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np: "Stereo" - Pavement

In celebration of Matador continuing the outstanding reissue program they've put together for one of the most essential band of the 1990s, Pavement. Today saw the release of the fourth deluxe version of a Pavement album, this time the Nicene Creedence Edition of 1997's unfairly hated on Brighten the Corners. Bouncing off the sprawling, glorious mess that was Wowee Zowee, a lot of fans seemed to dismiss this as being too lightweight and accessible. Foolishness. Nah, this is Pavement tightened into the wickedly joyful pop band that was always trapped inside. The hook-laden opening punch of "Stereo" and "Shady Lane / J vs S" were just foolin' anyway, the real beauty is found on tracks like the graceful "Type Slowly" and the gently disintegrating "Starlings of the Slipstream". Really though, there isn't a bad track on this one and need to be liberated from the unfair reputation its gotten by some die-hard Pavement fans as one of their weaker efforts.

Anyway, click below for a couple highlights including one of the fantastic album tracks mentioned above ("Starlings"), a fantastic version of the song that was originally going to open the disc ("And Then (The Hexx)"), and the band having some fun with Adult Swim ("Space Ghost Theme II").

But honestly? I cannot overstate how important it is for you to rush out and pick this package up for yourself. Matador has knocked the ball out of the park again.

Pavement - "Starlings of the Slipstream" (taken from Brighten the Corners: Nicene Creedence Ed.)
Pavement - "And Then (The Hexx)" (taken from Brighten the Corners: Nicene Creedence Ed.)
Pavement - "Space Ghost Theme II" (taken from Brighten the Corners: Nicene Creedence Ed.)