Complete List Of Pavement Albums And Discography

Feature Photo: Masao Nakagami, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Complete List Of Pavement Albums And Discography looks at a band formed in Stockton, California, in 1989. The band is celebrated for its significant contribution to the indie and alternative rock scenes of the 1990s, carving a niche with their lo-fi sound, cryptic lyrics, and unconventional song structures. Their influence is widely recognized in the music industry, inspiring a generation of indie musicians with their innovative approach to music and disregard for mainstream trends.

The band released their first single, “Slay Tracks: 1933–1969,” in 1989, followed by their debut studio album “Slanted and Enchanted” in 1992. Over their career, Pavement has released five full-length studio albums, numerous EPs, live albums, and compilations, amassing a significant discography that has left an indelible mark on the indie music landscape.

Pavement’s sound was influenced by a diverse array of artists, including The Fall, The Velvet Underground, and Sonic Youth, blending elements of punk, noise rock, and pop into their music. In turn, Pavement has inspired a wide range of bands and artists across various genres, underscoring their role as pivotal figures in the development of indie rock.

PAVEMENT STUDIO ALBUMS

Slanted and Enchanted

Released April 20, 1992

Slanted and Enchanted is Pavement’s debut studio album, marking their entrance into the indie rock scene with a bang. The album was released to critical acclaim, celebrated for its lo-fi production, quirky lyrics, and the band’s ability to blend noise pop with more traditional rock elements. It was recorded at Louder Than You Think studio in Stockton, California, from December 24, 1990, to January 20, 1991.

The band lineup for this album included Stephen Malkmus (vocals, guitar), Spiral Stairs (guitar, vocals), Mark Ibold (bass), Gary Young (drums), and Bob Nastanovich (percussion, vocals). The album was produced by Pavement and Gary Young. Although it did not chart on the Billboard 200, it became a significant underground success and is often cited as one of the most influential indie albums of the 1990s.

CD Track Listings:

“Summer Babe (Winter Version)” – 3:16
“Trigger Cut/Wounded-Kite at :17” – 3:16
“No Life Singed Her” – 2:09
“In the Mouth a Desert” – 3:52
“Conduit for Sale!” – 2:52
“Zurich Is Stained” – 1:41
“Chesley’s Little Wrists” – 1:16
“Loretta’s Scars” – 2:55
“Here” – 3:56
“Two States” – 1:47
“Perfume-V” – 2:09
“Fame Throwa” – 3:22
“Jackals, False Grails: The Lonesome Era” – 3:21
“Our Singer” – 3:09

Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain

Released February 2, 1994

Pavement’s second studio album, Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, saw the band moving towards a more accessible sound compared to their debut. The album features more straightforward rock compositions and was recorded at Random Falls in New York City. The recording sessions took place from August to September 1993.

The lineup remained consistent with Stephen Malkmus, Spiral Stairs, Mark Ibold, and the addition of Steve West replacing Gary Young on drums. Bob Nastanovich continued to provide percussion and vocals. The album was produced by Pavement with Bryce Goggin. Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain reached number 121 on the Billboard 200, and its single “Cut Your Hair” became one of the band’s most recognizable songs.

CD Track Listings:

“Silence Kid” – 3:01
“Elevate Me Later” – 2:51
“Stop Breathin'” – 4:28
“Cut Your Hair” – 3:07
“Newark Wilder” – 3:53
“Unfair” – 2:33
“Gold Soundz” – 2:39
“5-4=Unity” – 2:09
“Range Life” – 4:54
“Heaven Is a Truck” – 2:30
“Hit the Plane Down” – 3:36
“Fillmore Jive” – 6:38

Wowee Zowee

Released April 11, 1995

Wowee Zowee, Pavement’s third album, was recorded at Easley Recording in Memphis, Tennessee, and mixed at Louder Than You Think in Stockton, California, from July to December 1994. The album continued Pavement’s tradition of eclectic and unconventional song structures, combining elements of punk, folk, and psychedelic rock.

The band’s lineup for this album included Stephen Malkmus, Spiral Stairs, Mark Ibold, Steve West, and Bob Nastanovich. Wowee Zowee was produced by Pavement and Doug Easley & Davis McCain. Although the album was initially met with mixed reviews, it has since been reevaluated as a masterpiece of indie rock, showcasing the band’s range and creativity.

CD Track Listings:

“We Dance” – 3:01
“Rattled by the Rush” – 4:16
“Black Out” – 2:10
“Brinx Job” – 1:31
“Grounded” – 4:14
“Serpentine Pad” – 1:16
“Motion Suggests” – 3:15
“Father to a Sister of Thought” – 3:30
“Extradition” – 2:12
“Best Friend’s Arm” – 2:19
“Grave Architecture” – 4:15
“AT&T” – 3:32
“Flux = Rad” – 1:45
“Fight This Generation” – 4:22
“Kennel District” – 2:59
“Pueblo” – 3:25
“Half a Canyon” – 6:10
“Western Homes” – 1:49

Brighten the Corners

Released February 11, 1997

Brighten the Corners is the fourth studio album by Pavement, showcasing a more mature and polished sound compared to their earlier lo-fi releases. The album features the classic lineup of Stephen Malkmus on lead vocals and guitar, Scott Kannberg (also known as Spiral Stairs) on guitar and vocals, Mark Ibold on bass, Steve West on drums, and Bob Nastanovich on percussion and vocals. Produced by Mitch Easter and Pavement, the album was recorded at Mitch Easter’s studio, The Fidelitorium, in North Carolina, during the summer of 1996.

CD Track Listings:

“Stereo” – 3:07
“Shady Lane / J vs. S” – 3:50
“Transport Is Arranged” – 3:52
“Date w/ IKEA” – 2:39
“Old to Begin” – 3:22
“Type Slowly” – 5:20
“Embassy Row” – 3:51
“Blue Hawaiian” – 3:33
“We Are Underused” – 4:12
“Passat Dream” – 3:51
“Starlings of the Slipstream” – 3:08
“Fin” – 5:24

Terror Twilight

Released June 8, 1999

Terror Twilight marks the fifth and final studio album by Pavement, produced by Nigel Godrich, renowned for his work with Radiohead. This album features Stephen Malkmus taking a more dominant role in songwriting and overall direction, resulting in a cleaner, more cohesive sound. Alongside Malkmus, the album features Scott Kannberg, Mark Ibold, Steve West, and Bob Nastanovich. The recording sessions took place in various locations, including Sonic Youth’s Echo Canyon studio in New York and Mobius Music in San Francisco, from 1998 to 1999.

CD Track Listings:

“Spit on a Stranger” – 3:04
“Folk Jam” – 3:34
“You Are a Light” – 3:54
“Cream of Gold” – 3:47
“Major Leagues” – 3:24
“Platform Blues” – 4:42
“Ann Don’t Cry” – 4:09
“Billie” – 3:44
“Speak, See, Remember” – 4:20
“The Hexx” – 5:39
“…And Carrot Rope” – 3:52

PAVEMENT LIVE ALBUMS

Live Europaturnén MCMXCVII

Released 2008

“Live Europaturnén MCMXCVII” is a live album by Pavement, documenting their European tour in 1997. The lineup for this tour consisted of Stephen Malkmus, Scott Kannberg, Mark Ibold, Steve West, and Bob Nastanovich. The album was recorded at various locations across Europe during the band’s extensive touring schedule in support of their fourth studio album, Brighten the Corners.

CD Track Listings:

“Stereo” – 4:16
“Date w/ IKEA” – 2:58
“Transport Is Arranged” – 4:25
“Type Slowly” – 5:45
“Cherry Area” – 2:02
“Shady Lane” – 3:50
“We Are Underused” – 4:10
“Fin” – 6:25
“Grave Architecture” – 4:15
“Grounded” – 4:09
“Unfair” – 3:33
“Two States” – 1:47
“Silence Kid” – 3:01
“Cut Your Hair” – 3:15
“Stop Breathin'” – 4:28
“Here” – 3:56
“Range Life” – 4:55
“Heaven Is a Truck” – 2:30
“Trigger Cut” – 3:16
“Box Elder” – 2:45

Live Europaturnén MCMXCVII (2)

Released 2008

“Live Europaturnén MCMXCVII (2)” is a continuation of the live documentation of Pavement’s 1997 European tour, capturing the band at the height of their powers. This second volume offers fans another chance to experience the quintet’s live dynamism and idiosyncratic style during one of their most memorable touring periods. Stephen Malkmus, Scott Kannberg, Mark Ibold, Steve West, and Bob Nastanovich once again make up the band’s lineup, delivering performances that blend their signature indie rock sound with experimental and impromptu moments.

CD Track Listings: