Crooked Tribute

It seems that some groups in the world of alternative music never get the credit or attention which they deserve in their lifetime. Maybe the lack of acclaim is a good thing; maybe no. But one of indie-rock's best known groups (or depending on how you look at it, one of its best-kept secrets), Pavement, is (& has been) one of the most underrated bands known to man; perhaps they didn't sell records left & right but they made a statement of their own nonetheless as they forged a permanent name for themselves in the Indie Rock Hall of Fame & not for the reasons which you might expect.

Some call Pavement's music "slacker indie" or "alternative music for the slacker generation" (which the mid-90s were, in a sense, what with the Generation X deal). But I refute such observations outright: Pavement's music was the indie-rock equivalent of CCR/The Band, or a looser, more jammier version of its fellow alternative/post-punk counterparts (of which three come to mind: Sonic Youth, Wire & R.E.M.) -which BTW are apt but no-BS comparisons. What I just wrote might come across as an understatement of sorts but the above influences are definitely there; however, Pavement took those same wellsprings of musical inspiration & made them into something distinct & unique - a total antithesis of everything associated with alternative music in general.

Stephen Malkmus not only as Pavement's frontman/most popular figure but also as a lyricist, had a penchant (& still does) for the oblique, cryptic & puzzling. This isn't to say that he didn't know how to sing to save his life or write a satisfactory song; he absolutely did both of the above to good effect with Pavement. Only catch is, he was reacting against convention, against the status quo which has sadly dominated much of today's popular music, but in an off-key, quirky way...with an intact sense of humor & irony in tow. And he didn't need to offer the themes of his songs with any straightforward flair to make things impressive.

Beginning with 1992's seminal Slanted & Enchanted, Pavement gradually found their footing & made a name for themselves in the pantheon of indie-rock greats. In 1994, their follow-up, Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain built & improved on the strengths of its predecessor: not just great songcraft but also more jammier tendencies. Could it be that Pavement's star was on the rise? With this release, the group really hit their stride (& that, as a bonafide band).

Then in 1995, Wowee Zowee (my favorite Pavement album) served as a logical extension of the first two full-length efforts; to some, it's a bit uneven, rough around the edges. Others will concede that it's indie-rock's answer to the Rolling Stones' 1972 masterpiece Exile On Main St. & which it is, to a point. But in my own personal opinion, Wowee Zowee is an ultimate showcase for Pavement to branch out, further their confidence in their musicianship & other whatnot & have a blast recording, letting things hang loose as always, warts & all.

Brighten The Corners revealed Pavement maturing as a band but lyrically Malkmus could still make the listener fall into a state of puzzlement & surprise (as was always his forte). Their last effort ever, Terror Twilight, set the bar further & higher: more accessible songs, a more mature route which set the stage for each of Malkmus' solo efforts (& when's Steve going to come out with his next release? It's been 2 years & counting...lol...hoping that it hits the shelves soon if not another year from now-shades of Axl Rose already? please).

Pavement may not have gotten gold or platinum record sales on their group resume, but let's not forget that their popularity was the result of thinking outside the box, bringing the jam back into indie-rock & a good ol' DIY approach to their music. For all that, Pavement deserves credit & acclaim where it's rightfully due. Too much to ask? you say. Well, blare CRCR or WZ full-blast & jam along to one of indie-rock's most beloved darlings ever when in doubt; you'll be glad that you did.