The Unique Charm of Pavement: A Journey Through Imperfection
The Connection Between Pavement and Thelonious Monk
As much as Pavement belongs to the indie rock realm, their essence resonates with the music of jazz composer Thelonious Monk. Monk, who once famously called into a Columbia University radio station, challenged the notion of "wrong notes" in music. He argued that even a song as seemingly simple as “Tea For Two” could contain enough dissonance to expand a listener’s perception of beauty. This idea of human fallibility and the charm of imperfection is vividly represented in Pavement’s work.
The spiky, sour opening of Pavement’s “In the Mouth a Desert” could easily parallel a Monk composition, illustrating how dissonance can resolve in ways that feel right, even if they initially seem off-kilter.
The Essence of Slanted and Enchanted
A Celebration of Imperfection
Pavement’s debut album, Slanted and Enchanted, embodies the beauty of imperfections: music that reflects the awkwardness of family photographs taken at crooked angles, showcasing accidents as core elements of artistry. The band emerged in my life just weeks after Kurt Cobain’s tragic suicide, an event that deepened their mythos while simultaneously complicating my ability to connect with their music.
At just 12 years old, I grappled with my own angst, finding it both unavoidable and mundane. The playfulness within Pavement’s music offered a reminder that accidents are a natural part of life. It taught me that big feelings can be transient and that the margins of experience are often as rich as the central narrative—valuable lessons for someone who tends to take life too seriously.
The Role of Gary Young
Pavement’s dynamic during the recording of Slanted and Enchanted was heavily influenced by drummer Gary Young. As a pivotal member of the band, Young was more than a decade older than frontmen Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg. He was a unique character—a weed-dealing punk-hippie who spent his time in Stockton, California, where the album was recorded.
Young’s influence on Pavement’s sound was profound. He brought a sense of chaotic energy, a mix of gymnastics and alcohol that can be heard in his drumming style. His fills, particularly on tracks like “Lions (Linden)” from the Watery, Domestic EP, exemplify this blend of stumbling charm and unexpected grace.
The Shift in Sound
While Slanted and Enchanted is defined by Malkmus’s distinctive vocals and quirky charm, Young’s drumming is the heartbeat of the album. However, Young’s tenure with the band was short-lived, primarily due to his struggles with alcohol and the feeling that he had outgrown life on the road. His departure marked a significant shift in the band’s dynamic. Malkmus later reflected, “Any concept of punky went out of the band with Steve,” referring to Young’s eventual replacement, Steve West. This transition represented a change in the band’s essence, moving away from the raw, punk influences that Young embodied.
Conclusion
Pavement’s music captures the beauty of imperfection and the essence of human fallibility. Their ability to blend dissonance with charm resonates deeply, offering listeners a refreshing perspective on life and creativity. Through their work, they remind us that accidents, both in music and in life, can lead to unexpected beauty.
FAQs
What makes Pavement’s music unique?
Pavement’s music is characterized by its embrace of imperfections and dissonance, reflecting a sense of human fallibility and the beauty found in accidents.
How did Gary Young influence Pavement’s sound?
Gary Young brought a chaotic energy to Pavement’s music, combining his experiences as a gymnast and an alcoholic to create a drumming style that was both stumbling and graceful.
Why is Slanted and Enchanted significant?
Slanted and Enchanted is significant for its representation of the messy, imperfect aspects of life and creativity, showcasing a unique sound that has influenced indie rock for decades.
