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Pavement Come 'Back From the Dead' at Coachella

Stephen Malkmus (Pavement)Pavement performed their first festival show on U.S. soil in more than a decade on Sunday with a highly anticipated set on the main stage at Coachella. Still, within earshot, Phoenix simultaneously played the smaller Outdoor Theatre to a crowd that was more than double in size. No matter. Keeping casual about the whole affair from the get-go, they strolled leisurely on stage and commented simply "It's been a long time," in a way that was more matter-of-fact than rallying. And while various band members did make several nearly indulgent remarks such as "Are you happy to see Pavement again?" most of the set was without much fanfare -- that is, except by the fans themselves. Indeed, anyone in the audience that was old enough to remember when Lollapalooza was actually a touring festival were going crazy for such flashback classics as 'Shady Lane' and 'Gold Soundz.'

As they reportedly did at their first run of reunion shows earlier this year in Australia, Pavement ran a tight ship, musically -- something nobody would've ever accused them of the first time around. It wasn't that they were even particularly polished so much as they just sounded rehearsed and, dare we say, enthusiastic as they pulled out songs like 'Summer Babe,' 'Silence Kit,' 'Range Life' -- tunes that have become just as legendary as Pavement themselves during their decade apart.

"We're Pavement and we're back from the dead," said guitarist Spiral Stairs. Never one to take banter too seriously, frontman Stephen Malkmus added, "Christian Death!" Not everyone shared the humor, or even got it, but it didn't matter. What did matter? Pavement's triumphant set. Not only are they reunited but they're actually doing it this time. Turns out, practice makes perfect.

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Greg Christensen

Nice little article, but Pavement's first US date was last Thursday in Pomona - great venue, over 2 hours and 31 songs. The band sound better than ever and it beat the heck out of battling for a spot at Cochella.

April 20 2010 at 6:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dan

Pavement was one of the big reasons why I spent the money on a Coachella ticket. It was too bad that a lot of the people in the audience were kids trying to hold a spot for Gorillaz.

I was front and center, about 30 feet from the stage and I took several pictures of kids texting while Pavement was playing.

I was embarrased for them but the people who were there for Pavement did have a great time.

Gorillaz was OK, if they were a touring band that I thought I could see another time I would have left before they played.

April 20 2010 at 3:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply