Pavement -- Slanted and Enchanted

  Abstract, nerdy, noisy, catchy debut release by monolithic Indie Rock band Pavement.  These guys totally leveled the playing field.  This album solidified the meaning and sound as to what American Indie Rock actually is/ was.  There had been some records that came close but they were always too loud or too arty, Slanted and Enchanted was able to mix all the previous Indie elements into one solid sound ... that still lives on today like an archetype.

Footnote: This opinion is a toss-up between Sebadoh III ... but that might be too arty?