| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| jediroller |
Posted - 05/15/2005 : 08:42:44
http://www.pinkushion.com/reportages.php3?id_article=434
An interview with French indie-popster Syd Matters about his top 5 albums.
An attempt at translating the part about FB:
No. 3: Frank Black, Teenager of the Year
It’s not necessarily an album I listen to a lot these days, but I used to listen to it very often. There are 22 songs on the album and not a single one is filler. There really are a lot of things in there, it’s like a big cake, but that’s also part of what I love about it, not being afraid of being ridiculous: it’s a bit kitsch and corny, but you don’t care, it’s all over the map and it’s extremely rich. Nobody can do what Frank Black does. It even made me change my mind about music: I used to think originality was essential. But it obviously doesn’t mean anything, because the more you listen to music and the more you realise that nothing is really original. On the other hand, personality is what really matters. His music may have become "sweeter"* with the Catholics, but he has so much personality that he could start a hyper-basic song and make it sound like nobody else. You can cover a Frank Black song, but nobody can do it as well as he does.
So you think his solo career is as good as the Pixies?
Absolutely, his first three albums are beyond criticism. Even The Cult of Ray is a great album, it’s actually the first I’ve heard. A song like "Men in Black", it’s terrific! So, yes, it has nothing to do with Nick Drake, but I love Frank Black’s guitar playing.
The specificity of Frank Black lies mostly in his unusual chord progressions.
Yes, the guy really searches. And, again, his guitar is low in the mix, you can barely hear him. Well, now he’s going for a big sound, but he used to have this crazy stuff with three totally discordant notes, it’s always on the move. So, of course, everybody thinks the Pixies were great, and I’m the first to say it. But what he did afterward is good too.
Have you heard about the Pixies reunion and them opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers?
I’ve read that, yes, and I wonder what it will be like. I’m a bit annoyed that they open for the Peppers. I’ll go but I think they might realise it wasn’t such a good idea to get together again. But if that’s the price to pay to see them…
* French "acidulé": it's something you say about candy...
Clara Bow had a Bronx honk |
| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Ziggy |
Posted - 05/16/2005 : 07:44:03
It's good to see the solo career getting the praise it rightly deserves! |
| Broken Face |
Posted - 05/16/2005 : 06:27:56
i'll move it to making noise. thanks for posting!
-Brian
If you move I shoots!
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| two reelers |
Posted - 05/15/2005 : 11:22:18
wow, this guy says EXACTLY what i think about the album. ABSOLUTELY EXACTLY.
I joined the cult of Souled American / 'cause they are a damn' fine band |
| jediroller |
Posted - 05/15/2005 : 11:09:02
He's made two albums so far. I've got the first one, it's low-key, whispery pop music. Not bad at all, some nice melodies. But very serious, would gain from being a little more playful from time to time IMO.
Sort of like, um... no comparison springs to mind except Minor Majority, but I can already hear you ask who they are too.
Clara Bow had a Bronx honk |
| Frog in the Sand |
Posted - 05/15/2005 : 11:01:34
quote:
Originally posted by kathryn
a kind moderator will move it.
can you tell me/us more bout syd matters? never heard of him.
 I still believe in the excellent joy of the Catholics
He's the founder, president, and only member as far as I know, of the CORFC (Cult of Ray Fan Club).
 Sometimes you're the windshield / Sometimes you're the bug |
| kathryn |
Posted - 05/15/2005 : 10:36:48
a kind moderator will move it.
can you tell me/us more bout syd matters? never heard of him.
I still believe in the excellent joy of the Catholics |
| jediroller |
Posted - 05/15/2005 : 09:50:50
I'm fooked if I know.
Clara Bow had a Bronx honk |
| kathryn |
Posted - 05/15/2005 : 09:42:26
Thanks for posting! Very interesting. Should be in fb making noise, though?
I still believe in the excellent joy of the Catholics |
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