vilainde
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Posted - 09/08/2003 : 09:07:56
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In FHM - Australian edition. Here's the review:
http://www.fhm.com.au/music/
Frank Black & The Catholics Show Me Your Tears (Cooking Vinyl)
WHAT IS IT? The story: You have to feel a little bit sorry for Frank Black - his now decade-long solo career has had to live in the shadow of the all-powerful Pixies, Black's seminal alt-rock band that produced a legacy of classic late '80s/early '90s albums that left an indelible mark on the musical map. While former bandmate Kim Deal found brief success with The Breeders before stalling, Black's music has continued largely unnoticed, despite the fact he pumps out about five albums to every one of Deal's. So where does this leave the mighty-lunged Black in 2003? As with his last few releases, Black and his band The Catholics have knocked out another raw-rock album, this time a little heavier on the country and blues. If Black's outer space weirdness from albums past made him out to be a bit of a space cadet, then the UFO has definitely landed: this is the sound of astronaut Black crashing into the lonely desert with only a case of beer and heartbreak to keep him company. And with Black's recent divorce, he's probably got plenty to keep him brooding and miserable. Opener Nadine rocks along with a nice boozy swagger, and the appropriately titled Massif Central is a crunching highlight, not least because of Black's high-pitched vocals. The album is also peppered with pedal-steel guitar and honky-tonk piano, as evidenced on Horrible Day.
LISTEN TO IT WHEN... Listen to when: You're feeling drunk, dusted, and in the mood for fightin'.
VERDICT Verdict: After having re-written the rock book once, it's unlikely that Black will do so again - but why unfairly expect that of him? This unassuming set shows Black rocks on regardless. JJ
Denis |
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