The Desolation of Appearances | Range Life | Pavement

Pavement's "Range Life" is a song that has become synonymous with the indie rock movement of the 1990s. Released in 1994 on their second album, Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, the song is often cited as one of the band's best works.

At its core, "Range Life" is a song about disconnection and disillusionment. The lyrics paint a picture of a world that is increasingly sterile and artificial, where people are more concerned with appearances than genuine human connection. The opening lines, "I don't know what's wrong / With the way things are going," set the tone for the rest of the song, which is characterized by a sense of unease and discontent.

Musically, "Range Life" is a slow-burning track that features Stephen Malkmus's distinctive vocals and guitar work. The song's tempo is deliberate and plodding, giving the lyrics room to breathe and allowing the listener to fully absorb the emotional impact of the words. The instrumentation is sparse but effective, with a simple drumbeat and minimalist bassline providing a foundation for Malkmus's introspective lyrics.

Lyrically, "Range Life" is a song that speaks to the anxieties and fears of a generation. The lines, "I don't want to be a part / Of this range life," are particularly telling, as they capture the sense of disaffection and disillusionment that many people felt in the wake of the 1990s' commercialism and superficiality.

Overall, "Range Life" is a song that has stood the test of time. Its themes of alienation and disconnection continue to resonate with listeners today, making it a powerful and enduring work from one of indie rock's most beloved bands.