The Shrine of Dig represents music that has made indelible impressions on our lives, both musically and personally. We plan to enshrine works and artists that stand out for any number of special reasons, from those glorious moments we first heard something captivating and new, through the continuous impacts of the music upon our lives. The induction ceremony involves multiple posts where we will both explore and pay tribute to the words and sounds which have been so important to us. In doing so, we share with you some music we believe is damn near infallible and absolutely worth listening to. View all
Pavement – Grounded
The Shrine of Dig represents music that has made indelible impressions on our lives, both musically and personally. We plan to enshrine works and artists that stand out for any number of special reasons, from those glorious moments we first heard something captivating and new, through the continuous impacts of the music upon our lives. The induction ceremony involves multiple posts where we will both explore and pay tribute to the words and sounds which have been so important to us. In doing so, we share with you some music we believe is damn near infallible and absolutely worth listening to.
I'm going to lead off here with the admission that everything I write is purely speculative. I really have no idea why I love this song. This has happened to me throughout the course of my life, and it would be interesting to sit down one day and try to list all the songs that have touched me in this fashion. It's different then latching on to a song because it's eternally catchy (I'm looking at you, Cee-lo); it's more of a psychoanalytic attachment where the appeal is based in the subconscious.
"Grounded" is not a masterpiece, and it's not in the Canon of Classic Pavement Songs. It's generally considered a solid song on a controversial record, but not much more. Maybe I just like rooting for the underdog.
I've always loved this song from the (or maybe because of the) opening guitar melody. That evolving two note repetition is so meaningful and perfectly distorted. Every seemingly random jab of chords, notes, or distorted noise that pops in throughout the verses is perfection. The harmonic notes give me goosebumps. Slow and steady drumming and stealthy bass lines allow the distorted guitar room to speak. It's at the chorus that the song slays. As Malkmus finishes his line the guitar builds higher and higher until it erupts in a burst of anguish and dissonance. There's just something more emotionally grounded (see what I did there?) about this song then most of Pavement's catalogue.
Vocally, "Grounded" includes every aspect of Malkmus' voice. The slurred gap between words is there. The occasional yelped word is in full force. Sometimes you pick up an odd inflection on a word. The song is about doctors and their questionable ethics in relation to their pay-scales…I guess. The lyrics have the opaqueness you come to love from Malkmus.
Play "Grounded" through a few times. I can't promise that you'll truly experience the song as I do, but I'm sure you have some personal gems of your own.