Since the landmark release of Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain in 1994, it’s often been said that every indie band since Pavement has been influenced by its deceptively simple music – which in fact hit Abbey Road-like heights at times – and singer/guitarist Stephen Malkmus’ affectionate literacy. Yes, Pavement is back together after 11 years apart; and yes, their new “best of” collection will make that reunion more profitable. Serious Pavement fans already own and cherish even the most hard-to-find recordings the quintessential indie rock group recorded from 1989-1999, but for newbies and those of us who only own the longplays and a few singles, Quarantine the Past finally offers cheap and pleasing access to highlights of the NorCal heroes’ entire catalog, from lo-fi pre-Matador cuts to 90’s hits like “Cut Your Hair” to EP and compilation obscurities.
Adam Perry 