1994's Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain is a sharp stylistic turn for Pavement, who had become an underground sensation following the release of Slanted And Enchanted. Instead of the static-drenched lo-fi sonics that defined its 1992 debut, the Stockton band presents a more accessible, polished (relatively speaking) album. Although this initially confused fans a bit, underneath the easy going, classic rock-leaning exterior lies Stephen Malkmus & gang's brilliance, just peep "Range Life": "Out on tour with the Smashing Pumpkins / Nature kids, I , they don't have no function / I don't Understand what they mean and I could really give a fuck." The next verse deals with The Stone Temple Pilots. In addition to the playful (?) shots and off-kilter lyrics, Crooked Rain Crooked Rain is swathed in effortless melodies & hooks, and the 1994 LP has remained, over the last 20-plus years, one of the most beloved works from Pavement. Check out "Gold Soundz," "Cut Your Hair," "Silence Kid," and "Unfair."

• black vinyl pressing
• original release year: 1994
• music label: Matador 2018

reviewed by lil herringbone 2/108