This is the most meta and probably cockiest Pavement song. I think it's about writing a song. The first three lines reference the fans (welcome to friends), the music (foundation...could be bass and drums) and the transcendent power of good music (feelings are warm).
The elliptic soul refers to how the lyrics and music of a Pavement song will always come off skewed, unlike a full circle, which is easier to understand. One need only compare the bredth of lyrical depth and musical complexity on a Pavement album with the alternative crap on the radio when this song came out. An ellipse is often associated with altered perception and reflection. The "slap is a gift" is the cocky idea (but probably true) that Pavement revitalized rock n' roll (after all, rock's cheeks had lost its luster) by the hubbub it created in the indie rock world.
Tape machine line - refers to the recording process.
The Aloha and dog lines- refer to perception and self-awareness and does so in a typically ironic and ridiculous manner. More "meta" stuff that can be packed full with all types of meaning: Is Pavement closer to the beginning or end? What is the nature of a dog?
Some other posters have alluded to the capital "S" and "T" being Stephen Malkmus; and the "tones are grouped in clusters" is a musical concept whereby three consecutive chords are struck consecutively, creating a disonant sound. Then the guitar actually chimes in with the dissonance. It's like the lyrics work as a tour guide to the musical landscape of the song.
The last two lines reflect the attitudes of the fans, some of whom wanted the band to go back to the "Slanted" sound or the "Crooked Rain" sound. But repeating the past is not really an option.
Ahola = Pavement's lyrics having multiple meanings, not forgetting the hello/goodbye boiling down language into context and not taken on face value.
Seems like a comment on Irony.
Ahola = Pavement's lyrics having multiple meanings, not forgetting the hello/goodbye boiling down language into context and not taken on face value.
Seems like a comment on Irony.
This is the most meta and probably cockiest Pavement song. I think it's about writing a song. The first three lines reference the fans (welcome to friends), the music (foundation...could be bass and drums) and the transcendent power of good music (feelings are warm).
The elliptic soul refers to how the lyrics and music of a Pavement song will always come off skewed, unlike a full circle, which is easier to understand. One need only compare the bredth of lyrical depth and musical complexity on a Pavement album with the alternative crap on the radio when this song came out. An ellipse is often associated with altered perception and reflection. The "slap is a gift" is the cocky idea (but probably true) that Pavement revitalized rock n' roll (after all, rock's cheeks had lost its luster) by the hubbub it created in the indie rock world.
Tape machine line - refers to the recording process.
The Aloha and dog lines- refer to perception and self-awareness and does so in a typically ironic and ridiculous manner. More "meta" stuff that can be packed full with all types of meaning: Is Pavement closer to the beginning or end? What is the nature of a dog?
Some other posters have alluded to the capital "S" and "T" being Stephen Malkmus; and the "tones are grouped in clusters" is a musical concept whereby three consecutive chords are struck consecutively, creating a disonant sound. Then the guitar actually chimes in with the dissonance. It's like the lyrics work as a tour guide to the musical landscape of the song.
The last two lines reflect the attitudes of the fans, some of whom wanted the band to go back to the "Slanted" sound or the "Crooked Rain" sound. But repeating the past is not really an option.
Nailed it.
Nailed it.
Ahola = Pavement's lyrics having multiple meanings, not forgetting the hello/goodbye boiling down language into context and not taken on face value. Seems like a comment on Irony.
Ahola = Pavement's lyrics having multiple meanings, not forgetting the hello/goodbye boiling down language into context and not taken on face value. Seems like a comment on Irony.