I thought I'd start something new, whereby I review an album from yesteryear once a week.

Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain-Pavement

Pavement's second album was actually the first Pavement album I owned. I got it a few years ago before I really knew who they were. I have since gotten very into them, owning most of their albums, Stephen Malkmus' solo albums, and the side project The Silver Jews (highly recommended).

This album differs from their debut, Slanted and Enchanted, in it's production values (although their lo-fi style makes it hard to tell on first listen). The album opens with the wonderful Silence Kit, a catchy upbeat number that sets the pace for the rest of the album. The entire albums keeps the pace going, with the main highlights being "Stop Breathin" and the commercial (for Pavement that is) sounding "Cut Your Hair". From start to finish it's Pavement most realized work, and stands above the more popular "Slanted and Enchanted" in both music and production quality. I would highly recommend the 2004 re-release double disk, which contains several extra songs, and demo versions of the main tracks.

This is a five star album, and anybody looking to explore the lo-fi music scene of the 90's, this is a great album to start with (along with their debut).

Rating: A

Totally agree, what an album this is. My favourite of the Pavement ones I own, although it doesn't have my very favourite track ('Shady Lane'). Pretty much faultless though, and one of my all time top ten I'd say.

This is my favorite Pavement album, my favorite song is probably "Range Life." Also, I don't know if you guys have heard this before, but the melody for Silence Kit is ripped off from Buddy Holly's "Everyday"