In the great universe, in the cosmos of space, on this very earth there are few things that make you think, make you know, make you feel something special has happened. Something unique that will stay with you forever. Ladies and gentlemen I give you
Pavement. Yes, Pavement. Now and forever the greatest band of all time. You see, you could say I am a fan. A big fan. For a long time. In fact I have cherished memories of seeing this seminal band quite a few times live in the 90s. Memories that will stay with me forever. So after a decade away a reunion was met with equal parts trepidation and excitement. Would it be worth it? Would they be just going through the motions? Would it matter? You could say yes. Definitively.
Pavement tore apart the
Enmore Theatre Thursday night in their second show back. They were fresh and invigorating. Exciting and thrilling. Meaningful. From the opening chord of "Silence Kid" to the last song in their second encore they were amazing, incredible, superb. Everything to me and to you. Their energy was impressive, their passion undeniable and most importantly their joy unrestrained. They were loving every minute of the show. Feeding off the passion and delight from an ecstatic crowd. Yes the kings of slack were in touch and on song. So many highlights to mention from an unbelievable night, but here are a few. They played "Frontwards", which was a surprise and a total delight. "In The Mouth A Desert" was majestic and superb. "Trigger Cut" beat a hole in my heart. "Grounded" was breathtaking. "Unfair" was insane. "Zurich Is Stained" was hoped for and received with open arms. "Cut Your Hair" was sung loudly by EVERYONE in the theatre. "Summer Babe" was so good I think I lost my voice. "Gold Soundz" was wonderful and "Fight This Generation" was perfect to close the main set. Then we received two encores which included a wonderful "Shady Lane". Holy cow!
Just a great, great night! All of the band were great but I would like to especially mention Bob Nastanovich who must have gone close to losing his voice with the amount of screaming he does. He also plays a mean cowbell. Then there is the man. Stephen Malkmus. Perhaps the oddest, but most alluring front man in rock history. An incredibly gifted guitarist, despite stuffing up a couple of intros, he exudes a strange coolness. Sometimes he appears as if stoned, but then swings back into action. It is nearly impossible to take your eyes off of him. A magnetic leader of a timeless band. If you are undecided about seeing
Pavement this time around. Then decide now. See them. They might not come our way again.
Set List
Silence Kid
Stereo
Frontwards
Father To A Sister of Thought
In The Mouth A Desert
Trigger Cut
Date w/Ikea
Grounded
Range Life
Unfair
Elevate Me Later
Zurich Is Stained
The Hexx
Cut Your Hair
Stop Breathin
Summer Babe
Here
Gold Soundz
Kennel District
Conduit For Sale!
Fight This Generation
Debris Slide
We Dance
Shady Lane
Perfume-V
Fin
Spit On A Stranger
More photos at
Flickr
Allow me to introduce you to Gayngs. They are the brainchild of Minneapolis producer Ryan Olson, a studio collective if you like. Olson enlisted the help of Solid Gold members Adam Hurlburt and Zack Coulter to create an album that was inspired and influenced by the work of 70s pop masters 10cc. His idea grew though, finally enlisting the help of over 25 musicians. These included Joe Westerlund, Brad Cook and Phil Cook from Megafaun, Ivan Howard from The Rosebuds and finally Justin Vernon and Mike Noyce from Bon Iver. Quite a talented collection you could say. Then add on P.O.S., Dessa and countless other talents. Over a dozen people contribute their vocal talents. The album, "Relayted", is due for release on May 11 on Jagjaguwar and judging by the first sounds to reach our ears it should be quite an experience.
Avi Buffalo
