#434 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain by Pavement (1994) sits at #434 and earns every bit of it. The back half of the RS500 is where the interesting debates live. The original pressing is built for vinyl playback — the kind of album that sounds better on wax.”
Pavement emerged from Stockton, California in 1989 as one of the defining bands of 1990s indie rock. Led by the prolific songwriting of Stephen Malkmus, the band released their debut album 'Slanted and Enchanted' in 1992, which became a landmark of slacker rock and lo-fi aesthetics. Throughout the 1990s, Pavement released critically acclaimed albums including 'Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain' (1994), 'Wowee Zowee' (1995), and 'Brighten the Corners' (1997), establishing themselves as influential alternative rock innovators. The band disbanded in 1999 but reunited in 2010 for tours and occasional recordings. Malkmus's distinctive vocal delivery, combined with intricate guitar work and witty, abstract lyrics, became hallmarks of the band's sound and influenced countless indie rock acts that followed.
Style
Pavement pioneered a brand of indie rock characterized by angular guitars, lo-fi production aesthetics, and sardonic storytelling lyrics. Their sound blended post-punk influences with experimental production techniques, creating a deliberately rough yet sophisticated sonic landscape.
Significance
Pavement is essential to any serious indie rock vinyl collection, representing the artistic ambitions and DIY ethos of 1990s alternative music. Their records are highly sought-after by collectors for their artistic innovation and enduring influence on independent rock culture.
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