As frontman for pogo-ing post-punk band the Pixies, Frank Black “arguably did more to inspire a generation of alt-rock musicians—and fans—than any other musician,” said Gemma Tarlach in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. But this solo album is a completely “unexpected” foray into country soul. Recorded in four days in Nashville, the album relies on veteran session musicians for Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan. Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde, in fact, is a huge inspiration for this album, said Joan Anderman in The Boston Globe. But Black, “known for his mammoth howl,” puts his own spin on “supremely focused Southern soul.” He makes a tender opus out of strange lyrics and odd song structures. It’s the perfect “mellow mash of dulcet country sounds and sinister sensibilities.” Black made the album as he was splitting from his wife and just before the Pixies reunited for a yearlong tour. This rocky time yielded “gorgeous, subdued tunes,” said Scott McLennan in the Worcester, Mass., Telegram. Black channels his darker tendencies into spiky humor and odd allegories. He strikes a careful balance between songs like the haunted “Another Velvet Nightmare” and a cover of “Dark End of the Street,” which is simply “angelic.”
Related Link: Official Site
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Daisy Girl
Posted - 08/05/2005 : 16:30:41 Too bad the link to buy it is broken!