Slanted and Enchanted by Pavement (1992)

Stripped down, heavily distorted, noise, disheveled, homemade, unkempt, tangled, grubby are all words that were used to describe slack pioneers Pavement's debut record. This is music made by whipsmart, talented kids who didn't give a shit. Or was that just an act? All of those messy, detuned guitars were paired with lyrics so sharp and hooks so bubbly it became almost impossible for anyone other than Malkmus to tell.

There is something so unrepeatable about this record, like trying to tune into an early 90s college rock station on any given Sunday but barely getting the signal. Pavement at once created their own universe and set the foundation for indie rock's DIY ethos for decades to come.

Stream on Spotify
Steam on Apple Music
Buy Vinyl