the indie rock genre. The album’s raw sound and stream-of-consciousness lyrics have made it a favorite of fans of alternative music. Pavement went on to release several more albums, including “Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain” and “Wowee Zowee”, before disbanding in 1999.
Despite their relatively short career, Pavement’s music has had a significant impact on the indie rock scene, with numerous artists citing them as an influence. The band’s quirky sound and unconventional approach to songwriting has made them a cult favorite among fans of alternative rock, and their music continues to be celebrated for its idiosyncratic charm and infectious energy.
Pavement’s music has stood the test of time, with their albums remaining beloved by fans and critics alike. Their influence can be heard in the music of countless indie rock bands, and their status as pioneers of the genre is secure.
1. Debris Slide
“Debris Slide” is a song by Pavement, featured on their 1992 album “Slanted and Enchanted”. The song is characterized by its driving rhythm, distorted guitar riffs, and cryptic lyrics, with Stephen Malkmus delivering a deadpan vocal performance. The song’s chaotic and noisy soundscapes create a sense of urgency and anxiety, reflecting the song’s lyrics about the destructive force of nature. “Debris Slide” has been praised for its inventive instrumentation and Malkmus’ unconventional approach to songwriting, showcasing Pavement’s ability to create music that is both complex and accessible. The song remains a favorite of fans of the band and of alternative music in general.
2. Zürich is Stained
“Zürich is Stained” by Pavement is a lo-fi indie rock gem, characterized by its catchy melodies, distorted guitars, and irreverent lyrics. The song’s driving rhythm and jangly guitar riffs create a sense of urgency, while frontman Stephen Malkmus’ slacker-style vocals give the track a laid-back, carefree vibe. The lyrics play with surreal imagery and wordplay, describing a strange world where cities are made of soap and laughter is a weapon. “Zürich is Stained” is a standout track on Pavement’s influential 1992 album “Slanted and Enchanted”, and showcases the band’s signature blend of quirky lyrics and catchy, off-kilter melodies.
3. Here
“Here” is a lo-fi and jangly track by American indie rock band Pavement, released in 1992 as part of their album “Slanted and Enchanted”. The song features a quirky and off-kilter melody, with lead singer Stephen Malkmus’ vocals and lyrics capturing the disorienting and fragmented experience of modern life. The track’s unconventional structure and its irreverent and tongue-in-cheek lyrics make it a fan favorite and a classic of the band’s early discography. “Here” is a testament to Pavement’s musical eccentricity and their ability to create music that is both unconventional and relatable.
4. Frontwards
“Frontwards” is a song by Pavement, featured on their 1992 EP “Watery, Domestic”. The song is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, offbeat rhythm, and Malkmus’ slurred vocal delivery. The song’s lyrics are cryptic and poetic, with Malkmus singing about the desire for change and the possibility of new beginnings. “Frontwards” has been praised for its infectious melody and Malkmus’ unique lyrical style, showcasing Pavement’s ability to create music that is both playful and thought-provoking. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Pavement’s status as one of the most influential and innovative bands of the indie rock scene.
5. Unseen Power of the Picket Fence
“Unseen Power of the Picket Fence” by Pavement is a playful and nostalgic tribute to the iconic 80s indie rock band R.E.M. The song’s upbeat, jangly guitar riffs and catchy chorus capture the spirit of R.E.M.’s early sound, while frontman Stephen Malkmus’ wry lyrics pay homage to the band’s unique style and influence. Malkmus name-drops R.E.M. classics like “Radio Free Europe” and “Talk About the Passion”, and even references the band’s hometown of Athens, Georgia. “Unseen Power of the Picket Fence” is a standout track on Pavement’s 1992 album “Watery, Domestic”, and showcases the band’s ability to pay homage to their musical heroes with a sense of humor and creativity.
6. Range Life
“Range Life” is a witty and infectious track by American indie rock band Pavement, released in 1994 as part of their album “Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain”. The song features a catchy and upbeat melody, with lead singer Stephen Malkmus’ lyrics and vocals exploring the themes of disillusionment and nostalgia. The track’s memorable chorus and its sardonic and playful lyrics, which include references to the 1980s band The Smashing Pumpkins, make it a fan favorite and a classic of the band’s discography. “Range Life” is a testament to Pavement’s ability to infuse their music with humor and wit while maintaining a distinctive sound.
7. Gold Soundz
“Gold Soundz” is a song by Pavement, featured on their 1994 album “Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain”. The song is characterized by its bright guitar melodies, driving rhythm, and Malkmus’ earnest vocal delivery. The song’s lyrics deal with themes of nostalgia and the passing of time, with Malkmus singing about the joys and pitfalls of youth. “Gold Soundz” has been praised for its catchy hooks and Malkmus’ poetic lyrics, becoming one of Pavement’s most beloved and iconic songs. The song remains a classic of the indie rock genre, and a testament to Pavement’s enduring influence and popularity.
8. AT&T
“AT&T” is a song by American indie rock band Pavement, released in 1997 as a single from their album “Wowee Zowee”. The song has a catchy, upbeat melody and playful lyrics that evoke a sense of youthful exuberance. The lyrics are typical of Pavement’s style, with cryptic and sometimes nonsensical phrases that seem to hint at deeper meaning. The song features prominent use of the band’s trademark lo-fi sound, with distorted guitar riffs and raw, unpolished vocals. “AT&T” is a standout track from one of Pavement’s most beloved albums and remains a fan favorite to this day.
9. Stereo
“Stereo” is a dynamic and propulsive track by American indie rock band Pavement, released in 1997 as part of their album “Brighten the Corners”. The song features a driving and energetic melody, with lead singer Stephen Malkmus’ lyrics and vocals exploring the themes of identity and authenticity. The track’s memorable chorus and its clever and introspective lyrics make it a fan favorite and a classic of the band’s later discography. “Stereo” is a testament to Pavement’s ability to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots and retaining their signature style of quirky, lo-fi indie rock.
10. Carrot Rope
“Carrot Rope” is a song by Pavement, featured on their 1999 album “Terror Twilight”. The song is characterized by its dreamy guitar soundscapes, Malkmus’ melodic vocal delivery, and the band’s signature off-kilter rhythms. The song’s lyrics deal with themes of alienation and the search for connection, with Malkmus singing about the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. “Carrot Rope” has been praised for its lush instrumentation and Malkmus’ poignant lyrics, showcasing Pavement’s ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and musically inventive. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Pavement’s enduring legacy as one of the most innovative and influential indie rock bands of all time.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
