Artist page · 04/07/2026

Pavement

StocktonFormed in 1989Alternatif12 vinyl albums
Pavement formed in Stockton, California, in 1989 as an indie rock band known for their lo-fi sound and cryptic lyrics. Active mainly through the 90s, they released influential albums that shaped alternative music.
12Albums on Vinyles.com
586Discogs releases
2.2MLast.fm listeners

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.

Pavements (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)Matador · 2025
2025
Pavements (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
File, MP3, Album
Studio
Live Europaturnén MCMXCVIIMatador · 2009
2009
Live Europaturnén MCMXCVII
Vinyl, LP, Album, Record Store Day, Limited Edition
Studio
Live Europaturnén MCMXCVIIMatador · 2008
2008
Live Europaturnén MCMXCVII
Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition
Studio
Terror TwilightMatador · 1999
1999
Terror Twilight
CD, Album
Studio
Brighten The CornersMatador · 1997
1997
Brighten The Corners
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Wowee ZoweeMatador · 1995
1995
Wowee Zowee
CD, Album
Studio
Crooked Rain, Crooked RainMatador · 1994
1994
Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
CD, Album
Studio
Slanted And EnchantedMatador · 1992
1992
Slanted And Enchanted
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Studio album Live / EP

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Pavement's career.

01
Harness Your Hopes - b-side
·
02
Cut Your Hair
Cut Your Hair
Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain · 1994
03
Gold Soundz
Gold Soundz
Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain · 1994
04
Range Life
Range Life
Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain · 1994
05
Spit on a Stranger
Spit on a Stranger
Terror Twilight · 1999
06
Zürich Is Stained
·
07
Stereo
Stereo
Brighten The Corners · 1997
08
Here
·

The essentials

The 3 Pavement albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 1992
Vinyl, LP
Slanted & Enchanted

Pavement's debut album, defined by its lo-fi sound and cryptic lyrics. A cornerstone of 90s indie rock with many vinyl versions available.

12 tracksOriginal 1992 releaseMatador RecordsMultiple pressings
#2 · 1994
Vinyl, LP
Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain

The band's second studio album, featuring standout tracks like “Cut Your Hair” and “Range Life”. Available on both US and UK vinyl pressings.

12 tracks1994 releaseMatador and Big Cat labelsMultiple vinyl versions
#3 · 1997
Vinyl, LP
Brighten The Corners

Fourth studio album released on Matador Records with various original and reissue vinyl pressings in the US and UK.

12 tracks1997 releaseMatador labelTest pressings and colored vinyl

Go further

Artists similar to Pavement

Artists who share part of Pavement's musical DNA.

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
01Formation

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.

1989Stockton, California
02Release

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.

1992United States
03Vinyl pressing

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.

1994UK
04Vinyl pressing

'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.

1997United States
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

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 04/07/2026