Pavement's debut album, defined by its lo-fi sound and cryptic lyrics. A cornerstone of 90s indie rock with many vinyl versions available.
Artist page · 04/07/2026
Pavement
About
Pavement, From Stockton’s underground to indie rock cult favorite.
Five studio albums with multiple vinyl pressings, including original 90s releases and reissues.
Pavement emerged from the US indie rock scene with a distinct lo-fi style blending alternative and independent rock. Initially a studio project by Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg, it solidified into a band by 1992 adding Mark Ibold on bass and Bob Nastanovich on percussion. Their discography comprises five studio albums released mostly through Matador Records, with frequent pressings on vinyl including standard albums, test pressings, and colored editions.
Original pressings from the 90s remain sought-after collectibles, and reissues continue to circulate in various formats. Their catalog includes essential works like Slanted & Enchanted (1992), Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (1994), Wowee Zowee (1995), Brighten The Corners (1997), and Terror Twilight (1999).
Discography
Pavement — Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Matador · 2025
Matador · 2009
Matador · 2008
Matador · 1999
Matador · 1997
Matador · 1995
Matador · 1994
Matador · 1992Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Pavement's career.





The essentials
The 3 Pavement albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
The band's second studio album, featuring standout tracks like “Cut Your Hair” and “Range Life”. Available on both US and UK vinyl pressings.
Fourth studio album released on Matador Records with various original and reissue vinyl pressings in the US and UK.
Go further
Artists similar to Pavement
Artists who share part of Pavement's musical DNA.
Collectors
For vinyl die-hards
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
Market values (source: Discogs)
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Notable pressings & editions
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of Pavement
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
Most of Pavement's songs are composed by Stephen Malkmus, whose unique style shaped the band's sound.— Band history
Pavement formed as a studio project in Stockton in 1989
Originally started by guitarists Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg, known then as S.M. and Spiral Stairs, Pavement evolved into a full band by 1992 with members Mark Ibold and Bob Nastanovich.
Original 'Slanted & Enchanted' album in 1992
The debut album circulated among fans and critics for nearly a year before its official release, becoming a defining 90s indie record with lo-fi production and cryptic lyrics.
Original 'Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain' UK pressing on Big Cat label
The 1994 UK pressing of this key Pavement album bears catalog number Abb56 and is valued around €25 to €312 depending on pressing and condition.
'Brighten The Corners' original US Matador 1997 pressing
Featuring catalog number OLE 197-1, the vinyl LP for this album sees multiple reissues and variations, with prices ranging approximately €40 to over €200 in the collector market.
Their first album’s lo-fi style and cryptic lyrics made it circulate among critics for months before release, solidifying its cult status.— Early album reception
Records by Pavement
See all
FAQ
FAQ: Pavement on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
When and where did Pavement form?
Pavement was formed in 1989 in Stockton, California, initially as a studio project by Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg.
What genre is Pavement best known for?
Pavement is known for indie rock with a lo-fi sound, contributing significantly to the alternative rock scene in the 1990s.
Which Pavement album should I start with on vinyl?
Starting with their debut, Slanted & Enchanted (1992), offers insight into their lo-fi sound and songwriting style. It's widely available on vinyl.
What are the key vinyl pressings of Pavement's 'Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain'?
Notable pressings include the 1994 original UK release on Big Cat label and US releases on Matador, featuring different catalog numbers and editions.
Are there colored or special edition vinyls of Pavement's albums?
Yes, some albums like 'Brighten The Corners' and 'Slanted & Enchanted' have special colored vinyl editions and test pressings available.
Can I find Pavement vinyl records in France?
French vinyl sellers often have various pressings, including European editions of Pavement albums. Prices and availability vary by release.
What is the typical price range for original Pavement LPs?
Original LPs such as 'Brighten The Corners' and 'Wowee Zowee' can range from around 25 € to over 200 € depending on pressing and condition.
Which Pavement songs are most popular among vinyl listeners?
Popular tracks include 'Harness Your Hopes', 'Cut Your Hair', and 'Gold Soundz', often highlighted in vinyl collections and playlists.
Transparency
Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.



