Terror Twilight

iTunes Editors’ Notes

For Pavement’s swan song, the once lo-fi group come full circle, allowing Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich to slicken their sound until they resemble a smooth running pop group with just enough attitude and guitar punch to never lose their individuality. With singer Stephen Malkmus guiding the band’s melodies and one-liners there’s little worry of total conventionality. However, that doesn’t mean the gentler approach doesn’t require some getting used to. This is a band that made its reputation based on a sound often on the verge of a nervous breakdown and hearing all the parts come together without the expected chaos can cause some great moments to slip past. Besides, everything is slower. “Spit on a Stranger,” “Folk Jam” and “You Are A Light” are lush where the band would’ve once played it tough. Malkmus doesn’t reach for his shaky upper range, but settles into a low-key Lou Reed chronicling mode. It’s as if the band has gone folk-rock. They definitely turned pro. And upon this realization decided the band had run its course, having come full circle. The end.