Episode 097: Pavement w/ PJ Rudolph

Episode 097: Pavement w/ PJ Rudolph

In Episode 097 we deep-dive one of our favorite bands of all time: Pavement. To do so, we bring on one of our close friends & returning guest, PJ Rudolph (@axillapt3) to chat about the band’s lasting legacy, our favorite records, the fantastic solo work of Stephen Malkmus, and their connections to Phish. PJ joined us in Episode 074: Remembering David Berman, and we were stoked to have him back on the pod to talk about the larger world of the Pavement/Jicks/Silver Jews world, albeit under happier circumstances.

Akin to Episode 017: Wilco w/ Josh Carver, Episode 033/034: U2 w/ Ryan Nichols, and Episode 065: Radiohead w/ Myke “Lawn Memo” Menio, we approach Pavement from their discography chronologically walking through their career, before concluding with a larger discussion around the prolific solo career of Stephen Malkmus. We break down each of their records, discuss our thoughts on where the band was pushing their sound, share a few personal stories about how they’ve impacted us as listeners, and offer up a sample of their evolving sound from each record. We contemplate the band’s decisions to confound the larger musical press as well as their fanbase, and how this helped ensure their legacy as the most successful underground band ever. In addition, we discuss their similarities to Phish in their approach to artistic integrity, but how this differed for a band who actually had radio hits.

Finally, we conclude with a bit of music from Malkmus’s solo work where he’s explored improvisation & jamming in his songwriting, and has become something of the uncle of the #indiejam scene. No matter if you’re a Pavement diehard, or a complete noob, we think you’ll enjoy this discussion and deep-dive!

Songs featured in this episode are:

Intros: “Frontwards,” “Grave Architecture”

“Summer Babe” Slanted & Enchanted (1992)

“Range Life” Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (1994)

“Grounded” Wowee Zowee (1995)

“Shady Lane” Brighten The Corners (1997)

“Folk Jam” Terror Twilight (1999)

“Baltimore” Real Emotional Trash (2008)

“Cinnamon & Lesbians” Wig Out At Jagbags (2014)

“Kite” Sparkle Hard (2018)

“Shadowbanned” Traditional Techniques (2020)

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The global health crisis we’re facing right now has threatened the livelihood and mental health of countless musicians. Backline is the music industry’s mental health and wellness resource hub, and their work is more vital than ever. Launched in 2019, Backline aims to give artists, crew and their families quick and easy access to mental health and wellness resources. Backline is currently hosting virtual support groups as well as yoga, meditation, and breathwork sessions. Osiris is proud to partner with Backline — to donate, learn more, or get in touch for personalized care, visit Backline.care.

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We’ll be back on Tuesday, May 26 w/ Episode 098!

Until then, we’ll see you beyond the pond…