Reviews (page 4 of 8)
I’m familiar with some Pavement. This is great lo-fi, independent garage band music. Lots of Weezer vibes or maybe it’s the other way around. Great bass chug chugging in most of the tracks. I dig this.
This sounds like drinking a light beer on a spring day surrounded by friends. Trigger Cut , it was driving me crazy trying to think where I've heard similar melodies sung I'm thinking Jim Croce and Elliott Smith? Ah yeah internet says Croce and that Smith dug this band. It sounds like pavement had a lot of influence on later bands or was just of that same era. I see this was their first album, I would give others a chance, but this one seemed like okay background music, nothing more. A lot of the songs felt incomplete and were missing that *thing* that draws you in. Cool album cover.
A mixed bag. You get good songs like Zürich Is Stained with some great guitar work & Fame Throwa is a real jam, but then you also get straight up annoying stuff like Conduit for Sale!. That balance makes the record uneven. It works in places, but it also drags. Bonus points for some great album cover art. 7.5/10.
I loved it but my cats did NOT
If you like chewing gravel, you'll love Pavement
Sometimes it rocks sometimes it sounds like they’re throwing rocks
Solid
One of the greatest indie albums of all time and it’s their debut!
A estos sí que me los perdí en los 90. Recién vendría a escucharlos en los dos miles, cuando los artistas que estaban escuchando música en lo 90 empezarían a crear sus propias obras artísticas. El ruido y la actitud están ahí, tal y cual como eran en aquellos años.
Surprised about how much I liked this. Perfect indie rock album.
Pavement is the light to the Fall's dark. Just because I might prefer the Fall doesn't mean there's not enough for Pavement to carve out their own niche. While the Fall go for intense longer songs, Pavement chooses to go the opposite way while still keeping the style close enough to endlessly get compared to the former. It has taken me ages to "get" Pavement, but this listen finally did it. I thought the whole thing was pretty great along with the B-sides. The album cover is great as well at representing the music behind it. Not sure if this or Odelay is my favorite slacker rock album. Rating: 4.7
This is #day414 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… we're saying bye-bye to yet another artist as this is my second and last Pavement record. What can I say? Wonderful, good old early '90s indie rock. "In the Mouth of a Desert," though. Almost on par with the sophomore, which I rated a 5. Let it be a 4 this time. Looking forward to #day415.
Another Indie Rock / Lo-Fi / Noise Pop from an American band that I've never heard of, and based on the number of plays listed by Spotify, not many other people have heard of them either. Truly depressing album. For me, the best tracks on the album were "Conduit for Sale!" and "Two States", (the latter reminded me of Blur), but that's not really saying much.
TBH, I kinda "phoned in" listening to this album.
DNF
Really liked this album.
Can trace some influences on naughties bands to this album. Cool, but not for me.
Mis expectativas con este disco eran demasiado altas para lo que me ofreció en su momento. Esperaba que fueran los sucesores de los gloriosos Pixies, pero ofrecían otra cosa, más Lo-fi y menos inmediata. Con el tiempo, y sobre todo con Crooked rain mi opinión cambió. Para Lo-fi estaban Guided by Voices, para guitarras (ya no) estaban las de los Pixies, y para alterntivos mainstrean ya estaban Sonic Youth (o Niervana y todo el pelotón grunge). Sin embargo Pavement tenían un punto ingenuo y amateur que en su día no me gustaba y ahora ha ganado muchos enteros. Algo similar me pasó los Replacements. Este disco, ya desde el principio deja las cartas boca arriba, o te gusta o no. A mí cada vez me gusta más. Summer Babe (Winter Version) abre y no engaña. No Life Singed Her sí que presenta credenciales made in Black Francis y In the Mouth a Desert es sin duda uno de sus mejores temas. Chesley's Little Wrists es un desvarío que no desentona del resto. Loretta's Scars vuelve a poner las cosas en su sitio mientras Here resuena con ecos de la Velvet o Galaxie 500 (mejor dicho, Luna). La trotona Two States no termina de convencerme, aunque en directo sirviera para dar buenos saltos. Perfume-V, es otro de sus mejores temas, esta vez con sonido más cercano a los Sonic Youth. No eran de Boston pero tampoco les hacía falta. Aquí en España dejaron huella y una riada de grupo imitando sus formas.
I wish I liked this.
Not my thing. Might have been a tolerable song here and there, but mostly just noise.
Sonic garbage. I remember the feel of this era, but there were bands that could feel anti-vanity and anti-establishment and still be melodic. This feels like they’re making fun of music, not evolving it
This sounds like a pre-grunge band hammering out music in a low ceiling club with sticky floors……and i like that. I dont think there is anything that necessarily stands out about this album but that doesn’t stop me enjoying it.
This falls into the category of “I really didn’t enjoy this album, but it’s not as bad as some of the stuff I’ve been made to listen to so far as part of this project, so it gets 2*.”
I was quite excited to see this turn up. I really loved Cut Your Hair as a teenager in the 90s but never listened to anything else (despite being a big fan of early Weezer - in reading about this album, I saw someone describe Weezer as Pavement for people who like Elton John instead of David Bowie and this is disturbingly accurate in my case). I really liked Trigger Cut/Wounded Kite At :17, Conduit For Sale! (the spoken word parts reminding me of a weird combination of REM and Will Wood), Here and In The Mouth A Dessert. I think this is another artist where I like the music more than the vocals though - it just feels too raw and unpolished for me most of the time. I realise that's probably a big draw for their fans, but I think I'd enjoy that far more live than listening to a record in my own home. All in all, I like a lot of but I didn't love it, so... 3/5
This album sounds like if you took all the basic, stereotypical, and boring sounds of 90s alternative rock and put it in a bottle. It just felt like it never fully got going.
3/6
I enjoyed it for the most part! Give's shades of Velvet Underground or something like that, which can never be a bad thing. 7/10
Gross
The album cuts a veering path that displays both an improvised feeling with a an unusual confidence. A combo of beatnik poetry and nods to The Fall, ragged post punk and just plain beauty it’s a jumbled collection that feels smart and wild all at once. Love this album.
I had never listened to Pavement before today, but I really enjoyed Slanted and Enchanted. It’s full of fun yet meaningful lyrics, paired with a scrappy blend of punk and early indie that makes the whole record feel fresh and exciting. The lo-fi energy adds to its charm, and it’s easy to hear why this album became so influential. Favourite track: Hard to choose, but In the Mouth a Desert, Trigger Cut, and Here all stood out as brilliant tracks. Least favourite track: Honestly, every song was enjoyable and added to the experience. Album artwork: A very cool cover that suits the music’s raw edge.
Alternative rock. Not great. It was irritating and hurt my ears.
siento que este es de esos albumes que tenes que escuchar varias veces para terminar de encariñarte con todas las canciones, porque todas tienen sus cositas buenas dentro del mismo estilo cohesionado. No tengo mucho de este género pero lo disfruté un montón 8,5/10
A great album by a greatly overlooked and great band. One of my favorite outings from pavement only second to gold soundz.
No soy especialmente fan del slacker rock, aunque este álbum fue bastante disfrutable. Instrumentación potente de principio a fin. Favs: Summer Babe - Winter Version, Loretta's Scars, Here, Jackals, False Grails: The Lonesome Era
Slacker rock muy guay. Que sea lo-fi a la larga les salió bien porque no suena viejo/desfasado/como un producto de su época. Sin embargo, la primera mitad es mucho más fuerte que la segunda (donde hay canciones que al final suenan medio samey). A la playlist: Summer Babe, Trigger Cut, In the Mouth a Desert, Zürich is Stained, Here Qué cojones estoy escuchando: Chesley's Little Wrists
Love their sound and have heard Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain a bunch and love that album, but this one didn't do it as much for me. 3.5
I nice bit of grunge to wake you up in the morning
nothing stood out to me but it wasn't bad by any means. 5/10
At first, I thought, I do not like this. But then I kept listening and kept hearing things I liked better.
while i've dabbled in pavement before, i really don't know much about them and this was my first front-to-back listen of a pavement album. as someone who doesn't really listen to the likes of nirvana or sonic youth, it was initially hard to sonically parse this album aside from just being... "early 90s noisy rock." it took me sitting down and really LISTENING to this album (as opposed to having it on in the background) to begin to appreciate what they were doing here - i almost can't believe this is a debut album. that being said, i think i know now why i don't casually listen to the likes of nirvana or sonic youth: this stuff kinda gives me a headache. i can only listen to the distorted, lo-fi fuzz for so long before i have to leave (i was counting down the seconds for the "serious legit" listen through for when i could turn this album off). this is a ceremonious and benevolent 2: i wholeheartedly believe this album has the merits of a 5 star rating (i wouldn't disabuse anyone who has that opinion of this album), but for me, this thing has a depth that puts it at the bottom of the static-fuzz-distortion ocean... and you know, i just don't feel like getting wet today. highlights - trigger cut/wounded kite at :17, loretta's scars, two states, fame throwa
Despite it being noisy and having odd guitar tunings, this album just evokes being totally chill. Yeah, we just making music. It's whatever. So cool
Slanted and Enchanted greets you as perhaps a 1990s American college extrovert would - willing to make friends but with somewhat of a hidden, crazed personality that you can’t help but think is a sort of ulterior motive. Nevertheless curious, you humour them and dive in. It’s precisely how you’d expect it to sound from the cover, the era, and what you’ve heard about the band already, the indie rock darlings that they are. Liberal with the noisy guitar, intonated vocals and odd song titles, this set the formula and you can hear its influence in all sorts of ‘indie’ stuff made since. If anything at all, you’d be an idiot not to appreciate the mish-mash of mainly fun, but sometimes surprisingly and genuinely emotional lyrics, wacky guitar, and that it doesn’t always take itself completely serious. It’s a fantastic start for Pavement, sounding positively contemporary even more than thirty years removed.
Not for me
Great
Favourite Pavement album and probably one of my favourite albums ever
It’s the anti-Appetite for Destruction, I'd give it 3.5
I love pavement.
Fuck I love Pavement. I always preferred Crooked Rain but I think Slanted might have made it's way into the top spot.
what if we wrote good songs and then played them bad? but very good.
02
Pretty good. I will look at their other albums
I don’t really “get” this, but I can see how many others might.
Vocal skill 0 Guitar skill 0 Vibes 10000000000
Not half bad. A bit in the samey department.
This was alright. Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. Did enjoy it more than Crooked Rain, which I got awhile back. I definitely understood more this album being on the list than that one. Doesn’t have much replay value for me, but I think it deserves its place on this list.
Not for me. Some better Pavement songs autoplayed afterwards.
I've always been somewhat interested in Pavement from afar. The stuff I've heard was always quirky and interesting (especially the iconic "Cut Your Hair" from their follow-up album), seemingly deviating from the norm in alternative/indie rock. This particular album of theirs was a tad noisier than I was expecting at first. Things aren't too disorganized despite that however, as there's still enough structure for some catchy hooks and choruses here and there. Plus some catchy and wry songwriting from Stephen Malkmus. Some might dismiss this as "just another slacker rock record", but I think the highs overshadow any parts I may have initially found lacking here. A bit of a hidden gem in all honesty, I can now see why this album is considered influential in indie rock. Highlights: Summer Babe, In the Mouth a Desert, Here, Perfume-V
Interesting album. Had similarities to some early grunge and pop-rock.
How did this album miss me as a kid? It must not have been widely available. I listened to weezer and the pixies. Seems like this should have made it to me. I like the album enough, they keep it moving.
poikaat ei edes yrittänyt tässä. ois voine edes kokeilla pikkasen edes. kokeilla sitä musiikintekoa ilman sitä pelleilyä. ei voi mitään ottaa vakavasti. vttu. vttu mitään ottaa vakavasti niin pimeetä touhuu. pimeetä jengii. jotain ihan pimeet porukkaa tuolla älä mee sinne. aivan vitun pimee meininki. mitä tässä voi edes sanoomaan menemään mitä edes uskaltaa luikauttaa ulos maailmaan kaikki lukee. KAIKKI näkee ja lukee nämä mitä hemmettiä edes sanoa koska pelottaa mitä seurauksia mahdollisesti tulee :c silmät apposen auki tärisee onkaloissaan edestakaisin pelosta. kauhusta. zurich is stained and is not my afult.. real shit ... in the mouth of dessert
There is not enough here to hold my interest. 2 stars or D+.
Ugh. No.
It’s fine, inoffensive indie rock. I guess I never listened to Pavement, always thought they were some mix thrash, hardcore & metal.
Good but felt very repetitive this listen for some reason.
The singer sounds bored and out of tune lol. Not really memorable.
Listening to Slanted and Enchanted felt like stumbling into a smoky basement gig where Lou Reed decided to front The Pixies for a night. There’s a raw, off-kilter charm to it—jangly guitars, cryptic lyrics, and that lo-fi aesthetic that screams early '90s indie. It’s got attitude, sure, but it’s also kind of like a musical shrug: cool, detached, and not particularly interested in winning you over. Some tracks had moments that caught my ear—the singer's drawl occasionally hits that sweet spot between ironic and sincere—but overall, it felt more like a vibe than a collection of songs I’d revisit. It’s the kind of album that probably grows on you if you’re steeped in the scene or nostalgic for that era. For me, though, it was an interesting listen... once. Not a bad album by any stretch, just not one that clicked.
It was fine, I’m feeling jaded by daily rock albums.
It was alright. Nothing too notable. I didn’t hate it though.
I know only one song by pavement and it is called “Cut your hair” and I really like that one. Sadly that one is not on this album and this album is nothing like that song. This was a letdown to me.
Didn't love, Didn't hate.
i wish this site gave me the ability to rate things zero.
Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain is still my favorite, but this album is ok.
Pavement transports me back to the early to mid 1990s. I do not consent to this. I never got around to listening to this at the time (Wowee Zowee was more my thing) but this feels really familiar. Maybe it's Malkmus' quirky drawl that drags me in
#681. Decent shoegazey alternative rock. 3/5: acceptable
Started out okay, but turned annoying quite quickly
Liked it; very weird lyrics with Beck-ish tones. Overall pretty good
Initial thought was of how much I enjoyed the sound of this record. The drums especially have a, kind of, nostalgic punch to them. Most of this records feels surprisingly open, despite the grungy, distorted tones in the guitars and vocals. But this didn’t really scratch any musical itch for me. Not bad or irritating, just not anything I’ll reach for again. And I really do like the vibe of this record. But beyond the production being pretty cool, not much for me to grab a hold of. 5.5-6/10 Standout(s): Zürich is Stained Here Jackals, False Grails: The Lonesome Era
Sometimes catchy, sometimes abrasive, but always interesting to listen to. Took a few extra listens though
An indie rock classic. Personally I like Crooked Rain more, but this is still a kick ass album
Reminds me of some of the Sonic Youth I've heard. The production/mixing drag it down a bit for me, but this one makes me wish there were half star ratings here.
I really, really enjoyed Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain. I did not think I would like a Pavement album as much as I did. Slanted and Enchanted is "rawer" and doesn't have quite the polish in the vocals and instrumentation of their second album. It's a different sound on this one and I did not enjoy it quite as much. Conduit for Sale! is a song I feel like I should enjoy but it has speak-singing on the verses, which is a turn-off for me. This isn't an album I think should be in the book, just because Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain is a much better representation of the band. The inclusion of this album feels like the book trying to put an artist's first album in the book, just as an introduction. Not bad but I will not revisit it.
ну дуже непоганий альбомчік, нічо так, пару тречков додала б собі.
An uptempo but overall mediocre album Highlights: - Trigger Cut - Two States - Zürich Is Stained
Classic! It just has this je ne sais quoi thing going on. Like on paper, the elements aren't all that exciting, but put together, sounding the way it all does, it clicks into place in a way that's extraordinarily satisfying. I tend to prefer Crooked Rain x2 but this one is honestly just as good. Must-listen #196
Glad for the opportunity to listen to more Pavement
Eh... reminds us of Weezer. Singing/talking out of tune. Conveys a certain emotion but not very enjoyable to listen to.
Listen to it twice, and you'll like it more.
fun punk music! really interesting guitar tone!
Did not enjoy and only listened half way through.
I missed this one during my Pavement phase. Less polished than anything to come later. Whether deliberate or not, I don't know. Crooked Rain probably would have been a better pick than Slanted and Enchanted. I couldn't help but think of Sonic Youth while listening to this record. I know for a fact I will see Daydream Nation on this list eventually.
Some good old moody, jaded 90s alternative rock. The singer's voice is quite boring, but the music is typical of this era and genre. Slow rhythms, some whining and pleading, and redundant background music. This one can stay in 1992.
Never been much of a fan of Pavement but this grew on me a little in places.
Slanted and Enchanted – Pavement (1992) | Lo-Fi Indie Rock / Noise Pop | Avg: 4.97 | Favorite Song: “Here” Alright, let’s be real—Slanted and Enchanted might be a lo-fi indie milestone, but for me, it was more miss than hit. “Here” stands out as the one track that really connects, and it’s no coincidence that it’s also the most emotionally grounded and melodically focused moment on the record. The rest? It feels like a mess—self-consciously sloppy in a way that often crosses the line from charming to careless. There’s a fine art to sounding loose without sounding lazy, and Pavement dances on that edge a bit too recklessly here. I get the appeal: the drawling vocals, the fragmented songwriting, the off-kilter attitude—it’s all part of the anti-polish aesthetic. But when song after song blurs into the same detached haze, it starts to wear thin fast. The wit and irreverence only go so far when the hooks aren’t strong enough to carry the weight. From a reviewer’s lens, I respect what it represents more than how it actually sounds. Slanted and Enchanted may be a cult classic, but for me, it felt more like homework than a hangout. I get the appeal: the drawling vocals, the fragmented songwriting, the off-kilter attitude—it’s all part of the anti-polish aesthetic. But when song after song blurs into the same detached haze, it starts to wear thin fast. The wit and irreverence only go so far when the hooks aren’t strong enough to carry the weight. From a reviewer’s lens, I respect what it represents more than how it actually sounds. Slanted and Enchanted may be a cult classic, but for me, it felt more like homework than a hangout.
favs: summer babe conduit for sale! zürich is stained fame throwa
Feel like I appreciate this the older/more jaded I get.
Pavements start into the world of albums and it is exactly how you want it to go. This album has some sore spots but the heart of who pavement will be.
I didn't hate this album. A few months back I called Pavement the American Blur, and now I feel bad because I liked this a whole lot more than I liked Blur. Proto-grunge.
Yeah… this ain’t it chief. At least not for me. Why does punk music have such an affiliation with shitty recordings? I don’t understand the appeal of purposefully sounding bad.
Huh. This indie post-punk album is ahead of its time; I'm surprised this album only came out in 1992. Pavement's punk and noise rock genres are definitely of its time, but they've got an early indie sound, too. At the end of the day, I didn't care for the lead singer's vocals, so I couldn't get excited about this album, at all. I thought the album was turning a corner with the song "Two States," but it was not about the two state solution to find peace in the Middle East. Alas.
Grungy, alternative 90s rock before that genre even really took off. It was okay, but not really stellar. Like so many albums on this project, I feel like the sound here is a proto example of the genre, but was perfected and done so much better by others who followed.
average roooock
Perfect in its sloppy, messy, fuzzy joy.
Little emo, little Sonic Youth. Kinda wants to be Nirvana a little.
Noisy 90’s indie rock but not bad if you’re in the right mood
Really struggled with this. I feel like it lurches clumsily between sounding like whining emo angst and sounding to cool to care. I guess I can't get any realistic sincerity from it. The sounds aren't pretty. They're also not landing for me as low-fi in an effective stylised way that I can hear working. I know that many love them so I guess I'm wrong.
This seemed pretty totally fine. Very forgettable, but there were a couple songs I liked in particular.
I've heard a few pavement songs before, and liked them - which is why I was surprised to find I really didn't care for this one. Just kind of felt boring and messy and disinterested.
Fun stuff, a nice slab of gritty slacker rock in a fairly compact package (a rarity for the 90s!)
I like alt rock, so I was kinda excited to see what this had in store. But… ehhhhhhhhhhhhh. Started off good ish with Summer Babe (Winter Version), then quickly fell off a cliff. Kinda sorta picked it back up with Zurich Is Stained. But then fell off again, and I found myself wondering several times when it would be over, but each time, I still had several songs left. Jackals, False Grails: The Lonesome Era (what a weird song title) was good. Then it was finally over after a mostly forgettable final song. It’s a debut album and you can tell because it’s a little all over the place and doesn’t really sound like anything but some guys playing noisily in their garage. This might have been revolutionary in the 90s if I had literally nothing else to listen to, but I don’t think it’s aged well at all. So many things that probably could’ve replaced this.
A lot of the album has "we have Nirvana at home" energy, but to their credit they do a pretty good job at it! The drummer especially is locked tf in. Standouts: Zurich Is Stained • Our Singer
Critically acclaimed band i have never been able to understand. I think Wowee Zowee is definitely a stronger album if only because there are some songs I like on it. This is another one of those albums where I can't distinguish a single song from another and it just feels messy and derivative.
Decent alt-rock, nothing to write home about. 3.1
Great early Pavement.
Pavement has a sound on this album and they stick with it. Not bad, consistent.
Ok. Not my style.
Absolutely enchanting lofi 90s alternative.
Listened to this a lot when it came out and it’s been a long time since so.. revisiting today and yeah it’s still that slacker manifesto across the years, catchy but discordant, “ Ive got one holy life to live. With wider experience and exposure it’s not quiet as innovative as it seemed, but good record, influenced others and some good memories 4 Star.
> The Beatles
From the vocal school of J Mascis, I present to you the band Pavement. Good album.
Can't decide whether I like it or hate it
Indie rock ain’t noise pollution
Im6mot particularly enthused. Influence or not to some great indie bands, I didn't really enjoy.
Good ol 90s crunch
1. Summer Babe (Winter Version) - 6 Guitars are nice but the lyrics are just random. It's just a bang average song. Nothing phenomenal but nothing horrible. 2. Trigger Cut/Wounded-Kite At :17 - 4 Awful sounding vocals with lyrics that make absolutely no sense and are monotonously repetitive in the choruses. There's glimpses of niceties in the track but not enough to warrant a second play of it. 3. No Life Singed Her - 0 If I never hear this song again in my life, I'll be happy. 4. In The Mouth A Desert - 2 Lyrically this track is awful. Sound is okay but not anything groundbreaking. If budget Nirvana existed, this song would an example of such. 5. Conduit For Sale! - 0 Horrendous opening into a very unpleasant verse. The chorus is literally just "I'm trying" being yelled over and over again, which increases in octave as the song progresses. I'm trying to like this album too, but it's just not happening. 6. Zurich Is Stained - 8 Much better sound, much better lyrics. Significant improvement but the slower tempo suggests this will just be a reprieve before going back into the previous sounds of the album. Still, for what it's worth this track is nice. 7. Chelsea's Little Wrists - 1 This song is all bogged down by the need to be something different. Sound in it is strained but lyrically it's an abomination especially the ending. 8. Loretta's Scars - 3 Instrumentally this is a lot better than previous tracks but lyrically it still lacks anything and everything that would make this track enjoyable. Sick guitar solo at the end though. 9. Here - 2 A very bad song. Much slower tempo on this track as well but unlike Zurich Is Stained, it's lyrically extremely poor in quality. 10. Two States - 1 Guitar solo at the end of the opening verse is the only redeeming thing about this song. Lyrically it's devoid of any character. 11. Perfume-V - 5 Lyrics are a bit repetitive but it's a much better song overall. Very enjoyable to sing a long to. Light enough to be able to enjoy it and move on. 12. Fame Throwa - 1 Another nonsensical track. Instrumentally it's absolutely all over the place as well. Noise for three minutes before the next track. 13. Jackals, False Grails: The Lonesome Era - 5 Lyrically it's way too repetitive and simple, repeating only one line of lyrics constantly. Having said that, the track is mainly instrumental in nature and the opening is very strong. The middle part of the track which sees more instruments introduced into it becomes a bit too much sound but overall it's not a bad track. Ending is also too abrupt. 14. Our Singer - 2 The song is just too random despite a great opening building into it. Also ends way too abruptly. This is the track that would basically decide whether or not you'll like Pavement. If you listen to this and enjoy it, you'll enjoy the album. If you don't, skip the album. You will not miss out on anything. Average Rating: 2.86 Adjusted to a 5-Point Scale: 1.43 Rounded Down: 1 Star
I highly respect Pavement, and there is a lot of music I listen to that was directly inspired by them, but they occupy the same place as the Replacements in my mind - where I just can't get into them no matter how much I try. I think that I just feel like they have good elements but aren't "all the way there" - which would also explain why I like so many bands that took what both those bands did and then took it to the next level, adding something else that then got me in (like better singing or a bit tighter in the case of Pavement, for example). However, this album is an indie classic.
I listened to this yesterday. I don't remember it. 2 stars for being forgettable but clearly not bad enough to hate.
Really nice slacker music with great melodies.
I bought Crooked Rain when it came out, and was very underwhelmed. Hadn't listened to Pavement since, so I had low expectations. Actually liked this one, particularly the first song.
Not my favorite Pavement record, but Pavement is Pavement.
I think this album makes this list mostly for its historical importance, but it's also actually a pretty solid listen. The production feels really fresh and clean, almost like it was recorded and published without much actual production. Musically, it's fine. It's not really great, but solid. More importantly, though, there's nothing bad about it. The vocals sometimes do a little weird scooping thing with tone, but that's really about it. And I think that's a little more important than occasionally sounding great. Mix that in with its music history significance, and it gets a little boost into 4 stars, otherwise it'd be a solid middle of the road kind of album. Favorite Song(s): In the Mouth a Desert
I liked this a lot less than I did Crooked Rain Crooked Rain. While I did return to that album a few times, I really can’t see myself doing that with this one.
Better than what i have been listening to lately
this is pure early grunge, but it's not interesting or satisfying to listen to it. there were some okay sounds but the songs were indistinguishable so I didn't have favorites
I don't know where to begin. When Trigger Cut came on the radio the first time I almost crashed my truck. I had to pull over like as if I had been blinded by the sun. This was early '90s coming out of an '80s where the radio was absolutely dominated by Boomer nostalgia that felt very alienating to me. I was living out of my pickup truck and a kind of sad sack driving around, trying to figure out where to park it for the night, being short on friends at that moment in time. But at this moment when I really could have used it the goddamn radio delivered. The unironic play on Trix are for kids? The weak sha la la la las like they're a shitty Shirelles? Killed me. They were at best quasi competent great singers and players but they somehow use it to great effect here. I got the album maybe the next day and this whole motherfucker split my skull. Zurich Is Stained with its sad out of tune slide guitars was I think the next one, and then they all fell like dominoes soon after. Loretta's Scars? In The Mouth A Desert? Are you kidding me with these?!? How can they break my heart in such unusual ways?!? I don't want to waste your time going on like this so I'll just say I love their unusual and yet for me very relatable and meaningful songwriting, thoughtful guitars that add a lot of emotional depth to basically a garage band approach with 70s singer-songwriter melodies and almost laughably sounding like it was recorded in someone's basement for a case of beer one afternoon. I bought a second copy, just in case, which is something I never do, especially when I am homeless. I guess it's a desert island selection for me. Actually, it's more than a desert island selection. It's a go-bag selection. Like it's this album, a few passports, a couple of visas, smith & wesson, phone charger, a foil blanket like they wrap runners in, water purification tablets, $10000 in Krugerrand and a Mars bar.
When I heard their other album in this collection (the later "Crooked Rain Crooked Rain"), and didn't particularly enjoy the experience, I wrote that I couldn't "really capture in words how excited I am at this prospect [of hearing their debut album]." I will try, however, to capture my reaction in words; namely, "Pavement blows". Actually, that's not really fair to them, and my expectations for this album were so low that the experience wasn't nearly as disappointing as it was for the other album. That said, I'm not sure I could really identify any song that either stood out or was particularly interesting, beyond perhaps the punk-adjacent "Two steaks" (while "Chesley's little wrists" was the opposite of interesting); I am utterly baffled that Rolling Stone has "Summer babe (winter version)" in its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time. And since I gave them three stars for their later album, I feel very comfortable giving this album only two, as that's all it deserves from my perspective (which appears to be in the tiny minority, gauging from the effusive praise of reviewers on the Wikipedia entry).
Good album; fresh sound. A few songs hurt my ears, e.g. conduit for sale, but worthy of another listen.
David Galea iconic album! I enjoyed actually
It’s an okay album. Missing a couple of real standout songs, but overall it’s good. 3/5 Might listen again
Nothin here for me
While listening to this, I sometimes felt like the sound was all over the place, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about it. Still, it had an energy that kept me engaged the whole way through. I guess that’s indie rock. My main takeaway is that I need to listen to it again in full. Overall, I liked it quite a lot. It has that perfect indie rock sound that kept me hooked.
The slackest album ever. Just cause it sounds like they aren’t trying doesn’t mean this shit ain’t golden.
Raw. A little grating.
I have absolutely no idea what any of these dudes are singing about in these songs, but I absolutely love this album. It's an all-time "What the fuck is this garbage?" album from my youth. The jocks haaaaaated it.
Early grunge, sounds like the band Cake, just ok
It’s alright.
I liked this one a lot more than their sophomore project that we did earlier this month. Might actually grow on me if I gave it a few more listens
4.5
Now this is what I call music! This isn't my favorite Pavement album but if you ask me again tomorrow it just might be!
I can see how they’ve influenced basically every band I love
Alt-rock in a similar vein to Pixies. There are moments where melody and hooks shine through, but the band mostly prefers to hide all that under feedback, noise, and shouting. They have a very loose style too. They like falling out of time with one another and creating a little chaos. There are plenty of moments that popped out at me, but overall it isn't exactly my taste. I'm not crazy about those talky-style vocals. A little more singing in the vocals would draw me in more.
There's a real charm to this sloppy, slightly out of tune at times indie rock (during the zenith of grunge). There's a really nice sound created here by the warbly guitars, the raw and dynamic vocals, and witty lyrics. I just started to get into Pavement last year and I'm glad that I'm getting this album after having some familiarity. I think their sound can stretch from soft/subdued, to raw/abrasive rather quickly and it was nice to have a bit of an understanding about what this one would sound like. It's a solid 3/5 for me. Not quite enough to get up into a 4, but great debut.
Not really my thing, but I can see the influence and the style.
It's a good album, it does have some weak points but the strong parts are quite strong.
Genre defining sound. Stephen Malkmus's voice is an acquired taste though.
It's not good.
TRUE REALLL.............. i love pavement and have always had a soft spot for them....!!!! i love how the guitars sound deeply.. This clicked with me immediately (probably because of my past love of pavement) and I had a lot of fun listening to it! Makes me want to play guitar myself again... Only downside is that it did start to feel same-y sometimes, but I didn't mind it too much tbf number one favorite(s): Jackals... , Conduit for sale!, Here, perfume-v favs: trigger cut/wounded, no life singed her, In the mouth of a desert no opinion: wrists
One if my favorite albums from one of my favorite bands. I hope there are more Pavement albums coming up on this list. If you had asked me to choose one Pavement album for this list, you'd still be waiting for my answer. I'm happy with this choice.
This is a weird one to review. I played this literally 4 hours ago, and I remember enjoying it. However, beyond that, I’ve forgotten everything else about it. I guess there weren’t any standout songs that really captured my attention. It’s hard to rate this highly when it’s already fallen out of my brain, but I’m pretty sure I enjoyed it at the time.
Sits alongside Bee Thousand as the "definitive" indie album. Hard to follow this one up, but they did it anyway!
didn't love it, didn't hate it kind of album.
This is another that falls into the category of understanding why it is on this list, as it seemed influential in indie rock's rise in popularity. However, that doesn't require me to enjoy it.
Brings me back to September 1992 seeing Pavement - Mudhoney - Sonic Youth and Primus at Red Rocks in CO. Early days grunge at its finest. A fun power pop snapshot from the hey day of college alternative.
Stephen Malkmus is great but I just don't really get Pavement. Like they make decent indie music but there's better versions of everything they do. I guess Pavement walked so everyone else could run?
It was not bad.
well done
I definitely see how this band was influential, and I'm surprised I hadn't heard of them. I didn't really care for this album.
Garage indi rock ok+++
Thought I liked Pavement but I guess not
Feels very 90s
Not a fan. I think I may be less punk than I thought.
Ho, hum 2/5
A little too much chaos and noise for me
Langweiliger Lärm
Got that Dinosaur Jr. feel, messy sorta noisy indie-rocker from a world before indie-rockers had their own world, some fun variety between the feel of each song too Radness is welcomed here
Too obnoxiously jangly slacker noisy to merit a relisten. But better than one star, if only for the heady nostalgia rush of that drum sound and guitar sound and vocal delivery that was totally ubiquitous by the late nineties. I was mostly too young to know band names, and hardly followed contemporary music anyway, but the whole vibe of this album was inescapable back then. In my day. Still, nostalgia aside, there’s not much here I like.
Why??????
What an honest rock record. This thing sounds like shit but in all the right ways. Hissy production, trashy guitars, raw vocals and crazed lyrics. A very cathartic listen!
Not sure this list needs two Pavement albums. This one isn't quite as good as Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain for me, but is still quite listenable.
Pretty good.
Reminds me of The Pixies. I like the energy, and some of the songs almost hooked me, but not quite there.
I have a Pavement-shapped hole in my indie music knowledge that's big enough for you to drive a cement truck through. I think if I'd discovered them in the 90s, during that same window that I discovered bands like Violent Femmes, the Pixies and Weezer, I probably would have loved them. But, as it is, I appreciated this without loving it.
Not as strong as Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, or Terror Twilight but I still have a soft spot given my husband included 'Here' on a mix CD for me early in our relationship.
Fun.
The refrain for Conduit for Sale! goes, "I'm tryin, I'm tryin, I'm tryin, I'm tryin, I'm tryin, I'm tryin, I'm tryin and I'll try!" Fucking... try harder if you want to retain my interest. Get off. This is so close to a 1, but I reserve those for the most hopeless of cases, and it's not quite that bad
This was ok but not exceptional. Like s cross between Jesus and Mary Chain and the Pixies.
Messy in a kinda charming way. There’s a looseness to the playing that feels intentional, or at least confidently indifferent. Garage rock allergic to polish. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions: - Summer Babe (Winter Version) - Zurich Is Stained - Here
A bona fide, stone cold classic. Every track transports back me to when I first heard it in ‘92 when it flung the doors open for me to a world of US alternative rock I’d previously paid little to no attention too (Fugazi, Husker Du, Superchunk, et al) Every track is a joy but I’ll always have a special place for Conduit for Sale! I can almost taste the warm cider…
Off the cuff remark: A wonderful slice of indie rock. Standout Track: The out-of-kilter-pop of "Summer Babe" is wonderful, the most un-Pavement like "Here" is a delightful ache of a song. Revisit?: Again and again.
Middle of the road grunge, I enjoyed it but having reviewed Nevermind recently it doesn’t stack up that well as a comparison. Felt quite similar to the Stone Roses and I possibly liked some tracks better on this one, but it didn’t really capture me (nor did the Stone Roses album to be fair). Quite liked some of the slower songs though.
Missed this first time around on our group review. Never heard of this band to my knowledge. I find it odd I didnt connect with it as prime for me in my youth to have absorbed this and no reason on listening that I would have avoided it. I guess the main complaint I have is its decent music but it does lack variation. I can see how listening to the album unless I was paying attention it might just pass me by without me wanting to engage. To be this throttles its appeal. I may come back to this band to explore some more mind.
Another unexpected win. Never heard of this band but they have a really listenable early 90's vibes that puts me in mind of Pixies with some Velvet Underground influences thrown in. I could criticise the album for being samey and having no standout tracks on first listen, but it was a good noise all the way through and I will definitely be relistening.
i am really not this biggest fan of slacker rock. but noise rock, and indie in general are really decent genres. the album in general has a really good sound, many songs are short and they succeeded in catching my attention. some songs are actually so unserious that they are half art. a lower 4. and there isn't that much of songs that im willing to revisit. 4/5
I’ve got nothing, is it generic or am I just at a loss of words, that is the question.
You have to love the anger and aggression in Stephen Malkmus' voice here (but not on Here!). I love the lo-fi rawness of it all, along with the odd anti-song at the end of some songs. Liked Songs Added: Summer Babe - Winter Version In the Mouth Of A Dessert Loretta's Scars Here Perfume-V Fame Throwa Jackals, False Grails: The Lonesome Era Our Singer
8/10 So painfully cool, to my way of thinking. Always been in my peripheral, but missed them in the 90s and never revisited. Really liked this - noisy but tuneful and interesting. Super slacker indie
I listened but I don't remember a single thing
I feel like I “should” be a Pavement fan because they’re a cool 90s indie band with a cult following. I’ve just never been able to get into them beyond the “hits.” This record is the most Gen X slacker thing I’ve ever heard. To its detriment for me… Stephen Malkmus sounds so bored and disaffected most of the time that I can’t get engaged. Also there aren’t enough tunes here for me? But I also didn’t hate it or anything. One thing that’s fun about this 1001 albums project is picking up on the influence between bands. There’s a lot of Sonic Youth in this record. And Pavement influenced Spoon, Sloan, Yo La Tengo (mutual influence I’d say), and Blur’s lo-fi post-Britpop phase. Also when I heard the outro to Trigger Cut/Wounded Kite at :17 it made me think Elastica based a whole song (Line Up) on it. Best songs: -Summer Babe (Winter Version) - That is such a funny title. -Zurich is Stained -Here
I think I finally get Pavement? For a while now, I’ve been a fan of the big songs, but the albums have always alluded me. I know they’re “classics” and on paper they’re right up my alley, but they just never hit for me. I’ve even listened to this very album multiple times over the years and felt nothing… until now. Finally, I get it. They were right. I was wrong. It’s a great record. I actually listened to it 4 times in one night. I love the snarky lyrics. I love the weird catchy humming/whistling/oooo-ing bits. Malkmus is like a more literal, sarcastic 90s Lou Reed and it’s great. The hooks are unconventional but very sticky and it feels like there’s one buried in every track if you’re open to digging around. Writing a catchy verse is an underrated skill, and Stephen does it regularly. His words just have a momentum to them that drives the tracks forward. I love the screechy, primal screams. I love the rumbling, prominent bass lines. They’ve really nailed the neurotic slacker vibe on this album. My main knock against the album is that it’s very front loaded. The first 7 songs are much stronger than the second 7, except for Here which is probably my favourite song on the album. I wish they’d spread out some of the catchier tracks and maybe cut a couple tracks from the back half. There’s no bad songs exactly, just some that are lacking in comparison to the highlights. For this reason, it’s probably a 3.5 for me? I’ll put it to a 3 for now. I think over time it will grow on me even more. I’m definitely going to listen to this album more and dig through their discography again. Highlights: Here - This song is beautiful. Such a sad, pretty vibe. My favourite song on the album for sure. Summer Babe - catchy yet abrasive, fuzzy and warm. Love it. Love lyric: “eating her fingers like they’re just another meal” Trigger Cut/Wounded-Kite - amazing chorus, so catchy. The verse to the pre chorus to the chorus… there’s just so much momentum being built. It’s enthralling. No Life Singed Her - love the weird screams contrasted by the sweet verses In the Mouth a Desert - love the ooooos that follow the guitar lead Weird note: Zurich Is Stained - I don’t understand how this is the most streamed song from this album. It’s a good track, but it doesn’t scream pop hit to me.
fun album.
Always heard Pavement was a gem of a band but…….This is not my jam. Him screaming I’m Trying over and over again until he’s hoarse was the final nail and it was only a third of the way thru the album. No thanks.
mid
8/10. I initially listened to this album because one of my peers is a Pavement fan. This is a really nice album. :)
Provocerande att detta är med på nån sorts topplista över bra musik.
Visst!
## In-Depth Review: *Slanted and Enchanted* by Pavement *Slanted and Enchanted*, released in 1992, is widely recognized as a foundational indie rock album. Pavement’s debut is a landmark of lo-fi aesthetics, cryptic lyricism, and a slacker ethos that would shape the sound and attitude of alternative music for decades. This review examines the album’s lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, offering a balanced view of its strengths and weaknesses. --- ## **Lyrics** Stephen Malkmus’s lyrics on *Slanted and Enchanted* are famously enigmatic, often described as surreal, fragmented, and resistant to straightforward interpretation. The words are delivered with a mix of irony, wit, and emotional detachment, often feeling like a stream of consciousness or a collage of images rather than traditional narrative songwriting. - **Surreal Imagery:** Lines such as “Lies and betrayals / Fruit-covered nails / Eeeee-lectricity and Lust” from “Trigger Cut” exemplify the album’s penchant for abstract, almost nonsensical phrases that evoke mood rather than tell a story[1][5]. - **Irony and Sarcasm:** Malkmus’s lyrics often mock rock stardom and the music industry, as well as the expectations of sincerity in songwriting. There’s a sense of poking fun at the seriousness of rock while still crafting memorable lines[6]. - **Emotional Ambiguity:** While the lyrics can be playful or absurd, there are moments of genuine vulnerability, as in the ballad “Here,” where Malkmus sings, “I was dressed for success / But success it never comes / And I’m the only one who laughs / At your jokes when they are so bad”[6]. The ambiguity between sincerity and irony is a defining feature. **Pros:** - Inventive, memorable lines that stick with the listener. - Lyrics reward repeated listening and interpretation. - Blend of humor, detachment, and occasional poignancy. **Cons:** - Obscurity can alienate listeners seeking clear meaning. - Some may find the wordplay self-indulgent or insincere[2][4]. --- ## **Music** Musically, *Slanted and Enchanted* is a masterclass in making the most of limited resources. The album is characterized by its lo-fi sound, jagged guitars, and a sense of controlled chaos. Pavement draws from punk, post-punk, and classic pop, creating an eclectic yet cohesive sound. - **Lo-Fi Rawness:** The album’s sound is intentionally rough, with hissing tape noise, muffled vocals, and guitars that veer between jangly melodies and abrasive distortion[2][3][6]. - **Hooks Amidst Chaos:** Despite the noise and dissonance, Pavement crafts infectious hooks and melodies, as in “Summer Babe (Winter Version)” and “Trigger Cut.” The songs often sound like they’re on the verge of falling apart, but this instability is part of their charm[3][4]. - **Eclecticism:** The album careens from punk-influenced rockers (“No Life Singed Her,” “Conduit for Sale!”) to dreamy, almost ballad-like tracks (“Here,” “Zurich Is Stained”). Spoken word passages and unexpected tempo shifts add to the unpredictability[3][6]. - **Guitar Work:** The interplay between Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg’s guitars is central, with layers of feedback, arpeggios, and off-kilter riffs creating a distinctive sonic palette[6]. **Pros:** - Infectious melodies hidden within noisy arrangements. - Eclectic yet cohesive; each song feels part of a larger whole[3]. - The rawness gives the album authenticity and immediacy. **Cons:** - The “sloppy” playing and rough edges may be off-putting to some. - Some tracks can blur together due to similar production values. - Occasional accusations of derivativeness (e.g., similarities to Sonic Youth or The Fall)[2]. --- ## **Production** The production of *Slanted and Enchanted* is integral to its identity. Recorded on a shoestring budget with a 4-track recorder, the album’s sound is unpolished by design. - **Lo-Fi Aesthetic:** The vocals are often buried in the mix, guitars are compressed and ultra-distorted, and feedback is a constant presence. This creates a “wall of sound” effect that is both chaotic and intimate[2][6]. - **DIY Spirit:** The rough production is not a flaw but a deliberate choice, aligning with the band’s anti-rock-star stance. The album sounds like it was recorded in a basement, which adds to its underground credibility[6]. - **Cohesion Through Imperfection:** Despite the lack of polish, the album feels unified. The consistent production values tie the eclectic songs together, making the album feel like a single artistic statement rather than a collection of disparate tracks[3]. **Pros:** - The lo-fi sound is a key part of the album’s charm and influence. - The production matches the band’s ethos and lyrical content. - Adds a sense of authenticity and intimacy. **Cons:** - Some listeners may find the sound muddy or fatiguing. - Lyrics and musical details are sometimes lost in the mix[2][6]. - Not for those who prefer clean, high-fidelity recordings. --- ## **Themes** *Slanted and Enchanted* is thematically slippery, but several threads run through the album: - **Anti-Rock Star Attitude:** The album is a “sardonic laugh addressed to the musical star system,” mocking the idea of rock stardom and the seriousness of the industry[6]. - **Suburban Ennui and Alienation:** There are references to suburbia and a sense of being an outsider, reflecting the band’s origins and the broader context of early ’90s alternative culture[2]. - **Irony and Sincerity:** The interplay between irony and genuine emotion is central. The band often seems to undercut their own seriousness, but moments of vulnerability shine through[5][6]. - **Fragmentation and Disconnection:** The cut-up, collage-like approach to lyrics and song structure mirrors themes of fragmentation and disconnection, both personal and cultural. --- ## **Influence** *Slanted and Enchanted* is one of the most influential indie rock albums of the 1990s. Its impact can be seen in several areas: - **Lo-Fi Movement:** The album helped legitimize lo-fi production as an aesthetic choice, inspiring countless bands to embrace rough edges and DIY recording methods[6]. - **Indie Rock Ethos:** Pavement’s blend of irony, detachment, and melodic sensibility became a template for indie rock throughout the ’90s and beyond. Bands such as Modest Mouse, Built to Spill, and even later acts like Car Seat Headrest owe a debt to Pavement’s approach. - **Cultural Touchstone:** While never achieving massive commercial success, the album is a rite of passage for underground music fans and is frequently cited in “best of the ’90s” lists[2]. - **Pop and Noise Fusion:** The way Pavement melded pop hooks with noise and dissonance paved the way for a generation of bands that sought to balance accessibility with experimentation[5]. --- ## **Pros and Cons Table** | Pros | Cons | |---------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | Inventive, memorable, and enigmatic lyrics | Lyrics can be obscure or alienating | | Infectious melodies within noisy, eclectic arrangements | Lo-fi, “sloppy” sound may be off-putting to some | | Authentic, DIY production enhances intimacy and credibility | Production sometimes buries vocals and musical details | | Eclectic mix of punk, pop, and noise keeps album unpredictable | Some tracks can blend together due to similar production | | Irony and vulnerability coexist, rewarding repeated listening | Accusations of derivativeness (e.g., similarities to other bands) | | Major influence on indie/lo-fi movements and subsequent generations | Not a commercial or mainstream album; appeals to a niche audience | --- ## **Conclusion** *Slanted and Enchanted* is a paradox: an album that sounds tossed-off but is meticulously crafted, that mocks rock conventions while delivering some of the era’s most indelible songs, and that buries emotion under layers of irony and distortion yet remains deeply affecting. Its lo-fi production, surreal lyrics, and slacker attitude defined a generation of indie rock, making it a touchstone for musicians and fans alike. The album’s strengths—its inventive songwriting, infectious melodies, and authentic production—are also its weaknesses for some listeners, who may find the sound too rough or the lyrics too opaque. Yet, it is precisely these qualities that have ensured *Slanted and Enchanted*’s enduring legacy. The album remains a testament to the power of doing more with less, of finding beauty in imperfection, and of forging a unique voice in a crowded musical landscape. For those willing to embrace its idiosyncrasies, *Slanted and Enchanted* is not just a classic of indie rock but a vital, living document of a moment when music’s possibilities seemed as wide open and unpredictable as Pavement’s own songs.
It took me awhile to realize this is the best Pavement album and therefore by far the greatest ever indie rock record. Just pure, detached, hyper-intellectual sarcastic serenity.
its not as good as i remembered.
Pavement Rules! This album rules and it’s not even their best one.
Holy shit just the best. My sister Liz got be this for my bday when she got back from MICA and it fully blew my mind. definitely one of the greatest albums of all time
Mostly forgetable.
There’s a charmingly homemade quality to this album which, despite the punk feel of much of the material ends up feeling more homely than angry. The lyrics, which are often thoughtful and vulnerable, create the same atmosphere. There’s a relaxed approach to harmony and production which gives the whole a chilled feel, but they can also be genuinely inventive. It’s heavily influenced by punk and the contemporary obsession, grunge, but it’s altogether less self-obsessed and intense than most of what bore those labels in the reality 90s. The lack of pretension in the way it’s presented means the skill of the songwriting kind of creeps up on you.
very INTERESTING 90's indie rock album. some of the songs on this... yeah... some of the worst rock i've ever heard. the vocalistic lowkey kinda needed vocal on some of time. however, they had some solid songs, so it's not like i can fully bash them haha.
It was just worse than alright, like not my style of rock, a bad fusion between alt rock and grunge and post punk, which just didn't gel well. Not my greatest listening experience.
Yup, this was cool. I totally missed on Pavement back in the 90s, but I'm making up for lost time now.
Whiny white boy music. Which means I’m going to like it. Except for a couple of songs I don’t find this exceptional but it’s solid. 3/5
80/100. Slanted and Enchanted by Pavement is a solid slacker rock album with a raw, unpolished charm. The mix of gritty riffs and a slight punk edge makes for an engaging and energetic listen. It captures a carefree yet expressive vibe that defines the era, making it a great record to revisit.
Make it stop. Just make it stop. It’s just not good and I enjoy indie music. It’s the musical equivalent of kids making dinner. It doesn’t taste good and they make a fucking mess.
This is a band I've never really found too entertaining to listen to. The slacker rock aesthetic has never really been my style, but I'm hoping that through a full album experience I can discover something I've not been able to find listening only to the occasional song. I'm looking forward to hearing how the DIY indie sound comes through on this record. While I love production heavy, polished stuff a lot, more lo-fi amateurish production also has its charms. Going into this with mixed expectations. Summer Babe - Winter Version I like the crusty guitars a lot. Feels surprisingly layered. Great vocal delivery, love the carthartic "Tokyooooooooo". Good. 4/5 Trigger Cut/Wounded-Kite At:17 Feels very of the era. Strangely decent guitar mix. Love the spacious dynamism provided by the backing vocals. Interesting outro. Decent. 3.5/5 No Life Singed Her Effective energy. The lo-fi guitars and the peaking vocals have a garagey quality to them. The track feels really crusty and raw. The noise provides an additional emotianal layer to the song. Decent. 3.5/5 In The Mouth Of A Desert The drums are very prominent, feels almost too loud. Feels especially amateurish production wise, though it does lend it some authenticity it's a bit of a difficult listen. Has a few great vocal hooks. Fine. 3/5 Conduit For Sale! Very strange tempo. Feels experimental. I like how different it is from the previous tracks. Especially with the spoken word vocals. Fine. 3/5 Zürich Is Stained Pleasant although the vocals are very quiet. A bit too short, I would've liked to see where the vocal melody could go if it went on for a bit longer. Anticlimatic. Fine. 3/5 Chesley's Little Wrists A sonic experiment rather than a song. Feels very unstructured. Very strange vocal noises. Unrated/5 Loretta's Scars It's okay. The instrumental is a bit overbearing, but the main guitar riff is quite good. Love the sublte guitar flourishes in the background. Fine. 3/5 Here The instrumental is pretty cute, feels really pleasant to listen to while still maintaining that DIY edge. I have no idea what is going on in the lyrics, though the performance sounds pretty unique. Decent. 3.5/5 Two States Kinda don't like the instrumental, feels a bit annoying. Don't really like the vocals either. Feels punk I guess. Did not like. 2/5 Perfume-V I like the shoegazy qualities of the guitars on the chorus. Has some melodic moments in the vocals that I enjoy. There's also a bit of interesting vocal layering which makes the song feel a bit more alive. Good. 4/5 Fame Throwa Extremely grainy and distorted. Has a cool structure. Love the glitchyness present in the production around the chorus. Strange vocal delivery. Weird skip. Interesting guitar solo. Love the atmospheric drums. Good. 4/5 Jackals, False Grails: The Lonesome Era Feels like the guitars are buzzing in my ears. Very strange. Noisy. I don't get the inclusion of the delayed guitar. Feels a bit aimless. Fine. 3/5 Our Singer Lacks any sort of energy. Mostly just a drum beat with some simple guitar notes stretched thinly over it. The vocals add very little to the song. Did not like. 2/5 It's noisy and experminental with some really rough edges. While the unrefined production might be a turn off for some, I believe it adds character and additional layers to the sound. The guitars are distorted and effect heavy and the drums raw and heavy sounding. This adds a shoegazy feel to the songs which occasionally gives a feeling of untamed emotion. There's also a sort of vulnerability to the vocal delivery, each line being sung with a raw and unique sounding voice which at times even have some juvenile qualities. Lyrically it's very hard to follow, sometimes I'm not sure if it's nonesense or some deeply constructed metaphor I'm hearing. Add this to the tracklist being a bit messy, with a few unfocused songs that feel unfinished or overly experimental and it can get a bit frustrating. While I've praised the DIY production of this album there are also moments where it doesn't work, especially when the mix gets really inconsistent. It feels almost arbitrary at times what part of the composition gets the focus, leading to times where either the vocals or sometimes the drums are really hard to hear. I'd also like to point out that I can't really find a standout moment on the record, it feels pretty much consistently the same, and while what's at display is for the most part decent, there's not much here that's too memorable. 3/5 Fave track. Summer Babe - Winter Version Least fave track. Two States
Felt like knock off pixies… and I like the pixies, so this was fine
Gritty and abrasive. Some of the best examples of the indie-90s-noise rock genre I've heard so far, though I still don't think it's for me. 'Here' and 'In The Mouth A Desert' offers the most interesting hooks on here. Best Tracks: - In The Mouth A Desert - Here Worst Tracks: - Fame Throwa Rating: 5.5/10
2000s indie rock. Dirty and edgy.
These guys aren't doing anything that Suicidal Tendencies hadn't already done better 10 years earlier. I don't see the appeal at all
Some primordial grunge sounds. Interesting but not fully baked.
The music is pretty good, but I can't stand the guy's voice.
really cool, surprised I've never heard of them. Very sonic Youth esque in some places and also sounds a lot like pre-loveless my bloody valentine, not really ripping those off though, which is good, as there's definitely a lot of personality, especially in the lyrics. Guitars are great, both clean and distorted. Not much else. Some of the screaming is a bit jarring, but how can it not be. Favourite songs: Summer babe (winter version), trigger cut/wounded kite at :17, conduit for sale (laughed at that title), Loretta's scars, here, perfume-v, jackals, false frails: the lonesome era. Overall around 7/10
I've always preferred the more polished Crooked Rain, but I still really enjoyed revisiting this one, even if the comparisons to Sonic Youth and Pixies are undeniable.
First time hearing Pavement, which is a boring band name. The music just doesn't seem interesting enough to be on this list. I remember one song had some screaming obscenities, but other than that, the singer sounded uninterested, and the music was ok.
The Squid blueprint
3/5
enjoyed the messier tracks more, not too captivating tho
S'ok
Indie-Rock mir stellenweise interessanten Verläufen und leider auch ab und an eher Krach. 3/5
why don’t I listen to pavement? And why do I only have one album on CD? It’s sloppy and messy and I liked it a lot.
Generic alt rock. More artsy sounding than the strokes was. Generally more enjoyable also, but less memorable than an album that deserves a 3
A ’90s album with everything good — and not-so-good — about ’90s rock. Some songs are more charming than others, but overall, many aren’t ones I’d revisit. I really wanted to like “In the Mouth a Desert,” which probably had my favourite instrumentals on the album, but the vocals didn’t quite land for me. Maybe that off-kilter vocal style is part of the charm for some, but it felt a bit too mismatched here. I do enjoy unconventional sounds, but I guess I prefer when it’s the instrumentation that’s offbeat — or if the vocals are slightly off-time yet still tonally strong. If that makes sense. “Conduit for Sale!” is probably my favourite track. It took me right back to ‘90s indie rock and had the kind of nostalgic punch I didn’t know I was craving. The album is cohesive and blends together well, which I appreciated. The first time I listened, there wasn’t a single track I truly enjoyed — but after a few listens at different times, something clicked. What won me over were the lo-fi alternative rock elements. Nothing overly complex, yet still interesting. The album title really encapsulates the vibe: whimsical and off-kilter, stripped down and lo-fi, but uniquely compelling with all its ‘90s quirks. It makes sense why it’s a must-listen. 3.5/5 Standout Tracks: “Trigger Cut/Wounded-Kite at :17”, “Conduit for Sale!”, “Loretta’s Scars”
Zürich is Stained
Some cool guitar tones but this really isn't my vibe
I have heard this before when it was released, but didn't have a copy. I always liked "Summer Babe" but didn't really know the rest of the album. It's got a great frazzled atmosphere throughout, but with a sweet underbelly. The vocals are never quite completely in tune (and neither are the guitars), but this adds to the charm which was somehow missing later on in their careers.
Really fucking weird album. Even though the vocals are really out of tune and it sounds terrible at times some of the songs have some kind of weird charm. I actually kinda liked trigger cut, in the mouth a desert, and here. Not really that terrible but at first listen it’s extremely odd. I might just be mentally ill that I like any of it though.
The instrumentation is wonderful. But the guys singing and voice just make it literally unlistenable
mellow. phineas&ferb. wypipo.
The off-key singing is very not my thing. Unbearable. Liked the riff in 'In the Mouth A Desert' but then gave up.
Really enjoyed this. Can’t believe it’s the first time I’ve heard this. Especially since I was in high school in 1992 and this is exactly what I would have listened to
i've only heard a couple tracks off of this Summer Babe - 5/5 Trigger Cut/Wounded-Kite At :17 - 4/5 No Life Singed Her - 3/5 In The Mouth A Desert - 5/5 Conduit For Sale! - 4/5 Zurich Is Stained - 5/5 Chelsey's Little Wrists - 1/5 Loretta's Scars - 4/5 Here - 5/5 Two States - 4/5 Perfume-V - 4/5 Fame Throwa - 4/5 Jackals, False Grails: The Lonesome Era - 4/5 Our Singer - 3/5 Average score: 3.9/5 (rounding up) just as i expected, classic lo-fi indie rock. i'll have to give Brighten the Corners a re-listen to see how they match up in quality, but i really enjoyed most of these tracks
4.5
This sounds like trash. I can’t even pay attention to lyrics.
I like a few of Pavement's poppier hits like Gold Soundz and Cut Your Hair, so was looking forward to this one. It didn't quite chime with me though, it's a bit shoegaze and a bit indie rock but not getting the best of either The fuzzy, distorted guitars do rock and there are a few nice hooks dotted among the unorthodox song structures. Even after 2 listens I don't have a strong desire to replay any of these tracks though
Listening to Pavement is like getting stuck in a gray cloud, you keep waiting for the sun to come out, but nope, just more mumbling and guitars that sound allergic to tuning.
2.5
indie, grunge, sounds like it was recorded from another room, didn't make an impression
It's great for what it is supposed to be. Not my thing tho
I think they need some autotune or smth :/
HATE his voice
Some losers love Pavement, other losers can't stand them. Are you the right kind of loser. Rips off The Fall, the Verlaines etc wholesale at times but still manages to rule. Always a toss-up whether this or Wowee Zowee is my favourite.
4.5
Decent album, nothing special to me.
Kinda punky
Not for me
By the band name and title I thought I was going to get screamed at by a bunch of hair, it was much better to listen to than that!
Sounded like fairly typical 90's alternative. Nothing really stood out to me.
Slanted And Enchanted wasn't an album i hated but i didn't really love it either. Typically, i am quite a fan of this rough indie rock style that this album is going for but i just feel it could have been executed quite a bit better. The music is mostly good but sometimes, it could get a little noisy and had a few questionable moments. But the main thing that hampered my enjoyment of this album is the singer's voice. I feel like he gets a little too into it and it makes some of the songs get kinda annoying. Like i said, i didn't hate this album as there were some solid songs but i just feel that too many things hold it back for me. Best Song: No Life Signed Her Worst Song: Chesley's Little Wrists
Listened to it twice. Saw comparisons to other bands from that era like Sonic Youth, but this was much better. Couple throwaway songs but in that 3.5 range.
The more traditional songs were mostly hollow sounding, and the weirder ones were mostly annoying
Every sung note is wrong. The sound is Cage the Elephant and Korn... ...if they were damaged by tone deaf inducing hand-grenades. I LOATHE this shit. FUCK YOU
The worst garage band to ever do it. I'm not sure this can legally be classified as music actually.
I can tell that this is indie. A lot of experimental stuff, which I can appreciate. There were hints of some potential there, but ultimately it didn't go anywhere due to the lack of polish.
Never really liked Pavement
Not bad, instrumentals are all great, the vocals are… unique, which is both a good and bad thing in my opinion. This, to me, sounds like an album a few friends made in their garage, the writing is very solid but the way the vocals and everything else clash sounds very homemade which I both like and don’t like, but I lean towards like. Rating: Pretty Good (Light ☆☆☆☆) Favorite Tracks: Trigger Cut, Here, and Our Singer.
4.5/10
Quintessential 90s indie rock. Noisy, chaotic, tough and weak, intelligent and referential.
Naja. Kein besonders guter grunge
this really poses the question “should men be allowed to make music”
Ah yes, more anemic rock. Goodie. I think my 2-star rating has been dialled in correctly now. This album explains to me the hopeless, worthless demeanour you see amongst some Gen X folk. No wonder - they listened to this growing up. It sounds like they modelled their half-singing-half-talking vocals off “Hey” by the Pixies, but just decided that didn’t sound lethargic enough. Conduit for Sale had a bit of punch, and I can honestly say that’s where I stopped listening to the full tracks. I really want the writers of this book to look at me dead in the eye and tell me this needed to be here because they listen to it frequently. 4/10
This sounds like Weezer for people who think Weezer are too mainstream, with a little hint of punk squeezed over the top like the shitty rotten piece of lemon you get with your fish & chips at the local smoko shop. There was some nice moments on here, but for the most part I found this very generic and forgettable. I'm sure at the time this was groundbreaking, but unfortunately this sound of music has been done to death. In The Mouth Of A Desert seems to be the standout track here for me. Whilst I enjoyed the very obviously 90's rock, I couldn't get behind the shitty lyrics and the singer isn't too crash hot either. I probably sound overly critical here, but I will emphasise that I didn't hate this, it was just too generic and ultimately uninteresting for me to go crazy for. I do reckon I'd have a blast listening to this live at a pub or something, because this definitely sounds like a band you'd hear out at your local.
Some of the most unimpressive noisy indie rock I've heard performed by guys with the same level of enthusiasm as someone being walked in front of a firing squad.
Absolutely astounding that this was considered in any way special, different, relevant, outstanding, etc. etc .etc. especially to the degree that it would be included on this list of 'must listens'. They may have been a pioneer in the genre of 'Music for teenage American losers who aren't game enough to shoot up their school' but I fail to see any real influence or legacy from this nothingburger record. So uninteresting even the singer sounds bored. The saving grace keeping this out of 1 territory is that the instrumentals are at least performed competently, if routinely. That and it's a snappy 30 something minutes.
Second time properly sitting down and reviewing this album and I was really excited cause previously I thought it was "just good" with a couple banger singles I keep returning to. Unfortunately I feel mostly the same this time around but enjoyed the back of the album a whole lot more. It opens really well but the track just quite have the oomf for me to give it a like. No life singed her, Conduit for Sale and Fame thrower are all still great and I have a heightened appreciation for Jackals this time around. But overall still just a good album. Nothing more, nothing less. 7/10
Thoroughly boring and unengaging, only on my third listen was I able to listen to this back-to-back. It's albums like this that are the low points of this project. Reading the Wikipedia page for this made me think I was schizophrenic, there is certainly no way that this album deserves this much praise unless the lead singer/band manager has blackmail material on journalists.
Furchtbar! Mog i net!
This is ok, if unremarkable. I don’t get why this has been singled out for inclusion ahead of many other identikit indie rock albums that sound like they are from The OC OST.
Инди рок)
I love this album, it's been a go-to for me for a long time. 4.5
music for blobs who feel like being blobs
"Can I listen to this and still enjoy it if I like the music but hate the lead singer's voice" final boss. 2.5
We found this a little unremarkable but not unenjoyable.
This was surprising I enjoyed it a lot, feels sort of ahead of it's time to me in the songs that have that unique sort of indie-emo vibe. Honestly feels a lot like a precursor to modern baseball who I enjoy a lot. Will be coming back to this. Trigger Cut and zurich is stained were some of my favorites
Eh, it was ok
Rendu au 2/3 de la liste, je commence à avoir la mèche plus courte envers ce genre d'album, donc je vais arrêter ça à la troisième toune, en assumant que le reste soit de la même qualité. Je proclame dès lors que cet album...🥁🥁🥁... pue du cul.
I would have loved this if I had heard it when it was released. This was a pleasant surprise. Very good. 1001 album worthy: Yes - 58/107
Pavement is one of these cult following bands before my time. Fame Throwa is cool. Jacks, False Grails: The Lonesome Era is also cool. This is cool garage rock but i don't see how these guys became a phenomenon on this.
One of the best debuts of the 90s perfectly encapsulates what "moving forward" looks like. Even today, bands like Pavement do not come around very often, and very few are able to effortlessly rewrite the playbook for what constitutes rock music.
The best band of the 90s' debut is not just Slanted And Enchanted, it's also unmatched and detached, inspired and rewired, deconstructed and combusted; effortlessly unbound and deservingly renowned.
Its indie, it's bedroom produced... meh
This is a fine listen, but I don’t really get the hype. The singing feels low-effort and lazy, which gives it a certain slacker charm, but also makes it hard to fully connect with. The rough, lo-fi sound has its moments, but overall, it just doesn’t blow me away.
One of those bands where it's definitely not for me but I can kind of get the appeal. Sounds a lot like Sonic Youth which is another band I feel that way about. "Conduit For Sale!" has a great example of this where he just yells "I'm trying" over and over again. I found it annoying after about the third time but I can see being enjoying the repetition if you're into it in the first place.
The most 90's album of all time
Good music, annoying vocals.
Ok
I do not know these guys. Ah, happy to hear that it's rock. 1992..could be pretty good. Some of these songs give me a King Missle vibe didn't finish this album yesterday but will right now. I liked that album had some nice 90s nostalgic vibes
-so this isn’t hugely my kind of music so I fear I’m not super qualified to give a review. it wasn’t bad! idk I would prefer to listen to this again because I feel like some of it was underwhelming to me -there were good moments though. Jackals, False Grails was a definitive highlight. I love that guitar -Favorites are Conduit For Sale! and Jackals, False Grails: The Lonesome Era