Originally published in Verbicide issue #3

The announcement of Stephen Malkmus‘s self-titled debut solo release sent me scurrying for information — and my old Pavement records. As far as information goes, it seems like no one knows why Pavement broke up, and no one ever will, most likely. I personally didn’t even believe it at first, but, the Pavement home page is gone, and that’s about as close to confirmation as Pavement fans ever get. Perhaps it’s that ambiguity and mystery that has surrounded the band for the last 10 years that let their curious musical talents show. Cryptic lyrics, oddly nostalgic rhythms, and an under current of pure originality are the trademarks of Pavement’s music, and Pavement fans won’t be disappointed with this record from their former front man.

What is good about this 12-track LP is what was good about Pavement, and what it lacks is the rest of Pavement. That may seem like an unfair assessment, but it’s true. The lyrics are there, as well as the driving rhythms, but some of the experimentation isn’t. As a collection, the songs all sound like they could’ve been released on earlier Pavement albums, which makes this fan wonder if Pavement was all Malkmus, or if Malkmus was created by Pavement. Catchy tunes like “Jo-Jo’s Jacket,” or “The Hook” remind the listener of classic Pavement tunes like “Cut Your Hair,” and “Shady Lane.” The record’s eighth track, “Pink India,” is a decidedly Malkmus song, that is, it may offer us a glimpse of what in Malkmus’s music isn’t Pavement, and may just foretell the future of his records.

Still, until that day, this solo album is for those of us who desperately miss Pavement. I remember reading a rather lengthy, and rare, interview with the band, in which they described their disgust with having to explain their music. The point was that we should figure out the lyrics and influences ourselves. It seems that deciphering Malkmus lyrics is the job of an exorcist, but influences I can handle.  “Jennifer and the Ess-Dog,” the 11th track on the album, heavily reminiscent of Tom Petty’s “Rebel Without a Clue,” is a sure favorite among Pavement fans — fun, and so damned rock ‘n roll.

(Matador Records, 304 Hudson St. 7th Floor, New York, NY 10013)