No slacking: Pavement, Shudder to Think rock St. Andrew's

In the never-ending debate over what exactly "alternative" music is, the finger can point to college radio in helping to offer music that mainstream radio does not. However, with the recent success of bands such as Sebadoh, the debate will further be blurred by bands that started through college radio and then were playlisted among "alternative" bands. Another example of this trend, Pavement, hit St. Andrew's in support of its new album, "Brighten the Corners."

REVIEW
	Pavement May 6, 1997 St. Andrew's Hall

Together for almost seven years (with a couple of line-up changes), Pavement has released four full-length albums as well as a slew of various seven-inch singles and EPs. Transplanted from Southern California to New York City, the band has been on a slow but steady path to greater success and popularity. "Brighten the Corners" has created minor ripples on mainstream radio with the singles "Stereo" and "Shady Lane." Noted for its quirky pop sound and singer Stephen Malkmus' free-association lyrics, Pavement dipped into its impressive catalog for Tuesday night's show.

First, the opening act Shudder to Think impressed the crowd with its blend of hard rockers and slow ballads. Playing a "mellower" set, this foursome was in fine form as singer Craig Wedren's vocal capabilities and guitarist Nathan Larson's rock-star poses helped entertain the crowd. The highlight of the set was "The Saddest Day of My Life," as Wedren soulfully crooned while strumming along on his acoustic guitar. Other highlights included "Red House" off the group's most recent release, "50,000 BC," and "X-French Tee Shirt," a Buzz Clip of yesteryear on "Pony Express Record."

After Shudder to Think finished its set, Pavement arrived on stage and immediately started things off with "In the Mouth A Desert," off 1991's "Slanted and Enchanted." Flanked by guitarist Steve Kannberg (aka Spiral Stairs) and singer/guitarist Stephen Malkmus, bassist Mark Ibold stood front and center as drummer Steven West and percussionist Bob Nastanovich (aka Bobby N.) played behind him. They next performed "Embassy Row," featured on "Brighten the Corners," and this particular song sounded much thicker and chunkier live.

Dressed in khakis, a button-down shirt and basketball sneakers, Malkmus looked like the perfect slacker figurehead as he effortlessly took control of vocals and lead guitar in the next song, the excellent "Zurich is Stained." The boys emphasized most of the new album but managed to slip in fan favorites such as "Stop Breathin,'" off "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain." At times, guitarist Scott Kannberg took the microphone to relieve Malkmus by performing two songs including "Date with IKEA."

Everything seemed to be in order until the band performed its most recent hit, "Stereo." With Bobby N.'s animated backing vocals, a few of the sold-out audience started to crowd surf and mosh. The band seemed to ignore this as Malkmus would step away when the crowd hurled a flying body onto the stage. Malkmus and Bobby N. were the focal points of the show. As Malkmus sang in a spoken word manner like The Fall's Mark E. Smith, Bobby N. complemented him by ranting in the background, creating weird noises with his Moog synthesizer, and ably enhancing the capable drumming ability of the hirsute Steven West.

The minor disturbances of the crowd were elevated to another level with the final song. "Conduit for Sale" showcased Bobby N. at the forefront as he belted out the lines, "I'm trying / I'm trying / I'm trying!" as the crowd surfers were helped off the stage by Pavement's guitar technician. Again, the band seemed to ignore these incidents; they were more interested in playing their instruments. With the exception of the occasionally rowdy crowd, Pavement put on a fine performance and played together as a tight unit, showing that the band deserves more attention.

Indie-rock heroes Pavement wowed a sold-out crowd in Detroit last Tuesday night.

05-14-97