Pavement’s sloppy, unwashed introduction to the world at large came with their now-classic 1992 debut Slanted and Enchanted, which established them as the definitive ‘90s indie rock band. Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, the slightly more polished 1994 follow up, is just as often overlooked. Matador Records’ recent 10th anniversary edition of that album, Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain: L.A.’s Desert Origins, reasserts that it’s just as important as Slanted, and possibly even a better listen. Like most other two-CD reissues, there is some fluff that will try the patience of even the most devoted fans. Regardless, the additions overwhelmingly add to an already classic album, which should be required listening for anyone interested in indie rock.
The first disc features b-sides and compilation-only songs from the era, in addition to the 12 near-perfect original tracks. The highlights are the quiet, melancholy “Strings of Nashville” and “Unseen Power of the Picket Fence,” a tongue-in-cheek tribute to R.E.M.
The second disc starts with a set of demos with original drummer Gary Young, yielding a fantastic pair of leadoff tracks in “All My Friends” and “Soiled Little Filly.” Both of these follow Slanted’s formula of loose, nonchalant, noisy pop. The disc closes, though, with four live tracks from a session with recently-deceased BBC radio legend John Peel, which are among the best in the entire package.
The accompanying 64-page booklet will be just as much of a draw for longtime fans as the extra songs. It includes interviews with Stephen Malkmus and Spiral Stairs, the band’s two songwriters, as well as one with label owner Gerard Cosloy. Additionally, it includes Malkmus’ commentary on the songs, dozens of period photos and assorted memorabilia.
