Malkmus knew fellow Pavement songwriter Scott Kannberg (aka Spiral Stairs), of the Preston School of Industry, since childhood in Stockton, California. Malkmus attended the University of Virginia, where his father is also an alumnus. While at UVA, he also met Bob Nastanovich, another member of Pavement.
Malkmus currently resides in Portland, Oregon with his partner, artist Jessica Jackson Hutchins. In 2005, Hutchins gave birth to the couple's first child, a daughter named Lottie.
In 2008 Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks released the album, Real Emotional Trash — the group’s first album with new drummer Janet Weiss from Sleater-Kinney. In 2020, Stephen released Traditional Techniques. Reviewing the album for AllMusic, Stephen Thomas Erlewine described the album as "an amiably trippy and decisively mellow psych-folk adventure."
Loud Cloud Crowd
Stephen Malkmus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fantastic times await
So let them rake in
All they wrought
No one can get at you
If you're caught on a wave
Enfold me in serenity
And loud cloud crowds
Are taking over
Front and center, we all sit
In a stadium of our own devising
Don't let reputation pre-decieve you
It is one on none
Inside this fieldhouse
For the brain
Fractured knees, calamaties
Enfold me in serenity
And loud cloud crowds
Are taking over
The loud cloud crowds
Go up and over
The loud cloud crowds
Go up and over
The lyrics of Stephen Malkmus's "Loud Cloud Crowd" explore the experience of being caught on a wave, while also examining the transformative power of collective experiences, particularly the experience of "loud cloud crowds." The opening lines, "From eternal grey, fantastic times await," highlight the distance between the mundane world and the exciting and fantastic experiences that may be available if one is willing to take a chance and ride the wave.
The lyrics then turn to the idea of raking in what one has wrought, suggesting that the rewards of taking risks and pursuing greatness are worth the potential costs. The line, "No one can get at you if you're caught on a wave," suggests that being caught up in something bigger than oneself can provide a kind of shelter or protection from outside forces.
This theme of finding sanctuary in collective experiences continues with the idea of loud cloud crowds. The repetition of this phrase creates a sense of momentum and excitement, while also suggesting a kind of uncertainty or chaos. The "fractured knees, calamities" that are mentioned further reinforce that sense of tumultuousness, but the line "enfold me in serenity" suggests that even in the midst of chaos, there can be moments of peace or tranquility.
Overall, the song encourages listeners to take risks, embrace uncertainty, and find solace in collective experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
From eternal grey
We are leaving behind a dull and monotonous life.
Fantastic times await
Exciting and wonderful moments are ahead of us.
So let them rake in
Let others collect or accumulate their own possessions.
All they wrought
All the things they have earned or gained through hard work.
No one can get at you
You are safe because no one can reach you.
If you're caught on a wave
If you are riding high on success or happiness.
Fractured knees, calamaties
Physical injuries or misfortunes.
Enfold me in serenity
Wrap me up in peace and tranquility.
And loud cloud crowds
The clouds in the sky that create loud and powerful thunderstorms.
Are taking over
Are becoming more dominant and forceful.
Front and center, we all sit
We are all seated in the front row and in a prominent position.
In a stadium of our own devising
We have created our own arena or platform to showcase our skills or accomplishments.
Don't let reputation pre-deceive you
Do not be misled by what others think or say about you.
It is one on none
You are on your own and must rely on your own abilities.
Inside this fieldhouse
Within this closed environment or community.
For the brain
For mental challenges and intellectual stimulation.
The loud cloud crowds
The storm clouds above us.
Go up and over
They are powerful and unstoppable.
The loud cloud crowds
The thunderstorms around us.
Go up and over
They are becoming more intense and overwhelming.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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