Pavement – Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts

Pavement Biography

Pavement is an indie rock band from Stockton, California, that started in 1989. Stephen Malkmus (vocals and guitar), Scott Kannberg (guitar and vocals), Mark Ibold (bass), Steve West (drums), and Bob Nastanovich (percussion and vocals) made up the band for the most of their career. Initially designed as a recording project, the band eschewed publicity and live appearances initially, despite its early recordings gaining considerable underground notice. Pavement gradually evolved into a more polished band over the course of their decade-long career, recording five full-length albums and ten EPs before disbanding with significant acrimony in 1999 as the members moved on to new projects. They did a well-received reunion tour in 2010, and another tour across Europe and the United States is planned for 2022.

Pavement was a successful indie rock band who only briefly entered the mainstream with the single “Cut Your Hair” in 1994. Rather than signing with a major label, as many of their 1980s forefathers had done, they stayed with independent labels for the rest of their careers, and have been dubbed one of the most important bands to emerge from the American underground in the 1990s. They were dubbed the best band of the 1990s by some renowned music journalists, including Robert Christgau and Stephen Thomas Erlewine. They developed a sizable cult following over their tenure.

Pavement formed a full-time band in 1992, with Malkmus, Kannberg, Young, and Nastanovich, as well as bassist Mark Ibold, one of the band’s first followers. Slanted and Enchanted, their debut album, was officially published in 1992 after nearly a year of cassette tape distribution. Though the Fall’s percussive influence, as well as that of English post-punk band Swell Maps, was still there, several of the tracks also had a strong sense of melody. Slanted and Enchanted has been listed on several critics’ best-of lists since its release, and is generally recognised as one of the most influential indie rock albums of the 1990s.

Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain was Pavement’s second album, released in 1994. Their sophomore album was more influenced by classic rock than their debut. The single “Cut Your Hair” was the most popular, receiving broadcast on alternative rock radio and MTV for a short time. Pavement performed the song on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show. The video was also shown on “Career Day,” a season five episode of Beavis and Butthead, where the band was referred to as “buttwipe music” and told to “try harder.” The song was also utilized in the film A Very Brady Sequel for a brief scene. Wowee Zowee, recorded in Memphis and published on April 11, 1995, had 18 tracks that encompassed a wide range of styles, including punk, country, and balladry, and often ignored traditional song structures.

Terror Twilight, the band’s final album, was started in 1999. “Twilight Terror” was coined by Bob Nastanovich, who explained its meaning in various interviews: “Twilight Terror is the brief period between sunset and twilight; it is considered the most dangerous time in traffic since half of the people turn on their headlights while the other half does not.” It’s when the majority of mishaps occur.

Pavement went on a six-month world tour in support of Terror Twilight, during which time the band’s relationships deteriorated, particularly between Malkmus and the other members.

On November 20, 1999, the trio performed their farewell concert together at Brixton Academy in London.

Malkmus had a set of handcuffs fastened to his microphone stand during the show, and told the audience at one point,

“These symbolize what it’s like being in a band all these years. After the concert, he confirmed to people at the after-party that Pavement was now done “for the foreseeable future…..”

Pavement were supposed to perform various benefit event dates in New York City’s Central Park beginning September 21, 2009, according to Brooklyn Vegan. On September 17, 2009, the band, label, venue, and promoter all issued official statements confirming the reunion. In March 2010, the band released Quarantine the Past: The Best of Pavement, a “best-of” compilation album. Pavement played their first-ever hometown gig on June 24, 2010, at the Bob Hope Theater in Stockton.

Pavement Discography

Terror TwilightSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Brighten the CornersSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Wowee ZoweeSpotifyAppleAmazon
Crooked Rain, Crooked RainSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Slanted and EnchantedSpotifyApple

Top Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is The Lead Singer Of Pavement?

The lead singer of Pavement is Stephen Malkmus.

What Music Genre Is Pavement?

Pavement is an alternative rock band from Stockton, California. The group formed in 1989 and released their debut album, Slanted and Enchanted, in 1992. The band’s unique sound drew influence from a variety of genres, including punk rock, lo-fi, and classic rock. Pavement was lauded for their inventive songwriting and unconventional approach to rock music. The band disbanded in 1999, but reunited in 2010 for a series of live shows. Pavement’s final studio album, Terror Twilight, was released in 1999.

How Many Albums Did Pavement Published?

Pavement published five albums during their career. Their debut album, Slanted and Enchanted, was released in 1992 to widespread critical acclaim. Their second album, Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, was released in 1994 and is also considered to be one of their best works. They released three more albums before disbanding in 1999.

How Many Songs Did Pavement Wrote?

Pavement wrote a total of approximately 200 songs. However, only around 30 of these were officially released on studio albums and singles. The rest remain unreleased or are only available as live recordings. Pavement was an American indie rock band that was active from 1989 to 1999. The group consisted of five members: Stephen Malkmus, Scott Kannberg, Mark Ibold, Steve West, and Bob Nastanovich. Pavement was known for their lo-fi, grungy sound and their DIY approach to songwriting and recording. The band was also influential in the development of the indie rock genre.

What Is Pavement’S Best Album?

There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone’s taste in music is different. However, many people believe that Pavement’s best album is Slanted and Enchanted, which was released in 1992. This album includes some of the band’s most popular songs, such as “Summer Babe,” “Range Life,” and “Here.” If you’re a fan of Pavement, or just alternative rock in general, then Slanted and Enchanted is definitely an album that you should check out.

Most Searched For Pavement Songs

Harness Your Hopes-B-sideSpotify
HereSpotifyYouTubeAmazon
Cut Your HairSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Gold SoundzSpotifyAppleAmazon
Range LifeSpotifyAppleAmazon
In The Mouth A DesertSpotifyAppleAmazon
Be The HookSpotifyApple
You Are A LightSpotifyApple
Grave ArchitectureSpotify