Pavement

Do NOT miss the BOAT

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 | musiX | 1 Comment

… I kinda missed the boat on Pavement. I heard it in the peripheral from my friends, but I refused to enjoy it … what can I say, I’m stubborn. It wasn’t until years later—during a year of studying in Spain—that I voraciously devoured the band’s entire catalog through a pair of Sony headphones, getting tangled up in those ramshackle melodies and Stephen Malkmus‘ bone-dry musings.

Since the release of 2006’s Songs That You Might Not Like Seattle’s BOAT has worn the—dare I use the word—slacker badge with relish (the word I dared use was slacker, not relish). It’s written all over BOAT vocalist/guitarist D. Crane’s lyrics, which at times border on being too clever. The band’s latest record Setting the Paces (out Oct. 27 on Magic Marker) delivers more of the same. Crane’s cutesiness comes dangerously close to ruining a good thing (OK, not that close), and he comes dangerously close to sounding like Mr. Malkmus (no, he really does). But dammit if the tunes aren’t beautifully messy and fun—sorta like my bedroom as a child. And that, my imaginary friend, is one heck of an endorsement.

“We’ve Been Friends Since 1989″ - BOAT

“God Save the Man Who Isn’t All That Super” - BOAT

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In the name of rock

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 | musiX | No Comments

I love rock ‘n’ roll names—the Sex Pistols had Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious, the Cramps had Lux Interior, Madness—Suggs. There’s Flea, Slash, Zakk Wylde. Me? I’d go with something like Marck Rock or Marky Malarkey.

Then you have a name like Spiral Stairs … not necessarily cool, but when you’re in Pavement not being cool is what actually makes you cool. Since Pavement, Scott Kannberg—aka Spiral Stairs—has been making music with Preston School of Industry. His new album The Real Feel will be his first under the moniker Spiral Stairs. The first single—a fun, jangly number called “Maltese Terrier”—is out now, and the new record will be released on Matador Oct. 20, which, incidentally, will be the date Marky Malarkey releases his debut album called … Marky Malarkey.

Actually, don’t believe anything I say. But feel free to enjoy Spiral Stairs and to post your favorite rock names in the comments section.

“Maltese Terrier” - Spiral Stairs

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A date @ IKEA w/Pavement

Tuesday, November 25th, 2008 | musiX | 1 Comment

I had never set foot into an IKEA until just last week … returned a salad spinner with my girlfriend and bought some light bulbs and a couple of multiple-outlet adapter thingamabobbers. It’s kind of like a Yuppy Wal-Mart, although I’ve never actually been to Yuppy Wal-Mart, either. Geez, I feel like I’m from Mars telling you that I have only recently stepped inside this wonderland of Scandinavian chic.

Though I hardly knew what an IKEA was until recently, I might have to sign up for this contest. To help celebrate the release of Brighten the Corners: Nicene Creedence Ed., Matador Records and imeem is going to send one lucky winner on a $500 IKEA shopping spree with a member of Pavement! You see, there was that song on the album penned by guitarist Scott Kannberg called “Date w/IKEA” … anyway, the surprise is that we don’t know which member, but we do know that Swedish meatballs are what’s for lunch. Simply send a photo and a short essay on why you deserve a date at IKEA by December 6.

The release of the B-sides and outtakes-loaded double-disc is set for December 9, the date the winner will be announced. I’m hoping for 300 multiple-outlet adapter thingamabobbers with Gary Young.

“Stereo,” off Brighten the Corners, by Pavement, w/kid accompaniment, in the car

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