Pavement Discography Review (bass, instrumental, albums, member, concert)

Midi · 03-22-2009, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roygbiv

If you need any of the albums I can sort that out for ya.

I wouldn't mind, but by what means are we talking here?

Roygbiv · 03-22-2009, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midi

I wouldn't mind, but by what means are we talking here?

I already own the albums, so I would send them to you.

Kevorkian Logic · 03-22-2009, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roygbiv

Brighten The Corners [Matador; 1997]

The pattern so far: Pavement’s second album sounded nothing like their debut, and their third album sounded nothing like their second album, instead sharing the same philosophy and energy as their debut. Brighten The Corners, Pavement’s most underrated album, once again skips influences to sound as refined as their second album, Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain as opposed to its predecessor, Wowee Zowee. This makes the album more accessible, but less dense than Slanted & Enchanted and Wowee Zowee.

The reason why it’s so underrated is due to its derivative approach and mostly predictable moments. I say mostly because nobody will see some of the album’s jokes coming, especially in album opener “Stereo,” hands down Pavement’s most hilarious track, ever. But while Wowee Zowee would consistently keep a smile on your face, slowly unravelling its madness as the years go by, the fun moments in Brighten The Corners are few and far between and insubstantial, making for a very funny first few listens but it just doesn’t hold a candle of longetivity.

Anyways, here’s why I think it’s an underrated album: despite its generally derivative nature, the album is filled with hooks and singable verses the same way Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain was, albeit more prominently, but unlike CR, CR, Brighten the Corners is much, much more cohesive, making for an easier listen-through.

It doesn’t have the lasting appeal that Wowee Zowee has, nor does it have the immediate hooks that Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain has, and it doesn’t sound like Slanted & Enchanted both in terms of production and attitude, so Brighten The Corners sits comfortably in a grey area, allowing the listener to shape-shift it to their liking, thinking whatever they of from it. If it I was a kid in high school it would be a subtly hilarious but mostly shy freshman that is just too nice to fight back the school bullies. It’s a sweet album, but it gets lost within Pavement’s more confident musical statements.

9.2/10

eh, I see why you are trying to justify this album being rated higher than it is, and I went and gave it a re-listen attempting to see it from your point. I still feel that this album compared to other ones falls flat. And I think it is the predictability that you pointed out. I appreciate this album for the fact that it helps people who otherwise could not get into pavement get into the magic of their songs. And I do like listening to this album, the song Date with Ikea comes to mind. But I just don't feel like it is deserving of a 9.2 when being compared to their other albums.

Just as a side note, all your reviews have been very interesting to read.

Roygbiv · 03-22-2009, 09:51 PM

The reason I rated it higher than 9 is because it's not a complete compromise in their sound. It's an album of subtleties as opposed to surprises (Wowee Zowee), hooks (Crooked Rain) or energy (Slanted). Pavement without Brighten The Corners just wouldn't feel as well rounded a band, not as diverse, as they do with it. Somewhere along the 8 scale would have been more fitting in retrospect, but I think it deserves a 9.2. I think people should consider it more seriously.

After Terror Twilight, I'll adjust the scores when comparing each album with the other. You'll see the scores change drastically.

Roygbiv · 03-22-2009, 11:04 PM

Terror Twilight [Matador; 1999]

Pavement have never made the exact same statement twice. That’s the biggest problem with Terror Twilight. It’s not a departure from Brighten The Corner’s subtle and derivative indie rock, it’s a refinement, a continuation of its ideas. As such it feels like a redundant, unnecessary album. But Terror Twilight does have a few saving features.

First, despite losing Spiral Stairs’s guitar, Pavement haven’t entirely lost their guitar-driven sound, but they have lost their attitude. No longer are wonky, zany heavy hitters like Stereo and Brinx Job part of the itinierary, and with them gone is the usual wordplay hilarity that accompany them. Terror Twilight does have “Carrot Rope,” but the more the listener tries to pass it off as a Pavement song, the more it sounds like a medley of forgettable Saturday morning radio hits that could have been sung by almost any other. Despite this, it’s the perfect album closer, the perfect period to one of the most intriguing discographies of the era. There are some memorable tracks, most notably the opener “Spit On A Stranger” and its somnambulant chorus, “You Are A Light” and the aforementioned “Carrot Rope,” the latter an essential listen. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter whether we compare Terror Twilight to all other Pavement releases or let it stand on its own. It will still be a forgettable album. Here's an interesting note: Johnny Greenwood, genius behind Radiohead's constant depth, appears in two of the tracks, "Platform Blues" and "Billie," which is interesting since Nigel Godrich helped produce the album (he would later help produce Radiohead's Kid A). You can hear an unmistakibly similar static burst at the beginning of both Pavement's "You Are A Light" and Radiohead's "The National Anthem."

Truth is, though the album gives an impression of general exhaustion, it’s still a nice goodbye, a “thanks-for-all-the-memories” kind of departure. What Terror Twilight says in Pavement’s behalf is that the band has given up, and that they have explored every sonic landscape that makes sense to a band of their caliber. If there’s one thing you must absolutely do with this album is to not discard it until you’ve listened to it while driving within the “short span between sunset and dusk; this is considered the most dangerous time in traffic, because half of the people switch on the headlights, and the other half doesn't. It's when most accidents happen" (Bob Nastanovich), also known as Terror Twilight. Maybe that will make Pavement exciting again.

8.4/10

Roygbiv · 03-23-2009, 12:31 AM

PAVEMENT Greatest Hits by ROYGBIV

'

* = Absolutely DO NOT skip

1 - Silence Kid Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain *
2 - Trigger Cut / Wounded-Kite at :17 Slanted & Enchanted
3 - AT & T Wowee Zowee *
4 - You Are a Light Terror Twilight
5 - Cut Your Hair Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain *
6 - In The Mouth a Desert Slanted & Enchanted
7 - Stereo Brighten The Corners *
8 - Elevate Me Later Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
9 - Zurich is Stained Slanted & Enchanted *
10 - Carrot Rope Terror Twilight *
11 - Serpentine Pad Wowee Zowee *
12 - Shady Lane Brighten The Corners
13 - Gold Soundz Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain *
14 - Grounded Wowee Zowee *
15 - Blue Hawaii Brighten The Corners
16 - Summer Babe (Winter Version) Slanted & Enchanted
17 - Rattled By the Rush Wowee Zowee *
18 - Range Life Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain *
19 - We Dance Wowee Zowee
20 - Spit On a Stranger Terror Twilight *
21 - Date With Ikea Brighten The Corners *
22 - Here Slanted & Enchanted *

Link Here

Schizotypic · 03-23-2009, 10:19 AM

Pavement is coming up close on my list of bands to get the discography of, which is why I love discography reviews. This is really going to help me look out for aspects I may have not noticed before, and kudos for all the hard work you've done. Very much appreciated. I'll definitely be back often.

Roygbiv · 03-23-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schizotypic

Pavement is coming up close on my list of bands to get the discography of, which is why I love discography reviews. This is really going to help me look out for aspects I may have not noticed before, and kudos for all the hard work you've done. Very much appreciated. I'll definitely be back often.

Thanks ^_^
It actually means a million to me. Download the Greatest Hits package I've compiled and see what sound you prefer, and then read the actual review of the album to see if you'd like to take the time to listen to it. I can help you get a hold of any of the albums if you want.

Schizotypic · 03-23-2009, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roygbiv

Thanks ^_^
It actually means a million to me. Download the Greatest Hits package I've compiled and see what sound you prefer, and then read the actual review of the album to see if you'd like to take the time to listen to it. I can help you get a hold of any of the albums if you want.

Well, lately I've had to focus mostly on schoolwork (I'm on home-study basically and am determined to graduate before the middle of April) and in my free time mostly I've been listening to PJ Harvey preparing for my first concert, today actually. BUT I worked my ass off yesterday to have this morning off, so I'm going to download your greatest hits package right now, just to get a taste. And then I can spend time after the concert focusing on Pavement (I'll have em by tomorrow) like I was with Harvey.

Roygbiv · 03-23-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schizotypic

Well, lately I've had to focus mostly on schoolwork (I'm on home-study basically and am determined to graduate before the middle of April) and in my free time mostly I've been listening to PJ Harvey preparing for my first concert, today actually. BUT I worked my ass off yesterday to have this morning off, so I'm going to download your greatest hits package right now, just to get a taste. And then I can spend time after the concert focusing on Pavement (I'll have em by tomorrow) like I was with Harvey.

Actually, I'd love to hear some PJ Harvey. Where should I start? Maybe we can work on a discography review together.

In the meantime, enjoy the greatest hits! And have fun in your first concert, seriously. I remember my first concert, aaaah.

03-22-2009, 09:51 PM	#34 (permalink)
Roygbiv marquee moon Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 759	The reason I rated it higher than 9 is because it's not a complete compromise in their sound. It's an album of subtleties as opposed to surprises (Wowee Zowee), hooks (Crooked Rain) or energy (Slanted). Pavement without Brighten The Corners just wouldn't feel as well rounded a band, not as diverse, as they do with it. Somewhere along the 8 scale would have been more fitting in retrospect, but I think it deserves a 9.2. I think people should consider it more seriously. After Terror Twilight, I'll adjust the scores when comparing each album with the other. You'll see the scores change drastically. __________________ Roygbiv's Review Revue LATEST REVIEW SILENT SHOUT BY THE KNIFE

03-22-2009, 11:04 PM	#35 (permalink)
Roygbiv marquee moon Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 759	Terror Twilight [Matador; 1999] Pavement have never made the exact same statement twice. That’s the biggest problem with Terror Twilight. It’s not a departure from Brighten The Corner’s subtle and derivative indie rock, it’s a refinement, a continuation of its ideas. As such it feels like a redundant, unnecessary album. But Terror Twilight does have a few saving features. First, despite losing Spiral Stairs’s guitar, Pavement haven’t entirely lost their guitar-driven sound, but they have lost their attitude. No longer are wonky, zany heavy hitters like Stereo and Brinx Job part of the itinierary, and with them gone is the usual wordplay hilarity that accompany them. Terror Twilight does have “Carrot Rope,” but the more the listener tries to pass it off as a Pavement song, the more it sounds like a medley of forgettable Saturday morning radio hits that could have been sung by almost any other. Despite this, it’s the perfect album closer, the perfect period to one of the most intriguing discographies of the era. There are some memorable tracks, most notably the opener “Spit On A Stranger” and its somnambulant chorus, “You Are A Light” and the aforementioned “Carrot Rope,” the latter an essential listen. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter whether we compare Terror Twilight to all other Pavement releases or let it stand on its own. It will still be a forgettable album. Here's an interesting note: Johnny Greenwood, genius behind Radiohead's constant depth, appears in two of the tracks, "Platform Blues" and "Billie," which is interesting since Nigel Godrich helped produce the album (he would later help produce Radiohead's Kid A). You can hear an unmistakibly similar static burst at the beginning of both Pavement's "You Are A Light" and Radiohead's "The National Anthem." Truth is, though the album gives an impression of general exhaustion, it’s still a nice goodbye, a “thanks-for-all-the-memories” kind of departure. What Terror Twilight says in Pavement’s behalf is that the band has given up, and that they have explored every sonic landscape that makes sense to a band of their caliber. If there’s one thing you must absolutely do with this album is to not discard it until you’ve listened to it while driving within the “short span between sunset and dusk; this is considered the most dangerous time in traffic, because half of the people switch on the headlights, and the other half doesn't. It's when most accidents happen" (Bob Nastanovich), also known as Terror Twilight. Maybe that will make Pavement exciting again. 8.4/10 __________________ Roygbiv's Review Revue LATEST REVIEW SILENT SHOUT BY THE KNIFE Last edited by Roygbiv; 03-23-2009 at 12:41 AM.

03-23-2009, 12:31 AM	#36 (permalink)
Roygbiv marquee moon Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 759	PAVEMENT Greatest Hits by ROYGBIV ' * = Absolutely DO NOT skip 1 - Silence Kid Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain * 2 - Trigger Cut / Wounded-Kite at :17 Slanted & Enchanted 3 - AT & T Wowee Zowee * 4 - You Are a Light Terror Twilight 5 - Cut Your Hair Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain * 6 - In The Mouth a Desert Slanted & Enchanted 7 - Stereo Brighten The Corners * 8 - Elevate Me Later Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain 9 - Zurich is Stained Slanted & Enchanted * 10 - Carrot Rope Terror Twilight * 11 - Serpentine Pad Wowee Zowee * 12 - Shady Lane Brighten The Corners 13 - Gold Soundz Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain * 14 - Grounded Wowee Zowee * 15 - Blue Hawaii Brighten The Corners 16 - Summer Babe (Winter Version) Slanted & Enchanted 17 - Rattled By the Rush Wowee Zowee * 18 - Range Life Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain * 19 - We Dance Wowee Zowee 20 - Spit On a Stranger Terror Twilight * 21 - Date With Ikea Brighten The Corners * 22 - Here Slanted & Enchanted * Link Here __________________ Roygbiv's Review Revue LATEST REVIEW SILENT SHOUT BY THE KNIFE Last edited by Roygbiv; 03-23-2009 at 10:22 AM.

03-23-2009, 10:19 AM	#37 (permalink)
Schizotypic Souls of Sound Sailors Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mojave Posts: 759	Pavement is coming up close on my list of bands to get the discography of, which is why I love discography reviews. This is really going to help me look out for aspects I may have not noticed before, and kudos for all the hard work you've done. Very much appreciated. I'll definitely be back often.