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Rating: Scott Kannberg and Stephen Malkmus, for those who do not know them, were the heart and soul of Pavement, the voice and guitar of one of the most influential bands of the '80s/'90s. Although their primary creation has disbanded for some years now, the two continue to make waves with some solo projects, which retain the musical inclinations of their respective founders.
Today, Scott heads a new and interesting formation, namely the Preston School of Industry, who have recently arrived at their second work with "Monsoon" (end of February 2004, Domino Recording). The Preston School of Industry fully reflect what Scott represented within Pavement, thus the more pop and melody-driven soul of the band, as opposed to the more whimsical and oblique spirit embodied by Stephen.
The band's trajectory is currently on a steep ascent; if in their debut ("All This Sound Gas" 2001) there was still a strong connection with Scott's previous band, the new work appears to be a more independent effort. Sharply focused by extremely prolific creativity, the album is more organic, cohesive, and heterogeneous than its predecessor; which probably also included some never-released Pavement songs.
The result is excellent, twelve well-assorted songs of electro-acoustic ballads, pop songs, folk, and alt.country. A deep and positive sense of change prevails. Scott feels professionally reborn. It is no coincidence that the cover depicts a storm, but seen from the outside, the viewer is on the outside looking in, and indeed, from that position, they can glimpse the first rays of sun. Scott's musical rebirth coincides with, and is probably influenced by, his move from California to the more turbulent, both climatically and otherwise, Seattle.
Finally, adding value to the album are notable guests such as the complete Wilco and Scott McCaughey of the Minus 5. These two bands are omnipresent in discussions of alt.country today, and a good record in this genre almost cannot do without their presence. A must for lovers of American indie rock!
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
03 Caught in the Rain (03:10)
don’t know what I found there stuck in the muddle
yeah it was the big muddle gulping around
shiny redcoats bring it on
apprentice says print aren’t you lucky enough to
caught in the rain I’m caught in the rain
it’s always those with a past to claim
and I’ve always known quite a few
the world is not spinnin
fast enough for you
saw it on the street
seen it out on the trees
that’s right if you’re cold enough to lie than why not
caught in the rain I’m caught in the rain
hurry up sunny day
shout it out I’ll never wait
on Saturday maybe I don’t know
I’m not lying no
I’m caught in the rain
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