MMT50 - Track #6: The Pavement Top 50 Countdown

In this episode of Meeting Malkmus: A Pavement Podcast, jD is joined by James from London for an in-depth discussion on the next track in Pavement’s Top 50 countdown. As they reflect on the band’s unforgettable impact on indie rock, they dive into stories of first shows, favorite albums, and what makes Pavement’s music timeless for fans around the world.

Episode Highlights:

• Pavement’s Indie Rock Legacy – A look at the band’s influence on fans and musicians alike, and why they’re still so beloved.

• Pavement’s First Reunion Tour vs. 2022 Reunion – James shares his impressions of both tours and how the band’s energy differed across the years.

• Discovering Pavement – From early 90s Britpop to American indie rock, James recalls his musical journey and the pivotal moment he first heard Pavement.

• Revisiting “Slanted and Enchanted” – Exploring the songs, sequencing, and raw indie sound that make Slanted and Enchanted an enduring favorite.

• The Power of Pavement’s B-Sides and Deep Cuts – Why tracks outside the core albums have become fan essentials, and how they deepen the Pavement experience.

About the Pavement Top 50 Countdown:

Each week, jD counts down the top 50 Pavement tracks as chosen by fans. With personal stories, song insights, and Pavement nostalgia, the series takes listeners through Pavement’s discography, culminating in the top fan-voted track.

Connect with Us:

• Email: jd.meetingmalkmus@gmail.com

• Website: dewvre.com/meetingmalkmus

• Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/meetingmalkmus

• Socials: @meetingmalkmus on all platforms

Thanks for tuning in to Meeting Malkmus. Subscribe to stay on this journey as we continue counting down the greatest Pavement tracks, and join the discussion in our Facebook group! Keep flying the flag people!

MMT50 - 208: The Pavement Top 50 Countdown

In this episode of Meeting Malkmus: A Pavement Podcast, jD and guest Andy from Birmingham dive into song #7 on the Pavement countdown. They explore SMs lyrics, Pavement’s raw indie sound, and Malkmus’s distinctive voice that continues to captivate fans. Join the discussion as they look back at Pavement’s legacy and reflect on the unique, indie charm that defines the band.

Episode Highlights:.

• Pavement’s Influence on Indie Rock – Andy shares his experiences discovering Pavement in the 90s and the impact of Malkmus’s American accent on British fans.

• Pavement Live – Recalling the early 90s live performance in Birmingham where Pavement opened for Sonic Youth.

• Birmingham’s Indie Scene – Andy describes his time growing up in Birmingham’s vibrant indie rock scene, from record shops to mosh pits.

• Bonus – A discussion on Watery, Domestic, the EP Andy only recently discovered, and why it’s become a treasured addition to his collection.

About the Pavement Top 50 Countdown:

Every week, jD counts down the 50 greatest Pavement tracks as voted by fans. Listen as jD and guests break down each track, sharing personal stories, song insights, and Pavement memories. Episodes release weekly, leading up to the #1 track selected by fans.

Connect with Us:

• Email: jd.meetingmalkmus@gmail.com

• Website: dewvre.com/meetingmalkmus

• Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/meetingmalkmus

• Socials: @meetingmalkmus on all platforms

Thanks for tuning in to Meeting Malkmus. Don’t miss next week’s episode as we reveal song #6 and edge closer to the top of the countdown!

MMT50 - 208: The Pavement Top 50 Countdown

In this episode of Meeting Malkmus: A Pavement Podcast, jD Dew is joined by Pavement superfan Patrice from Richmond as they dive into song #8 on the countdown. Together, they unpack the nostalgia, indie rock essence, and lyrical introspection that makes Pavement such a beloved bandk. From origin stories to unforgettable live performances, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of Pavement’s legacy.

Episode Highlights:

• Pavement’s Indie Rock Impact – Discussing Stephen Malkmus’s songwriting style and the band’s journey from Slanted and Enchanted to Terror Twilight.

• Fan Origin Stories – Patrice shares her Pavement journey, from her early days with Last.FM to traveling internationally for Pavement shows.

• Live Show Memories – Reliving standout moments from Pavement’s 2022 tour, including the Central Park and Iceland residencies.

• Pavement Cover Bands and Indie Scene Insights – A deep dive into the 90s revival through cover bands, concert costs, and more.

About the Pavement Top 50 Countdown:

Each week, jD counts down the essential Pavement tracks as chosen by fans. Don’t miss the final reveal of the Top 50 songs and insider stories about Stephen Malkmus and the band’s journey through the indie rock scene. Episodes drop every week, leading up to the top track chosen by listeners.

Connect with Us:

• Email: jd.meetingmalkmus@gmail.com

• Website: dewvre.com/meetingmalkmus

• Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/meetingmalkmus

• Socials: @meetingmalkmus on all platforms

Thanks for tuning in to Meeting Malkmus. Subscribe to stay on the journey as we continue the countdown of Pavement’s most memorable tracks!

MMT50 - 209

In this episode of Meeting Malkmus, we’re diving into the Top 50 Countdown of Pavement’s most essential tracks with our special guest, Robbie from Grimsby! Join host JD as they discuss some of Pavement’s most iconic songs, explore the evolution of the band’s sound, and reminisce about personal stories of discovering Pavement.

Robbie shares his Pavement origin story—from being introduced to the seminal indie rock band during his college years to falling in love with albums like Crooked Rain and Wowie Zowie. Together, they discuss why albums like Bright in the Corners may take time to appreciate and how the narrative around these classic records has evolved.

Key Segments:

• [1:57] – Robbie’s Pavement Origin Story: Discover how Robbie from Grimsby found Pavement during the Twilight era and why Crooked Rain became his favorite.

• [4:31] – The Slow Burn of Bright in the Corners: Robbie reflects on how this album grew on him over time, and why Wowie Zowie clicked instantly.

• [7:28] – Ranking Albums: Robbie reveals his current go-to Pavement album, why Slanted and Enchanted holds a special place and the emotional connection that certain albums carry.

• [23:43] – Free Association in Pavement Lyrics: Robbie dissects the free-associative lyrics of Pavement, sharing his theories on Stephen Malkmus’s writing process.

Join us as we geek out on Pavement songs, dissect indie rock history, and debate the Top 50 Pavement Countdown. Is your favorite track ranked where it should be? Find out as JD and Robbie hash it out!

Stay Connected with Meeting Malkmus:

• Twitter: @meetingmalkmus

• Facebook: facebook.com/groups/meetingmalkmus

• Website: dewvre.com/meetingmalkmus

• Email: jd.meetingmalkmus@gmail.com

Don’t forget to tune in next week as we continue the Top 50 Countdown of the greatest Pavement tracks, chosen by you!

This episode was a fun journey through the seminal indie rock band’s catalog. If you’re a diehard Pavement fan, this episode is a must-listen!

MMT50 - RT2

In this episode of Meeting Malkmus, JD hosts a roundtable discussion with Pavement superfans as they break down the Pavement Top 50 countdown. From their live experiences to deep dives into SM's lyrical genius, join the conversation on Pavement‘s top songs and memories from the band’s iconic albums like Wowie Zowie, Crooked Rain Crooked Rain, and Terror Twilight.

Time Stamps & Highlights:

• [0:15] JD introduces the roundtable, where the group will discuss Pavement’s Top 50 countdown from songs 50 through 11.

• [0:29] Jimmy shares his excitement about scoring tickets to Pavement Live in New York and what he expects from the show.

• [4:03] Highlight: Jimmy talks about his excitement for “Give It a Day” making the list, describing it as one of his favorites in the 30s.

• [4:44] Chris celebrates Blue Hawaiian making the top 50, despite its unusual sound compared to other Pavement songs.

• [7:00] Boston Russ discusses his love for “Motion Suggests” and his memorable experience seeing Pavement play it live.

• [8:08] JD and the group reflect on the Watery Domestic EP and how songs like Greenlander would have been even better if extended into a 10-inch record.

• [10:28] Discussion: The group digs into the appeal of Pavement’s lesser-known tracks like Texas Never Whispers and Linden Lions.

• [12:46] Chris critiques Box Elder and Easily Fooled for being too simplistic compared to Pavement’s more evolved songs.

• [13:07] Highlight: The group discusses Half a Canyon and how it fared on other Pavement podcasts.

• [14:29] Nostalgia: The group reminisces about seeing Pavement live and how their songs evolved during their 2022 tour.

• [18:33] Boston Russ shares a story about hearing The Hex in Iceland, creating a magical fan moment.

• [25:15] Chris reflects on discovering Pavement in 2004 and wonders how fan age demographics affect the Pavement Top 50 list.

• [27:42] Discussion: The evolution of Pavement from their early lo-fi tracks like Slay Tracks to their more produced albums like Terror Twilight.

• [32:24] The group speculates which Pavement songs will make the top 10.

• [35:16] The impact of Crooked Rain Crooked Rain and tracks like Range Life and Gold Soundz in Pavement’s legacy.

• [39:04] Boston Russ gives a shoutout to his friend Sasha, who finally heard AT&T live after multiple attempts.

• [45:25] Final roundtable: Everyone guesses what they think will be the number one Pavement song in the Top 50 Countdown.

Key Takeaways:

• Fans of Pavement are deeply passionate about their favorite songs, and discussions like these reveal how eclectic the band’s music truly is.

• The band’s diverse sound across albums like Wowie Zowie, Slanted and Enchanted, and Crooked Rain Crooked Rain has created lasting memories for fans.

Connect with Us:

• Twitter & Instagram: @meetingmalkmus

• Facebook: Meeting Malkmus Facebook Group

• Website: Meeting Malkmus on Dewvre

Join the conversation, share your favorite Pavement memories, and stay tuned for the next episode of Meeting Malkmus!

MMT50 - 211

In this week’s episode of Pavement Top 50 Countdown, host jD is joined by Pavement superfan Martel for a deep dive into one of the top tracks in the band’s catalog as the countdown continues to edge closer to the Top 10.

Martel shares his Pavement origin story, recalling the magic of discovering the band back in 1994 when he first heard the Crooked Rain album. From teenage weekends at record shops to hearing those first iconic notes, Martel reflects on the life-changing moment when he became hooked on Pavement. He also recounts memories of the band’s live performances, from major festivals like Reading to more intimate shows, including their legendary 1999 gig in Hull.

jD and Martel discuss the unique melodic style and abstract lyrics of the featured track, diving into the mysteriousness and artistic creativity that defines Stephen Malkmus’s songwriting. They explore how Pavement’s music, much like the band itself, holds layers of meaning that reveal themselves over time. The two also touch on Pavement’s other standout albums, including Slanted and Enchanted, Wowie Zowie, and Watery Domestic, appreciating how the band’s work continues to stand the test of time.

Listeners will enjoy thoughtful conversations about the band’s place in 90s alternative music, the allure of their cryptic album artwork, and the continued fan devotion seen during the band’s reunion tour.

Tune in to hear the next track on the countdown and join jD and Martel as they celebrate the legacy of Pavement, one essential song at a time.

Key Topics:

• [00:52] Martel’s first encounter with Pavement’s music through Crooked Rain

• [02:20] Pavement’s distinctive sound, songwriting, and cryptic lyrics

• [05:17] Iconic live performances from Reading Festival to their intimate 1999 Hull gig

• [06:23] The enduring legacy of albums like Slanted and Enchanted and Wowie Zowie

• [17:11] The excitement around Pavement’s reunion tour and hopes for future music from Stephen Malkmus

Don’t miss the countdown as we get closer to unveiling the Top 10 tracks!

Connect with Us:

Follow the podcast on social media and stay up to date:

• Instagram and Twitter: @meetingmalkmus

• Facebook: facebook.com/groups/meetingmalkmus

Join the conversation, share your thoughts on Pavement’s music, and let us know where your favorite tracks land on the countdown!