Warning: This collection is not for fans of high-fidelity music. Pavement's early days were marred by murk; call it the limitation of the early days of any band, but nobody in the early '90s wanted this sound. Pavement sei... more »zed it, wrapped it up in enigmatic packages, and soon a cult following was born. Westing (by Musket and Sextant) captures several early 7-inches and EPs for a look back at Pavement's gestation. All the essential elements are here, from Stephen Malkmus's beyond-bebop lyricism to white-heat guitars that sound like they're coming from the dark side of an Edison cylinder. Anyone swayed by the last couple of Pavement albums may not enjoy this collection unless they also appreciate edgy acts like the Fall and Swell Maps. It sounds quite tinny and one may wonder if there's anything on Westing that resembles a radio-ready hit. Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? --Jason Josephes« less
Warning: This collection is not for fans of high-fidelity music. Pavement's early days were marred by murk; call it the limitation of the early days of any band, but nobody in the early '90s wanted this sound. Pavement seized it, wrapped it up in enigmatic packages, and soon a cult following was born. Westing (by Musket and Sextant) captures several early 7-inches and EPs for a look back at Pavement's gestation. All the essential elements are here, from Stephen Malkmus's beyond-bebop lyricism to white-heat guitars that sound like they're coming from the dark side of an Edison cylinder. Anyone swayed by the last couple of Pavement albums may not enjoy this collection unless they also appreciate edgy acts like the Fall and Swell Maps. It sounds quite tinny and one may wonder if there's anything on Westing that resembles a radio-ready hit. Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? --Jason Josephes
"there are those albums that you listen to, say what the??? and they sit for a year or two. then you revisit them and find a lost treasure. this is one of those albums. i bought this little gem when it first came out, loved a couple of songs and basically shelved it for 2 or so years. grabbed it for a road trip and fell in love . this album, in some cynical produced unproduced way, captures the insanity that is pavement live. go see stephen malkmus... he's still making the rounds and gives me faith that some where great music is still being made... this album ist rad from start to finish. pop it in yer ipod and walk around the city watching people for a few hours.... just make sure it's loud... ..."
Great album for Pavement fans... Of BOTH types of Pavement
Michael G. Scarola | Westbury, NY United States | 02/28/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I've read many reviews about this album (showing my age with that word) stating that its a great album for those who like Slanted and Enchanted, but those who like albums like Wowee Zowee or anything else, will hate it. That cant be further from the truth. Here's the deal. Like most good bands, Pavement grew. They started with a pretty indie/punk sound (which is great) that turned into the amazing Slanted and Enchanted. With that being said, this is the roots of that sound. Very raw, indie recordings that are uptempo and very fun. I love later Pavement albums, and I love this album. If you like the bands full catalog, not just Terror Twilight/Brighten the Corners, then you'll love this album. Get it! The good bands dont sound the same on every album, Pavement included. Yet, there ALL great. Just different. You dont get a completely complex album like Wowee Zowee, without having some roots. These are those roots. Enjoy! I do."
Pavement
Anthony J. Duffy | manchester | 04/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"in my opinion this album is worth it for one reason alone. 23 songs in 47 minutes, it may not have the majesty of the fine albums to follow, which ever be your favorite, but it showcases pavement in the early nineties, its beautiful on vinyl and not much more than the cd , well worth owning"
Not perfect, but among Pavement's best.
DDT | The Greatest City in America | 07/01/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Among their albums with which I am familiar, this is not Pavement's most accessible, but it is their most energetic, frenetic, and raw. While albums like Slanted/Enchanted and Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain were arguably their best, the Westing collection exhibits the works they wrote before they reached their peak. The contrast shows how polished they became just shortly after their infancy. Side one is aggressive, punchy and brilliant, while side two shows glimpses of the genius that would later launch them into the national underground limelight with more poppy songs overlaid with Jesus and Mary Chain like distortion feedback. On side two, is actually an early version of Slanted and Enchanted's first track, Summer Babe. The fact that the collection is mostly discordant and lo-fi sets this album apart from most of their work, but gives good insight into how they emerged through the influenced of bands like The Velvet Underground and Sonic Youth."
Track Listings (21) - Disc #1
