Shady Lane/Wanna Mess You Around

AMG Review of Shady Lane/Wanna Mess You Around

Marc Gilman
All Music Guide

There are two versions of the Shady Lane single as released by London's Domino records. This, the version containing the "Shady Lane (krossfader)" mix as well as two unreleased songs from the Brighten the Corners sessions ("Wanna Mess You Around" and "No Tan Lines"), is the superior single. In fact, the "krossfader" mix seems no different than the album version, and presumably is not -- certainly Pavement is not known for their sincerity. What is most surprising about this single is its seeming return to, or hint at, Pavement's earlier material. "Wanna Mess You Around" is a punk-inspired pop tune, replete with Stephen Malkmus' high-pitched yell and backward guitar solo. "Tan Lines" is a tongue-in-cheek ditty, with brilliant lines such as "Who will be my candystriper?/Junior league or bedpan wiper/Convalescent enema essence/I live to be gray/I live to be gra-hey." Although neither of these tracks would be at home on Brighten the Corners, they are formidable songs well worth picking up.