In January 1999, Pavement was riding high on the success of their 1997 album *Brighten the Corners*, which marked a significant moment in their career as they gained wider recognition within the indie rock scene. The live performance of "Shady Lane" on HBO's Reverb showcases the band's distinctive sound during a period when they were transitioning into a more accessible style, while still retaining their experimental roots. Interestingly, this performance postdates the release of their fourth studio album, and it was a time of growing acclaim for the band, leading up to their eventual breakup in 1999. The year marked a pivotal shift as they began to explore new directions, making live recordings like this one important artifacts of their evolving legacy.