The Heart & Soul Of A Band Called Pavement

Photo by Gail Butensky

Now, we all know lots of stuff about that dreamboat Stephen Malkmus. We get it. He’s a lyrical genius, a hugely underrated guitar player, and he’s real cute. We also know enough, for now, about Spiral Stairs, Malkmus’s partner in Pavement leadership. He too can shred far above the usual indie-rock mope, he has a clean-cut, educated-frat-boy sort of appeal, and we won’t be surprised when he launches a sweet solo career at some point. It’s bound to happen.

But what about those other guys? The guys who stand to the sides of the stage during Pavement shows? The unsung, secret-weapon, meat-and-potatoes Pavement soldiers!

Mark Ibold, he plays the bass and he is the heart of the band because, first of all, basses make thumping sounds and so do hearts and, second, because he is second only to Malkmus in terms of indie sex symbols. He is a heartthrob who makes chicks with baby bangs the world over moisten their panties.

Bob Nastanovich, who plays… stuff, like second percussion, is the soul of Pavement because onstage he is like Pavement’s collective unleashed id. He’s like a wild monkey, or at least a wild drunk uncle. He is to Pavement what Bez is to the Happy Mondays.

So we talked to Bob and Mark because we love them and people aren’t asking them enough what they think about the fact that their band just put out Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, the best album of the year.

(PS: Sorry, but their new drummer is still on probation as far as we’re concerned. We liked that psycho Gary Young who they used to have playing drums. So Steve West… we’ll see how it goes.)

interviewed by bob nickas

Vice: Crooked Rain has a very California feel, but it was recorded here in New York. Is it true that the “studio” where you recorded was a windowless apartment on the 18th floor of a building in Hell’s Kitchen? What was that like?

Mark Ibold:

And you used quite a bit of vintage equipment because the guy who gave you that space worked in a music store.

What’s your favorite track on the album?

That’s my favorite too. I listen to it whenever I’m feeling bummed—“the forces against you,” and “I know everybody wants to put you down/But I know everybody’s gonna put me down.” Do you have a least favorite track?

“Cut Your Hair” is a really catchy song, an obvious choice for a single. It reminds me of this guy I met. I walked into a crowded museum opening and he was standing with some other people but I only noticed him. He had long hair, and right away I thought: We’re going to be friends. We hung out that evening and the following afternoon. The very next time I saw him he had cut his hair. It was and wasn’t the same person. I told him that he had made a big mistake. He said that he grows his hair long, then cuts it, and grows it back. We became good friends pretty fast, so I’m waiting for it to grow back now. Has anything like that ever happened to you?

How has the album been received?

Ha-ha, funny. You’re not the songwriter, but I have to ask—the very last line of “Silence Kit”: “Screwin’ myself with my hand.” Is that what I think it’s about?

I imagine you’re touring everywhere to promote the record. What places are you most looking forward to?

Will you be going to Europe?

I know that you’re really into food. Any tips on great places you’ve been to on tour?

“Hit the Plane Down,” Scott’s song, reminds me of the Fall, although not as much as “Two States” from your previous record, Slanted and Enchanted. That’s the one band that everyone in Pavement agrees on, right? If you ever covered a Fall song which one would it be?

That’s a great choice. Either that or “The Classical.” Stephen could really carry that line—”I’ve never felt better in my life.” There’s one song on Crooked Rain, “5 – 4 = Unity,” that sounds like Dave Brubeck, a little tweaked, but still. Where did that come from?

Malkmus has said that this song “Heaven Is a Truck” is about the singer from Royal Trux, meaning Jennifer Herrema, I guess. You’ve referred to her as Jennifer Trux. Have you toured with them? What are they like?

You’ve previously played with the Dust Devils and are now in Free Kitten with Julie Cafritz and Kim Gordon. How different is it from those bands to be in Pavement?

Finally, I have to ask, what’s all this pseudo controversy over “Range Life”? I mean, no one really cares about the Trashy Bumpkins or Stone Pimple Toilets.

Photo courtesy of Matador Records

interviewed by jeff johnson

Vice: So what’s going on with you guys?

Do you ever wanna kill each other?

Why?

Star Trek

Chickfactor

Still, Pavement feels more like a band now, right? I saw you guys on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno recently—holding hands when you were done performing. Like superheroes or a unified force of some sort.

The Tonight Show With Jay Leno

Leno

That’s a strange encounter.

Jaws!

I think some critic called your new album Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain a concept album about being 28.

Slanted and Enchanted

Slanted and Enchanted

Village Voice

Does the attention Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain is getting now overwhelm you?

Do you know Kurt Cobain?

This is kind of a weird segue, but have you tried out email?

What do you think of Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain being named Vice’s Album of the Year?