Top 5 Pavement songs that’ll totally elevate your make-out playlist

It’s important to clarify that not all music is intended for romantic moments with a partner. While many songs by artists like Al Green and the Bee Gees are certainly suitable, the unconventional style of Captain Beefheart’s music doesn’t naturally fit into a relaxing Saturday evening atmosphere.

Although it might appear unusual to look to Pavement, the influential ’90s American band known for their “slacker” vibe, for a soundtrack filled with sensuality, there’s more to this group than just lead singer Steven Malkmus’ witty yet nonsensical remarks.

Indeed, upon closer inspection of their body of work, you might discover quite a few songs that are ideal for playing in your car, such as your Honda Accord or any other vehicle—whichever one you prefer.

5 fantastic Pavement songs to make out to

Slanted and Enchanted

“Perfume V”

1992 saw Pavement, a three-piece band hailing from Stockton, California, unveil their raw, debut album. This album is an exceptional rarity compared to their later, more polished productions, yet some fans deem it their magnum opus. Matador Records recognized the unique essence that this band possessed, leading to a complete release teeming with catchy hooks, distortion, and enigmatic lyrics.

Without a doubt, “Summer Babe” was the catchy, repetitive tune, but it’s the lesser-known track “Perfume V” that truly stirs strong emotions. The lyrics pay homage to an enigmatic woman who exudes a mysterious “radioactive” charm and helps Malkmus feel at ease. This unnamed woman also shudders like a freshly cut vein, glowing brightly.

Fervent, authentic, and yearning, this piece might be as near to a love song as you’ll find from this staple of underachievement. Musically, it echoes My Bloody Valentine’s early years: a seductive onslaught of sound that aims to accomplish its purpose in the fleeting span of 2 minutes and 10 seconds.

Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain

“Heaven Is a Truck”

Following Gary Young’s departure, Pavement refined their distinctive sound and firmly established their five-member ensemble with the release of “Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain” in 1994 – an exceptional album that maintains a robust energy throughout its entirety.

Since the original band members hailed from California, it allowed them a distinctive perspective to scrutinize the state closely, yet also inspired them to expand their sonic and thematic spectrum.

In the album “Crooked Rain”, Pavement skillfully brushes off music industry executives (as expressed in the song “Cut Your Hair”), takes jabs at contemporary bands The Smashing Pumpkins and Stone Temple Pilots (“Range Life”), and even delves into instances of abstract elegance, such as the song “Heaven Is A Truck”.

The gentle tapping on the piano produces somber melodies accompanied by a steady rhythm, as Malkmus voices his longing for escape. This tender, poignant part of the song establishes the mood for its sultry chorus, which revolves around Pasadena Casa’s queen. After briefly exploring with their guitar solos, they step back, allowing you to take over and enjoy the rest of the performance.

Runner-up: “5-4 = Unity”

The improvised track “5-4=Unity” from the album receives an honorable mention. This lively, spontaneous piece provides an intriguing response to the question, “What if Dave Brubeck and Link Wray collaborated?” It’s a fantastic choice for jazz enthusiasts who enjoy dancing together.

Wowee Zowee

“Grounded”

If you found the laid-back, hipster ambiance and style of “Crooked Rain” appealing, the unexpected twists and zany feel of the 1995 album “Wowee Zowee” might initially catch you off guard. This could be due to Malkmus’ self-admitted THC influence during songwriting or because the entire album pays homage to their ex-hippie drummer, Gary Young, who often said “Wowee Zowee!” as his favorite phrase.

As a gamer, I must admit that this game, for whatever reasons, seems to be the odd one out in its series, but that doesn’t make it any less appealing. In fact, I find some of the most thrilling tracks within its library, making it stand out as a unique gem in their collection.

With this new-found liberty for self-expression came an array of creative explorations ideal for a romantic evening. The captivating tune “Grounded” is a notable illustration. Built on a lone guitar note, bass, and percussion, it guides you along a path towards a valley where a seductive, sensual melody folds inward.

The enigmatic and hard-to-understand lyrics serve as a unique identity for the band, inviting you to trust them to lead you home after approximately four minutes. Amidst the chaos of “Wowee'”, this heartfelt song stirs up your blood in the most exhilarating manner.

Runner-up: “Rattled by the Rush”

For a lively, slightly unhinged vibe, “Rattled By The Rush,” the second tune following the lackluster intro track “We Dance” on the album, showcases an eccentric rhythm with Malkmus’ choppy chords smoothly transitioning into messy yet tasty solos. Ideal for steamy, carefree nights filled with energy and a touch of disorder.

Brighten the Corners

“Type Slowly”

1997 was a remarkable year for music releases, with some standout albums such as Radiohead’s “OK Computer”, Blur’s self-titled album (often attributed to the influence of Pavement), featuring their hit single “Song 2”, Daft Punk’s “Homework”, and Wu-Tang Clan’s “Wu-Tang Forever”.

Simultaneously at Matador Records, Yo La Tengo’s diverse album “I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One” is a success, while Pizzicato Five, the Shibuya-kei band, unveil their debut album. In all this excitement, it’s understandable that you might overlook Pavement’s fourth and most accessible album, “Brighten The Corners”.

Malkmus shows off his wit and humor in this song, with catchy lines like “If you can find a word that rhymes with Pavement, I won’t harm your loved ones.” The clever wordplay found throughout each track makes it worth analyzing from a lyrical perspective. For instance, “Shady Lane” has the line “You’ve been picked to be an extra in the film adaptation of the sequel to your life,” and “Focus on the quasar in the fog, the Kaiser’s got a cyst.

As a fan, I can’t help but marvel at how pristine the performance feels, the rhythm section pulsing like a leisurely summer river, creating an atmosphere perfect for savoring every moment – particularly with “Type Slowly”.

Among the tracks on the album, one stands out as particularly long (clocking in at 5 minutes and 20 seconds). This song, in essence, is a dreamy lullaby that offers a delightful blend of sweetness and spice. The initial portion of the song provides Malkmus ample space to showcase his unique vocal range and tenderly croon lyrics such as “one of us is a captivating blue, incandescent guillotine.

Instead of feigning friendliness, there’s an underlying tension that eventually explodes in a passionate performance akin to the Grateful Dead, assuming you’ve made the right moves. This emotional outburst should echo the intense feelings unfolding elsewhere.

Runner-up: “Old to Begin”

In contrast to the chaotic climax, ‘Old to Begin’ showcases a harmonious balance, much like the tranquil ebb before the crashing tide versus the rock it meets. This scenario is symbolically represented by a hastily played solo leading to Malkmus’s frenzied singing at the end. To fully appreciate this song, pair it with ‘Type Slowly,’ allowing you ample time, approximately nine minutes, to reach a significant point.

Terror Twilight

“You Are a Light”

The last album released by Pavement was a collaborative effort that spanned both sides of the Atlantic. It drew inspiration from the West Coast to the East Coast, and it was ultimately produced by the esteemed Nigel Godrich (known for his work with Radiohead, Beck, REM, and U2) in London. This album was then released in 1999.

Under its catchy tune and radio-friendly sheen, “Terror Twilight” appears to be a cheerful adventure, making it an appealing introduction for newcomers. However, due to internal conflicts within the band, it almost feels like an early Steven Malkmus solo effort. Despite this, it’s far from a melancholic farewell album.

Without a doubt, “Spit on a Stranger” serves as the introductory track and is undeniably among Pavement’s most iconic songs, often covered by bluegrass prodigy Nickel Creek and singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams. Despite its seemingly innocent veneer, “You Are a Light” stands out as one of the finest tracks on the album, effectively embodying nearly two distinct songs.

As a music enthusiast, I’d describe the first track as a lyrical stroll brimming with abstract thoughts, topped off with an effortless guitar solo. The second one, on the other hand, is a wild, psychedelic dance with chaos and dissonant melodies. If you’re fortunate, your favorite tune can get you grooving to both parts.

Runner-up: “Speak, See, Remember”

If you’re looking for something groovy with a jazzy vibe, “Speak, See, Remember” might be perfect for you. It has a predominantly acoustic foundation, features wha-pedal effects, rough percussion, and an electric riff that delivers a sharp bite, much like bared fangs. This track is designed to get your heart racing!

Subjectivity plays a significant role when creating a “mix for making out,” so these songs chosen from Pavement’s discography are simply suggestions, not absolute choices. If these tunes aren’t striking the right chord, it might be wiser to abandon the mix and switch to undeniable arousing artists like Marvin Gaye or Sade as quickly as possible, in an attempt to save the moment.

2025-05-07 16:00