Pavement formed in Stockton, California, in 1989 as a studio project of guitarists and vocalists Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg, known originally only as "S.M." and "Spiral Stairs", respectively. Their debut EPs were extremely lo-fi releases titled Slay Tracks (1933-1969), Demolition Plot J-7, and Perfect Sound Forever. They were recorded at Louder Than You Think, the home studio of infamous Stockton local and former hippie Gary Young. The eccentric and aging hipster also provided drums. Upon first hearing the duo's songs, Young was quoted as saying, "this Malkmus idiot is a complete songwriting genius".
Pavement's most obvious influence during this time was English rock band The Fall, although Kannberg stated in a 1992 interview that he preferred The Replacements to The Fall. The Fall's primary member, Mark E. Smith, would often angrily claim through the years that Pavement was a "rip-off" of his band and that they didn't "have an original idea in their heads". However, some of the other members of The Fall actually enjoyed Pavement.
Around 1992 Pavement became a full-time band, with the addition of bassist Mark Ibold - who had been one of the band's first fans - and extra percussionist Bob Nastanovich (a fellow museum security guard along with Malkmus and David Berman, of Silver Jews) to help Young keep time. Their debut album, Slanted and Enchanted, was released commercially in 1992 after being circulated among critics and tastemakers for nearly a year, and became an instant indie classic. Though the percussive influence of The Fall was still pervasive (as was that of English post punks, Swell Maps), many of the songs also exhibited a strong sense of melody. The following year, the band released the EP, Watery, Domestic, which represented a balance between their earlier and later styles.
Gary Young's departure and Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
The tour for Slanted & Enchanted gave Gary Young a chance to showcase his bizarre live behavior. He would act out by giving away cabbage and mashed potatoes to fans at the door of the venue, doing handstands, running around the venue and stage while the rest of the band was playing and drunkenly falling off his drum stool. His bizarre drug- and alcohol-fueled personality had grated on the rest of the band through several years of touring and recording and they could no longer take it. At the end of the tour, Young left Pavement. The final straw came when Young allegedly pulled a gun on Malkmus. (Malkmus later stated that this was not true: while Young had bought a gun, he never pulled it on Malkmus). The group soon after had a meeting in a hotel room in Copenhagen during which Malkmus, Kannberg and Ibold remained silent while Nastanovich (Young's best friend at the time) argued with the drummer and informed him that his antics were unnecessary. According to the band, Gary Young quit and was replaced by Steve West.
With an improved recording quality and more original songwriting, they released Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain in 1994. The record was far more indebted to the classic rock tradition than their more obscure debut. The single, "Cut Your Hair" was the band's closest brush with the mainstream, and briefly enjoyed airplay on alternative rock radio and MTV.
Another single, "Range Life", was infamous chiefly for lyrics that criticized alt-rock superstars The Smashing Pumpkins and Stone Temple Pilots. Malkmus has insisted over the years that the line is meant to be light-hearted and timely, sung from the point of view of the aging hippie character in the song - later live versions of the track had the singer substituting Spice Girls, The Counting Crows, or countless others for "Stone Temple Pilots". Billy Corgan, leader of The Smashing Pumpkins, threatened to drop his band from the 1994 Lollapalooza Festival if Pavement was allowed to play. The Smashing Pumpkins were headlining Lollapalooza that year. Corgan and Malkmus would trade barbs through the press for several years after.
Wowee Zowee and Brighten the Corners
Pavement's next album was the eclectic, inscrutable Wowee Zowee (1995). In eighteen tracks, the band covered a wide range of styles including punk, country and balladry, and largely dispensed with conventional song structures. The album was not widely admired at the time of release but is now generally embraced by fans. On the Slow Century DVD, Malkmus attributed his odd choice of singles to his pot smoking, stating that "I was smoking a lot of grass back then but to me they sounded like hits." Although Malkmus has said in recent interviews that the album is the last "classic Pavement record", Kannberg has voiced regrets about Wowee Zowee. "We made some mistakes on that record... we were kind of pressured into putting out a record a little faster than we were ready to. I mean, I'm totally into the record. It's just if we had another six months to think about it, it would've been much different." During the tour for the album, Nastonovich stated on the Slow Century DVD, the band would often not work out a setlist before shows, opting for drug and alcohol fueled jams over hit singles.
Wowee Zowee was followed up by the EP, Pacific Trim, which was recorded with only Malkmus and drummers Nastanovich and Steve West. Their studio time was originally reserved for a Silver Jews recording, but frontman David Berman walked out in frustration and the trio decided not to waste prepaid recording time.
1997's Brighten the Corners, a shorter, mellower and more focused record than the previous album, was produced by Mitch Easter. In style it resembled Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain and contained two of the band's best known singles in "Stereo" and "Shady Lane". It was the only Pavement album to include a lyric sheet. The album sold better than its predecessors, but Pavement remained a cult band. It was at about this time that the band started to fragment, with its members focusing more on other musical projects or on raising families.
Terror Twilight and breakup
In 1999, the band released its final album, Terror Twilight. Bob Nastanovich came up with the title, and has revealed the meaning of it in several interviews: "Twilight Terror is 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." During an interview on the Slow Century documentary DVD, he said that the band was having trouble coming up with names for the record until he put forth Terror Twilight. One of the final contenders was Farewell Horizontal (also the name of a 1989 science fiction novel by K.W. Jeter), and Nastanovich said, "There was no way I was going to be on the Farewell Horizontal tour for the next year."
Malkmus wrote the entirety of the record, and the recording of the music only featured minor contributions from the rest of the band. The music on the record is by far the gentlest and most emotionally direct in the band's discography, though the oddball Captain Beefheart homage "Platform Blues" is a nod to their more obscure roots. Its comparatively pristine production was helmed by Nigel Godrich, best known for his work with Radiohead and Beck.
The group released one last EP, titled Major Leagues. It features three Malkmus songs, two original Spiral Stairs songs and two covers: "The Killing Moon" by Echo and the Bunnymen and "The Classical" by The Fall. Stephen Malkmus sings on both of the cover songs.
After completing a world tour in London in 1999, the band announced that they were going on hiatus, which eventually revealed itself as an unofficial break-up. Nastanovich later said that it was a somewhat civil dissolution. "There was too much exhaustion for heavy emotion."
Slow Century and Perfect Sound Forever
In 2002, Slow Century, a documentary by Lance Bangs coupled with all of the band's music videos, was released as a 2 DVD set. Included was extensive footage, both professionally shot and taped by fans on camcorders, from the band's earliest shows in 1989 forward. The three final songs from the band's last show ever ("Stop Breathin'", "Conduit for Sale" and "Here") are presented at the end of the documentary. Also on the DVD is a hidden easter egg clip from the same show, wherein Malkmus apparently jokingly talks about how the handcuffs attached to his microphone stand "represent what it's like being in a band all these years." A bonus disc with a complete concert in Seattle, Washington, from the early part of the Terror Twilight tour was included on the second disc, as well as several songs from their second to last show.
2004 saw the publication of "Perfect Sound Forever: The Story of Pavement", a biography on the band written by Rob Jovanovic. Most reviews of the book rated it poorly, saying that it contained much of the same information as the Slow Century DVD and expanded very little on it.
Post-Pavement projects
* Stephen Malkmus has gone on to enjoy success as a solo artist combining his intricate guitar playing with a progressive rock influence. He has released four albums, Stephen Malkmus (2001), Pig Lib (2003), Face the Truth (2005), and Real Emotional Trash (2008) each garnering mainly warm reviews from critics and fans alike. Malkmus' new group has been known to treat audiences to Pavement songs every once in a while (On May 24, 2003, while touring in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his new band The Jicks, Malkmus opened the show by saying, "This is off our first record". The band then proceeded to play an evening's worth of Pavement songs. This show has been dubbed by fans as The Milwaukee Show). He is a revolving member of the group Silver Jews, led by David Berman.
* Scott Kannberg went on to form a musical group named Preston School of Industry, not to be confused with the Ione, California reform school nor the Pavement tune of the same name. They have released two albums with Matador Records, All this Sounds Gas (2001), and Monsoon (2004). The latter album boasts studio contributions from members of The Minus 5 and Wilco. Preston School of Industry has remained apparently inactive since the end of their September 2004 Australian tour.
*Mark Ibold has been reported to be working behind the bar at a restaurant called Great Jones Cafe in New York, New York. In early 2005, rumors began to spread on the internet that he had a new group called Cam'Ron's Foreskin. In the summer of 2006, Ibold joined Sonic Youth as their touring bass player for their Rather Ripped tour. He became a full time member of Sonic Youth and contributed to/co-wrote (as Sonic Youth albums are group efforts) on the new album The Eternal.
* Steve West lives in Lexington, Virginia. He has two children and works as a stonemason. He has released 3 albums as Marble Valley.
* Bob Nastanovich has a home in Louisville, Kentucky and produces a website called "Lonely on the Rail" which combines his passions for horse racing and writing. He tour managed for The Jicks during their first tour. Since then, Nastanovich has been a jockey agent for Greta Kuntzweiler. When asked if he was in contact with his former band members, he said, "West - yes, Malkmus - yes, Ibold - rarely, Kannberg - never". He accompanied Malkmus on drums for two songs during a solo acoustic set at the 2007 Pitchfork Music Festival.
* Gary Young has continued recording bands at his Stockton studio. He also has a new group, Gary Young's Hospital, with which he records and plays concerts. Young also invented the Universal Microphone Shock Mount, "an innovative approach to keeping your microphones isolated from stand vibrations."
Reunion
There is frequent speculation about the possibility of a Pavement reunion. In a 2006 Pitchfork interview, Scott Kannberg discussed the possibility of a reunion for the band's 20th anniversary in 2009. In a 2008 Entertainment Weekly article, Kannberg echoed the possibility of a 2009 reunion, and mentioned Matador Records' 20th anniversary. Mark Ibold was amiable to the idea; Malkmus, however, stated: "something small in 10 years like the Zeppelin thing sounds good to me."
On September 16, 2009 it was confirmed that Pavement will reunite for a show at Central Park's SummerStage on September 21, 2010.
Official statements by the band, label, venue and promoter were released on September 17, 2009 confirming the reunion. The announcement included one concert in Central Park and the promise of a tour, but said that the reunion may only be a one-off event. It said, "Please be advised this tour is not a prelude to additional jaunts and/or a permanent reunion. The band held rehearsal at Audio Cinema in Portland, Oregon. The band performed several shows throughout 2010.
There is another band with the same name:
2) Pavement was a British reggae-soul-ska band active in the late-60s. They released their eponymous album in 1969.
Father to a Sister of Thought
Pavement Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm too much, I'm too much comforted here
Costs too much, too much, we'll leave you
Everywhere eyes, nowhere to die
No place to shove your sharpened heel
I'm looking, looking for a tired face
In case you wanted to go
I know, I'm breathing in to the end
Calling the bluffs, talking so tough
Goodbye to the ugly steeple fear
Good times for ever after
I'm just a man, you see who I am
I'm binding my hooks and open the books
Dirty black hearts
Angel of Corpus Christi
You're so mystic
Tell me what I want to hear
I know I'm reeling in
I know I'm reeling in
To the end
To the end
To the end
To the end
I know I'll never know
I know I'll never know
The opening lines of Pavement’s “Father to a Sister of Thought,” “Rotten device, I’ll say it twice, I’m too much, I’m too much comforted here,” suggest that the singer recognizes something is wrong, but he cannot help being complacent. The following lines, “Costs too much too much, we’ll leave you, Everywhere eyes, nowhere to die,” reference a feeling of entrapment, which leaves the singer longing for escape but without the means to do so.
The next stanza, “No place to shove your sharpened heel, I’m looking, looking for a tired face, In case you wanted to go, I know, I’m breathing into the end,” continues the bleak theme. The line, “No place to shove your sharpened heel,” utilizes a metaphor of a sharpened heel, as an allusion to an uncomfortable feeling of vulnerability or exploitation. The lyric “I know, I’m breathing into the end” is particularly poignant, as it touches on the inevitability of death and the futility of our struggles against it.
The final lines of the song, “I know I’m reeling in, To the end, To the end, To the end, I know I’ll never know, I know I’ll never know,” reveal a mixture of resignation and a lack of control, encapsulating the song’s theme of existential angst. In this way, “Father to a Sister of Thought” paints a picture of a disillusioned soul, aware of his situation, but unable to affect any significant change.
Line by Line Meaning
Rotten device, I'll say it twice
I am reminding you of the terrible situation we're in, and I'm going to say it twice to emphasize its importance.
I'm too much, I'm too much comforted here
I am feeling overwhelmed and have found comfort in our current situation, but it may not be healthy for me in the long run.
Costs too much too much, we'll leave you
This situation is costing us too much, so we will have to leave it behind.
Everywhere eyes, nowhere to die
There seems to be constant surveillance, and nowhere to escape or hide from it.
No place to shove your sharpened heel
There's no room for malicious behavior or harm to ourselves or others.
I'm looking looking for a tired face
I am searching for someone who is feeling the same way I am - tired and worn out from this situation.
In case you wanted to go
I am providing an opportunity to leave if that is what you want or need to do.
I know, I'm breathing in to the end
I am aware that I am holding on until the very end, and it is taking all my strength to keep going.
Calling the bluffs, talking so tough
I am challenging those who claim to be confident and in control, but may not be telling the whole truth.
Goodbye to the ugly steeple fear
I am saying goodbye to the fear and anxiety that has held me back and kept me trapped.
Good times for ever after
I am hoping for a future full of happiness and good memories.
I'm just a man
I am acknowledging my limitations and accepting that I am only human.
You see who I am
I want you to truly see and understand me for who I am, without any pretense or facade.
I'm binding my hooks
I am working hard to keep my relationships and life in order and secure.
And open the books
I am willing to be vulnerable and open about my life, past and present.
Dirty black hearts
I am acknowledging and perhaps even condemning those with corrupt, immoral hearts and actions.
Angel of Corpus Christi
I am referencing a symbolic figure who may provide comfort or guidance, particularly in religious contexts.
You're so mystic,
I am recognizing and praising the mysterious, ethereal qualities of this figure.
Tell me what I want to hear
I am seeking reassurance and comfort, particularly from this figure or perhaps from someone who may provide similar support.
I know I'm reeling in
I acknowledge that I am spiraling and struggling to keep my head above water.
To the end
I intend to keep going and finish whatever it is I have started, despite how difficult it may be.
I know I'll never know
I recognize that there are some things in life that I may never fully understand or comprehend.
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Stephen Malkmus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@borjazz6186
They were so good and they knew it
@FFGG22E
they made it look easy.
@thejilenail
exactly
@itaimatos4756
That's damn right
@PeterFreakinPan
They’ve got style
for miles and miles
So much style
and it’s wasted
@glueball9511
they were so good they pretended they could make mistakes
@stefanmarraccini8646
This song makes my heart explode. The alt country aspect with the slide guitar melts me. I will never tire of this. Pavement was on my stereo for all of the 90s. Love their early stuff but when they mellowed a bit I found the melodies and hooks more accessible for me.
@billymasters11
I love every era of them except for the end that carrot rope album. they always had the same incredible otherworldy melodies that no one came up with before or since. they should be considered in the top 10 bands of all time
@BenWard29
Listen to me, I'm on the S T E R E O... S T E R E O...
@pyrocus
Just when you thought the song couldn't get any better, that fucking killer riff comes out of nowhere at the end. Such a great work of art.