Pavement became one of the most revered American bands of the 1990s in alternative rock. Formed in 1989 in Stockton, California, by Stephen Malkmus (vocals, guitar) and Scott Kannberg (guitar), the group, together with Sebadoh, were the main representatives of the lo-fi movement.
Gary Young (drums), Bob Nastanovich (percussion) and Mark Ibold (bass) were the other members who joined Malkmus and Kannberg. Later, Gary Young left the band and Steve West joined in his place.
Like most so-called alternative rock bands, Pavement sought its own sound, and this search resulted in several intensely inspired albums, released by Matador Records. Slanted and Enchanted, their debut album, arrived in 1992 to critical acclaim. To promote it, the group went on its first tour across their country. However, it was with Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, a 1994 album, that the band achieved commercial success. His biggest hit, Cut Your Hair, was from this album, which was widely played on rock radio and MTV.
Following Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain were the albums Wowee Zowee (1995), Brighten the Corners (1997) and Terror Twilight (1999). In the latter, the band's music appears more sophisticated, with well-produced songs.
At the end of 1999, the band announced the end. And, subsequently, Stephen Malkmus began his solo career. In 2009, Pavement announced their return. The band performed a series of shows during 2010, and sporadically throughout the following years.
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