| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Bedbug |
Posted - 02/11/2018 : 01:30:54
Which 2.0 song had the greatest potential and fell short?
I would say Silver Snail.
When I heard the solo live recording I thought that it was going to be some really sick Frank Black outer space thing kind of like Parry the Wind High, Low.
I'm not saying it's a total failure. But I do have to admit that I try to like it a lot more than I actually like it.
A second choice would be Indy Cindie. Again, the solo live is cool, but the actual song is not as great as I hoped.
Third would be Baal's Back. Man, I just think this should be so much more than it is on the album. It's more like Grandma's Back, and not in a Grandma Dynamite kind of way.
Thoughts? |
| 35 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Bedbug |
Posted - 12/12/2018 : 03:44:23
quote:
Originally posted by Jason Bravo
quote:
Originally posted by Bedbug
It's interesting to me that (and I say this is a who cares sort of way): the pixies blew it twice with the opportunity to blow up huge.
First, they broke up right before alternative became the hot thing and if they had stayed together through like 94 and released one more album it probably would have gone platinum and then who knows how big they would have gotten.
And second, you only get one chance to come back with your first album in 20 years, and no matter how much you might love Indie Cindy I think we all can admit it was at the very least underwhelming. If it had been mind blowing on the level of 1.0 or good solo FB / BF stuff it probably would have catapulted them to another level.
But again, who cares. I don't care. But I did take the time to type all this so I guess I care a little.
I used to share this same viewpoint/opinion many years ago about Pixies becoming something "really big" if they would have remained together in the 90's. They were/are and always will be a fringe act, and basically on purpose. Even if they would have remained together I realistically don't think they would have become much more popular than they were in '91. One of the main reasons in my opinion is because of the lyrics in their songs. No politics, (really to speak of), and that almost became the national anthem in 90's rock. Pearl Jam, Green Day, etc...Puke! Either political songs or, political movements, or just sad emo songs about close girlfriends or friends dying sadly/pathetically just over and over again and again. Part of what made/makes the Pixies great is for the most part, the lack of these redundant and cliche themes.
Assuming you're right that could partly explain why WIMM is their biggest hit. It's title and lyrics could sound more emo than a lot of the FBF lyrics do.
But still a whole bunch of bands experienced a bump in 93 94 because of the alternative craze and I'm sure the pixies would have too. People's grandmas were buying Experimental Jet Set Trash and No Star just because it was in the alternative section. And that band with the kid in the bee suit. All sorts of whatever. |
| Jason Bravo |
Posted - 12/11/2018 : 17:06:10
quote:
Originally posted by Bedbug
It's interesting to me that (and I say this is a who cares sort of way): the pixies blew it twice with the opportunity to blow up huge.
First, they broke up right before alternative became the hot thing and if they had stayed together through like 94 and released one more album it probably would have gone platinum and then who knows how big they would have gotten.
And second, you only get one chance to come back with your first album in 20 years, and no matter how much you might love Indie Cindy I think we all can admit it was at the very least underwhelming. If it had been mind blowing on the level of 1.0 or good solo FB / BF stuff it probably would have catapulted them to another level.
But again, who cares. I don't care. But I did take the time to type all this so I guess I care a little.
I used to share this same viewpoint/opinion many years ago about Pixies becoming something "really big" if they would have remained together in the 90's. They were/are and always will be a fringe act, and basically on purpose. Even if they would have remained together I realistically don't think they would have become much more popular than they were in '91. One of the main reasons in my opinion is because of the lyrics in their songs. No politics, (really to speak of), and that almost became the national anthem in 90's rock. Pearl Jam, Green Day, etc...Puke! Either political songs or, political movements, or just sad emo songs about close girlfriends or friends dying sadly/pathetically just over and over again and again. Part of what made/makes the Pixies great is for the most part, the lack of these redundant and cliche themes. |
| Stevio10 |
Posted - 12/11/2018 : 00:17:37
It's interesting listening to Indie Cindy having got used to Paz being involved and her vocals not there.
By no means their best song but I was listening to Ring the Bell and thinking that song could have worked very well slowed down, almost acoustic (calm down those drums Dave) with Paz singing lead vocal / harmonising with Charles. Like a wave of mutilation surf mix version.
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| Bedbug |
Posted - 12/10/2018 : 10:12:47
It's interesting to me that (and I say this is a who cares sort of way): the pixies blew it twice with the opportunity to blow up huge.
First, they broke up right before alternative became the hot thing and if they had stayed together through like 94 and released one more album it probably would have gone platinum and then who knows how big they would have gotten.
And second, you only get one chance to come back with your first album in 20 years, and no matter how much you might love Indie Cindy I think we all can admit it was at the very least underwhelming. If it had been mind blowing on the level of 1.0 or good solo FB / BF stuff it probably would have catapulted them to another level.
But again, who cares. I don't care. But I did take the time to type all this so I guess I care a little. |
| trevgreg |
Posted - 12/09/2018 : 06:29:22
quote:
Originally posted by Troubles A Foot
I like the album a lot more than Head Carrier, I was really surprised by the general consensus here (and in like every review) that Head Carrier was some sort of return to form or back to basics Pixies album. Not just surprised, totally baffled. I don't hear it as that at all. Aside from maybe 2 or 3 songs I don't like, Indie to me feels like a crazy weird classic kind of Pixies album.
I'm similar. Head Carrier didn't quite strike me as hard as Indie Cindy did, although I do like a few of the songs off it. Indie Cindy isn't a perfect album for me, but I really enjoyed most of the stuff on there. |
| Sprite |
Posted - 11/08/2018 : 12:41:05
quote:
Originally posted by picpic
Same opinion on Jaime Bravo then ? I love this song. Chord progressions, great Santiago score, the whole bullfighting imagery and, intriguingly enough, never performed onstage
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London Roundhouse, 2044, Be there :) |
| Bedbug |
Posted - 11/08/2018 : 10:37:15
I love Jaime Bravo too! Oh heck, I love everything the dude has ever done. I just am spoiled by 1988 to 1994 like every body else.
I too find it odd that Jaime has never been done live, especially since Joey has gone on record saying he really likes how he scored it. |
| picpic |
Posted - 11/08/2018 : 10:04:57
Sounds very Pixies to my ears, but whatever ! I guess we all hear different things.
Same opinion on Jaime Bravo then ? I love this song. Chord progressions, great Santiago score, the whole bullfighting imagery and, intriguingly enough, never performed onstage
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| Bedbug |
Posted - 11/08/2018 : 07:18:39
quote:
Originally posted by picpic
quote:
Originally posted by Bedbug
I can admit that What Goes Boom has grown on me, as has a lot of IC.
I bet Another Toe is on your daily playlist !
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I was never really a toe hater. I would gladly listen to it today! But no, it does not even remotely resemble the band called "The Pixies." Sounds more like a mid 90s alternative one hit wonder band that you hear at the mall. |
| picpic |
Posted - 11/08/2018 : 04:51:33
quote:
Originally posted by Bedbug
I can admit that What Goes Boom has grown on me, as has a lot of IC.
I bet Another Toe is on your daily playlist !
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| Bedbug |
Posted - 11/07/2018 : 11:51:16
I can admit that What Goes Boom has grown on me, as has a lot of IC.
HC on the other hand is trending down. Even my once beloved Tenement Song hardly gets a listen any more.
Strange days. |
| picpic |
Posted - 11/03/2018 : 09:51:01
quote:
Originally posted by sdon
Oona is the gem on HC
Oona is marvelous.
And What Goes Boom gets me every time. This song could easily fit on Trompe. That’s the kind of sound I’m missing the most on HC (and supposedly on the next one).
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| Troubles A Foot |
Posted - 11/03/2018 : 07:50:00
I like the album a lot more than Head Carrier, I was really surprised by the general consensus here (and in like every review) that Head Carrier was some sort of return to form or back to basics Pixies album. Not just surprised, totally baffled. I don't hear it as that at all. Aside from maybe 2 or 3 songs I don't like, Indie to me feels like a crazy weird classic kind of Pixies album. |
| Bedbug |
Posted - 11/03/2018 : 04:46:08
quote:
Originally posted by Troubles A Foot
I think Indie Cindy feels more like a Pixies album exactly because it's so confusing and exciting and unpredictable...Headcarrier has some solid pop songs but Indie Cindy is a freak.
I think Greens and Blues is really ruined by the overcompression and all that stuff. That acoustic intro should be quiet and then your face should melt when the whole band kicks in. Instead they are the same volume as one acoustic guitar.
Agreed that IC is freakish, but that's not always a good thing. |
| Troubles A Foot |
Posted - 10/31/2018 : 11:23:00
I think Indie Cindy feels more like a Pixies album exactly because it's so confusing and exciting and unpredictable...Headcarrier has some solid pop songs but Indie Cindy is a freak.
I think Greens and Blues is really ruined by the overcompression and all that stuff. That acoustic intro should be quiet and then your face should melt when the whole band kicks in. Instead they are the same volume as one acoustic guitar. |
| Bedbug |
Posted - 10/31/2018 : 10:03:32
Yes absolutely, that’s what I mean and how I feel:
I like and dislike Bagboy at the same time. A very challenging experience in good and bad ways.
If all of 2.0 could have been that way it would have really been something |
| Jeepster |
Posted - 10/31/2018 : 09:43:49
I'm still absolutely baffled by Bagboy. I can't even formulate an opinion because that song just confuses me
-----------------------
Q: Where do Pixies keep their instruments when they're not playing?
A: Debasement. |
| Bedbug |
Posted - 10/31/2018 : 01:50:51
Boy, Bagboy is a mixed bag isn’t it?
Opinions |
| sdon |
Posted - 10/31/2018 : 01:10:25
quote:
Originally posted by yarbles
I actually prefer what Bagboy turned into in later live versions, after Paz had joined.... BF's vocals became more unhinged and screamy/yelpy. It seemed to flow better too in my opinion, with longer bluesy-esque intros with just the drums and Paz's foot organ....
meh
extended intro always sounded filler to me
Studio version has a nice balance / length, and an almost albinesque sound
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"Aristophanes! (gong sounds)" |
| yarbles |
Posted - 10/31/2018 : 00:09:46
I actually prefer what Bagboy turned into in later live versions, after Paz had joined.... BF's vocals became more unhinged and screamy/yelpy. It seemed to flow better too in my opinion, with longer bluesy-esque intros with just the drums and Paz's foot organ.... |
| sdon |
Posted - 10/30/2018 : 22:27:31
Solo versions of Andro Queen, Greens and Blues, Silver Snail, Indie Cindy... were marvellous, weird, deep, lo-fi, moving
Production made them too slick, slow, predictable.
Bagboy is the real achievement on IC, always better than live versions it seems (except maybe vocally on the outro)
Oona is the gem on HC
Hope they nail Please Don't Go
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"Aristophanes! (gong sounds)" |
| yarbles |
Posted - 10/30/2018 : 12:51:37
I kind of agree Sprite. The solo versions of Classic Masher Charles played in 2013 were really promising.... had a much better vibe/almost somber quality to it. I like the Head Carrier version (although I agree the first bit drags until Dave comes in with the full beat)... but all in all I liked the original solo version better. |
| Sprite |
Posted - 10/30/2018 : 12:09:54
Good question, definitely got me thinking. I am going to go for Classic Masher as the melody is brilliant but I find the track almost unlistenable because of the production but also it feels a bit stilted in the execution up until the point it speeds up.
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| Bedbug |
Posted - 10/30/2018 : 11:07:05
After kicking this topic around in my head for a while...
I am still sticking with Silver Snail.
A great concept and good song that could have been really, really good.
If they mess up O Little Cloud then that will take the top spot in my opinion.
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| Bedbug |
Posted - 02/16/2018 : 18:53:16
With Shattuck! |
| Bedbug |
Posted - 02/16/2018 : 18:52:34
This live version of silver snail is ill. Not too much diff than studio, but love the Frank of it all
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=91a84KoaYds |
| Bedbug |
Posted - 02/16/2018 : 04:06:04
Re: Baal’s Back, I “like” it too, but that isn’t the question here, as much as, “Did it live up to its potential?” I think even if you like it you admit that the studio version could be better.
I like Silver Snail too, but it’s my #1 pick for missed potential. |
| picpic |
Posted - 02/16/2018 : 03:26:45
Great song onstage. HC version sucks.
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| Discoking |
Posted - 02/15/2018 : 21:52:50
i love baal's back.
 it's educational |
| The Maharal |
Posted - 02/15/2018 : 14:01:42
I still enjoy Baal's Back. It's the bastard child of mcluskey and Pixies and that's a good thing. |
| Bedbug |
Posted - 02/13/2018 : 05:16:13
Also,
Re: Baal’s Back; the only explanation that makes sense to me is that Black was trying to create an anti-type of experience, where it’s like a potentially savage song is repressed / stifled in order to create some kind of effect.
In one way, Baal’s Back is kind of like Dougie Jones from Twin Peaks. You know there is something way cooler inside, but the director is not giving you what you want / expect. |
| Bedbug |
Posted - 02/13/2018 : 05:12:25
I think Classic Masher is cool enough. It’s probably unfair to say it didn’t live up to its potential just because there were a lot of people Super hyped on it.
I really think with Silver Snail somebody should have spoke up and said “Hey, this just didn’t come out right, let’s completley overhaul it.” |
| picpic |
Posted - 02/13/2018 : 00:07:57
quote:
Originally posted by jake3
In terms of Head Carrier I'd say Classic Masher, as it felt special when Frank initially played it live and I really don't like the studio intro. Baal's Back also. Not sure what on earth happened there.
An abomination.
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| jake3 |
Posted - 02/12/2018 : 07:47:06
Yeah I agree with Silver Snail. Greens and Blues needed to be somewhat faster than the studio version. The live intro to Magdalena would have been cool to hear properly recorded and lends weight to the idea the band should have given some tracks a longer gestation period and perhaps tried them out live (as a band) first, even though I guess that would have ruined the surprise (for most). The music video intro to Blue Eyed Hexe is neat, though that's probably something the video creator made, the album needed some weirder moments like that. Another Toe in the Ocean, Andro Queen and Jamie Bravo are all far too slick for my tastes and Ring the Bell is beyond saving.
In terms of Head Carrier I'd say Classic Masher, as it felt special when Frank initially played it live and I really don't like the studio intro. Baal's Back also. Not sure what on earth happened there. |
| picpic |
Posted - 02/12/2018 : 01:12:06
Yeah, about Masher, the solo version had greater potential than the steroïds-fueled HC version with those strange volume shifts during choruses. Good song, sounds OK, but I was hoping for something else.
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