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a guy in a rover
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
535 Posts |
 Posted - 04/05/2006 : 13:57:09
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This might sound a little bit controversial but does anyone else feel like they have 'grown' out of the Pixies?
I was just thinking yesterday that I haven't listened to them in over a year even though 4 or 5 years ago I was listening to them everyday. It might sound like I'm just being 'cool' and disowning them after their recent commercial success but that isn't the case. Now I'm a little bit older I just feel like I can relate more to Franks solo material, it is more of an acquired taste, like you grow to appreciate a fine wine or an expensive whisky as you grow older. Whereas the Pixies are more like a 3 litre bottle of cider, that you binge on and rock out to when you're a teenager, but now doesn't seem to give you the same thrill.
Does anyone have any comments?
Bizarre analogy I know, and possibly a load of babble, but I'm bored. It might just be that I listened to the Pixies to death and I haven't reached that point yet with Frank solo.
A pig or a goat well, they wouldn’t let you be mistreated
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2006 : 14:45:39
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Could it be perhaps that it's because Frank is still around churning out music whereas PIXIES aren't?
Hank the 8th was a duplicated man
-bRIAN |
Edited by - TRANSMARINE on 04/05/2006 14:46:18 |
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pixiestu
> Teenager of the Year <
United Kingdom
2564 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2006 : 15:13:41
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I can really relate to what you're saying, guy in a rover. I don't listen to Pixies as much as I listen to solo Frank (and Catholics) now.
I only started to listen to Pixies just over a year ago and felt compelled to check out FB's later work, not expecting it to be as good but just curious about what kind of sound it was and how it differed from his Pixies stuff.
It took a while but now I accept his Pixies and post-Pixies material as equal (albiet very different).
"The arc of triumph" |
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de Juarez
- FB Fan -
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2006 : 15:35:27
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| yea, sometimes i fear that i might've overindulged myself with the pixies. but i'm sure that if i just take a significant break from listening to them several times a week i'll be able to enjoy them just as much. and i'm sure that everyone was glad to hear frank's more recent stuff. haha, it was great when honeycomb came out, i think i really needed some easy listening. but i'll always think of the pixies as one of the best and most influential bands that've ever been. |
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a guy in a rover
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
535 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2006 : 17:11:58
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Yeah I think I might just have overloaded on Pixies. And I would never dispute their legendary status or underestimate how influential they are.
A pig or a goat well, they wouldn’t let you be mistreated
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danjersey
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
2792 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2006 : 21:04:57
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i'm one of those people that dug frank first pixies second so yeah i agree.
as far as a fine wine frank lives in oregon and the willamette valley produces some fine pinot noir.
if frank was to make his own wine well that would be the tops. |
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Teafer
- FB Fan -
90 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2006 : 07:55:22
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Same thing here i just think FB's output is very much superior to what the pix have released. a very overestimated band if you ask me (no one's asking), just not that many great songs especially if you consider other albums than surfer rosa & doolittle which are oustanding pieces of music, the rest is pff... not that very interesting. i can't think of a FB album that i don't listen from start to end without being very impressed.
i'm not impressed. you wanna impress me? take the wheel, motherfucker. |
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pixiestu
> Teenager of the Year <
United Kingdom
2564 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2006 : 08:27:23
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Well I don't agree with the part about Pixies music apart from Surfer Rosa and Doolitle not being interesting because I think it's all exceptional, but I now enjoy sitting through a Frank album more than a Pixies album.
"The arc of triumph" |
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The Marsist
= Cult of Ray =
Ireland
730 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2006 : 08:40:10
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i defintly listen to more frank than pixies but i think thats because frank has shitloads of back catolouge to alternate between where-as the pixies only have 4 albums and some b-sides which, i dont know bout you guys, but i have WAAAYY over-played.
Art is the child of Nature; yes, her darling child, in whom we trace the features of the mother's face, her aspect and her attitude.
-Beck
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Nick
- FB Fan -
Canada
10 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2006 : 11:25:15
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| Frank has put out tons of stuff over the last 14 years, whereas we don't have any new songs from the Pixies. While I love most of Frank's stuff, I wish he would rock out more than he has on his last few records. The Pixies never lacked for good fast tracks that hit you like a heart attack in 2 minutes flat. |
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fbc
-= Modulator =-
United Kingdom
4903 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2006 : 11:51:31
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So true.
A backstreet old battered book I own says "Black Francis believed in what he called the 90 second rule. He believed that the meat of the song should be piled into the first 90 seconds. Anything beyond that is the outro of the song."
How true to Frank this was, I don't know, but it sure makes a lot of sense.
break the two-minute rule and it's a lifetime in jail |
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kathryn
~ Selkie Bride ~
Belgium
15320 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2006 : 11:53:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Nick
Frank has put out tons of stuff over the last 14 years, whereas we don't have any new songs from the Pixies. While I love most of Frank's stuff, I wish he would rock out more than he has on his last few records. The Pixies never lacked for good fast tracks that hit you like a heart attack in 2 minutes flat.
What a kickass first post. Welcome to fb.net.
I’m the only one who can say that this light is mine
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Nick
- FB Fan -
Canada
10 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2006 : 12:28:28
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| Thanks Kathryn. While I've been checking out the news and other parts of this site for quite a while (a few years now I guess), I only recently started to look at the forums. |
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Franks taco
- FB Fan -
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2006 : 22:54:06
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People,
I guarantee that when The Pixies put out a new album, many of you might be singing a new tune. You cant outgrow genius.
Now if all of Franks solo material was as great as Teenager of the year, well then ...Frank Black > pixies. |
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fbc
-= Modulator =-
United Kingdom
4903 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2006 : 01:48:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Franks taco
People,
I guarantee that when The Pixies put out a new album, many of you might be singing a new tune.
hopefully 12 new tunes
break the two-minute rule and it's a lifetime in jail |
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Margin Walker
- FB Fan -
18 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2006 : 02:39:20
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| I find myself contstantly eating cheese while listening to his records |
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Teafer
- FB Fan -
90 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2006 : 04:11:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Margin Walker
I find myself contstantly eating cheese while listening to his records
hey margin walker, a fugazi fan ? nice... |
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a guy in a rover
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
535 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2006 : 08:05:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Franks taco
People,
I guarantee that when The Pixies put out a new album, many of you might be singing a new tune. You cant outgrow genius.
Now if all of Franks solo material was as great as Teenager of the year, well then ...Frank Black > pixies.
Im gonna have to disagree with you on that one. Im not going to deny that the Pixies were genius but that doesn't mean if they make a new record it will be any good.
You certainly cant outgrow genius, as Frank has shown us, but his songwriting has adapted and matured over the years into what it is today, magnificent. Surely trying to write Pixies songs would mean trying to revert back twenty years, and would turn Frank into nothing more of a caricature of his former self, screaming about incest and the like, when that isn't what he's about anymore.
Sorry to be the pessimist but Im with those who think a new Pixies album would be a bad idea. Im not saying they weren't seminal, but a lot of water has passed under the musical bridge since then. I think a new album would not sound fresh but instead tired and cliched.
A pig or a goat well, they wouldn’t let you be mistreated
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starmekitten
-= Forum Pistolera =-
United Kingdom
6370 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2006 : 08:10:57
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| I don't think that's strictly fair to be honest. You yourself are stereoptyping the pixies there. It's the sound over the lyrical content, it's not all incest and aliens it's not even 10% incest and aliens when you look into it. The sound when it comes to pixies vs frank solo vs frank catholics is so so different and he's proved over and over again in recent times that these are all well mastered tools at his ready disposal. He can do anything, whether he wants to or not is a different matter. |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2006 : 08:11:04
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Hm, I disagree.
I agree that the artists have changed and gone in other directions.
I agree that, therefore, a new Pixies album would most likely not be as if it were written 20 years ago.
I disagree that that would necessarily be a bad thing. They're still all talented and while the chemistry may have changed as they did, that could lead to interesting and cool new things as easily as to something that doesn't work. Hard to say which is would be one way or the other.
 "If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominos will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate." |
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a guy in a rover
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
535 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2006 : 08:21:03
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Some interesting points there, and an interesting debate. At the end of the day that's just my opinion. Maybe I was stereotyping the Pixies a little bit, but as you say, Frank has changed his sound so much over the years, thats precisely my point. I feel like he would ge going back and trying to recreate something that wasn't organic. I just think it would sound wrong. Then again Frank has surprised me so many times down the years...who knows.
A pig or a goat well, they wouldn’t let you be mistreated
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Blackhead
- FB Fan -
28 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2006 : 18:52:03
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| I, for one, hate the Pixies. Thank goodness this is a Frank Black site, so I can say that without getting into too much trouble. The only thing that matters to me about the Pixies is that it lead to Frank Black's solo career. Death to the Pixies! Long live the King. |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2006 : 22:51:32
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quote:
Originally posted by fbc
He believed that the meat of the song should be piled into the first 90 seconds. Anything beyond that is the outro of the song."
I like that.
 pas de dutchie! |
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VoVat
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
9168 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2006 : 13:55:40
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I'm not sure I'm convinced that it's possible to "outgrow" music, unless it's, like, Raffi or something. I do agree that solo Frank is probably better overall than the Pixies, although there are a few Pixies songs that either meet or exceed the quality of anything Frank has come up with since then.
As far as a new Pixies album goes, I think it would be good IF the band just went ahead and did what they wanted to do with it, and didn't try too hard to duplicate their earlier sound. If that means Honeycomb-type songs played with Joey, Kim, and Dave, that would be preferable to me than some pathetic attempt at Doolittle Part 2. I don't think they'd win with the critics either way, but so what?
"If you doze much longer, then life turns to dreaming. If you doze much longer, then dreams turn to nightmares." |
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pixiestu
> Teenager of the Year <
United Kingdom
2564 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2006 : 16:19:58
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I agree about the Pixies, Vovat. If they're are going to make a new record then I'd rather they just go with whatever feels right at the time, rather than trying to replicate anything they have done in the past.
In my opinion that would just sound kinda fake coming from a band that has never had any trouble being original before.
"The arc of triumph" |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2006 : 18:02:55
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Why is everyone so obsessed with the idea that the PIXIES would replicate the past? It doesn't make any sense. Has Frank ever replicated the pasts of his albums? Each album sounds different, even though some may say he's been stuck in a 'country' mode since DITS...yes, there's been an ever present twang, but BLD is a far cry from DW which is a far cry from SMYT which is a far cry from HC which is a far cry from FMRM...blah blah blah it's all been said before. His stuff is always different but rooted in similarity, much like how artists often reinterpret themselves in their work, but always in a forward, altering motion. Why would PIXIES try to do an copy of something they've done, when in their original incarnation always strove for and succeeded in a different auditory vision with each album? Who cares if they make one or not...when it's obvious everyone will perk up with listening interest anyway...much like how an overwhelming percent of people frothed and seethed when they announced their reunion, blasting them with 'sell-out' vehemence, but didn't back down at the chance to see them repeatedly for two years straight. Who cares? If you are opposed, so be it...it's your opinion and it's valid. But it seems like a lot of wasted thought to me to worry about how something may not be good, therefor completely tarnishing history. But that's my opinion. It's not going to hurt anything whether they make another album or not, or if it stinks or if it's sublime. I know, I got a little off-track. But I still feel as in my original post, and along with others who have voiced it in this thread; I believe people are bored with PIXIES because they only have 5 capsuled albums whereas Frank is continuosly creating...plain and simple. And I also believe someone had a valid point in 'outgrowing' music...it is definately possible...just as we outgrow shoes. If they've got holes, or don't fit, or simply have no more sole, you ain't gonna walk properly, and the Keds are gonna hafta leave the nest. Everything is replaceable. I think there is a general 'replacement' fear of new PIXIES vs. old PIXIES...I think people are secretly fearing new material may be worlds better than the original stuff, and that's what will tarnish history...in the head.
Hank the 8th was a duplicated man
-bRIAN |
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ScottP
= Cult of Ray =
USA
618 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2006 : 18:10:22
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The Pixies sound comes from young, wild desire and hunger from four people who had not made it big yet. It would be impossible for them go back in time and make this so-called "Pixies" record that everybody is anticipating.
Frank would be going backwards in my opinion.
Oh, cheese. Wonderful cheese. I love you. |
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VoVat
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
9168 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2006 : 12:44:53
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quote:
Why is everyone so obsessed with the idea that the PIXIES would replicate the past? It doesn't make any sense.
I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that the Pixies are sort of a nostalgia act now. I mean, they're not nostalgia for me, since I only started listening to them six years ago. But they only play older material, and I seem to recall Frank saying that he thinks that's what people expect of them. If expectations are so important for the Pixies, isn't it possible that they'd want to make the album that they think people would expect?
quote:
But it seems like a lot of wasted thought to me to worry about how something may not be good, therefor completely tarnishing history.
I don't know that there's such a thing as "wasted thought," unless said thoughts interfere with other parts of your life. If anyone is actually losing sleep over whether a new Pixies album might suck, then yes, that's probably a waste. But I think most people are speculating about this because it's fun for them. I mean, that's the whole purpose of this forum, isn't it?
quote:
And I also believe someone had a valid point in 'outgrowing' music...it is definately possible...just as we outgrow shoes. If they've got holes, or don't fit, or simply have no more sole, you ain't gonna walk properly, and the Keds are gonna hafta leave the nest.
I don't really see that as a valid analogy, though. My main problem is that the word "outgrow" suggests that the music that you stop liking is somehow childish. So if someone liked Frank's solo work when they were a kid, and then started liking the Pixies better as an adult, would you say they were regressing? It bothers me that some people apparently can't compliment one thing without insulting another (not that I'm saying that's been happening in this thread, but the word "outgrow" suggests to me that the "outgrown" music is inferior). I'd prefer "got tired of" or "developed different tastes."
"If you doze much longer, then life turns to dreaming. If you doze much longer, then dreams turn to nightmares." |
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Franks taco
- FB Fan -
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2006 : 13:40:54
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First of all, I am a huge fan of Frank Blacks solo work.
That being said, In my opinion Franks solo work reminds me of the adult alternative category. You know,those alternative artists that have lost that "edge" in their music and now produce listener-friendly music.
With the exception of TOTY, which is INCREDIBLE, Frank's solo music is safe and predictable. Nothing wrong with that. Hey I enjoy Jack Johnson!
But his solo work will never compare to the Pixies history.
The Pixies truely gave birth to a unique sound all there own and took RISKS. Their music has inspired so many new artists, influencing so many great bands today.
Is the Pixies music now dated? Yeah, I might give you that. But make no mistake about it. Their music was WAY AHEAD OF ITS TIME.
Now, will the new Pixies album be just a flash in the pan, or a new endever of sound? Im hoping for the later. Franks sound has been constantly evolving so I find it hard to believe that he's going to reproduce what he did 15 years ago.
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2006 : 14:56:23
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Safe and predictable? Jack Johnson?! What have you heard of FB's solo catalog? Even the recent stuff, which might be safe and predictable with country folk was quite a risk so far as his established fan base goes. Musically, there's lots of interesting stuff that he's been doing from his first solo right on through to the album coming out this summer.
In ten-fifteen, people will look back on Frank Black's solo career and also wonder how they missed it back then. Maybe not to the extent of the Pixies, because I agree with you that they were breaking a lot of ground and developed a huge following among fellow musicians which essentially shaped the music world after them, but... well, what is this 'edge' you speak of...
I don't know where to start so I'm rambling here, but how can you on one hand argue that Frank's music has lost its edge (again, whatever that means) and then go on to conclude that "Frank's sound has been constantly evolving"? Either he's constantly evolving/'on edge' or not. I agree that a new Pixies album would not likely be the same as it would have were it written 15 years ago, but that's because Frank (and the others) have continued to push their own envelopes.
"If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominos will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate." |
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IceCream
= Quote Accumulator =
USA
1850 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2006 : 15:37:54
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quote:
Originally posted by Cult_Of_Frank
I don't know where to start so I'm rambling here, but how can you on one hand argue that Frank's music has lost its edge (again, whatever that means) and then go on to conclude that "Frank's sound has been constantly evolving"? Either he's constantly evolving/'on edge' or not. I agree that a new Pixies album would not likely be the same as it would have were it written 15 years ago, but that's because Frank (and the others) have continued to push their own envelopes.
"If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominos will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate."
Well, I'm not trying to put words in the mouth of Frank's Taco, but I think I understand what Frank's Taco is trying to say. I completely agree with Dean on at least one point: Frank's newer music is a risk in regards to his current fanbase. Frank's current songwriting style staunchly opposes his previous songwriting style. Few musicians have exhibited this degree of bi-polarity.
However, whereas the Pixies' music was "new", Frank Black's music ever since Black Letter Days has been very "old". This isn't meant to downgrade Frank. I think Frank has admitted to embracing older music. Leonard Cohen, Dylan, The Who, and The Rolling Stones have all been known to show up in a recent Frank interviews. Frank has let these influences shine effulgently in his most recent work. Pixies, on the other hand, really didn't sound quite like anything before their time. I often hear a song that reminds me of the Pixies. Frank Black's recent work reminds me of the Stones or some other '60s rock band. Let me put it this way: Pixies were inspirers, whereas the Catholics were inspirees, if that makes any sense. |
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Teafer
- FB Fan -
90 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2006 : 02:47:22
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quote:
Originally posted by Franks taco
Frank's solo music is safe and predictable. Nothing wrong with that. Hey I enjoy Jack Johnson!
i'm gonna try not to be too impolite on this one, so just listen to kiss my ring or go find your saint or st francis or blast off or selkie bride before writing such fucking utter nonsense, and if you don't get it just sign up to pitchfork. i think you must know about zero about music to write things like that. i mean freedom to express oneself is just no licence to bullshit.
oh well, whatever nevermind.
"i'm not impressed. you wanna impress me? take the wheel, motherfucker"
edit : deleted even more furious replies...and leave this only mild one.
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Edited by - Teafer on 04/10/2006 07:34:58 |
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a guy in a rover
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
535 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2006 : 03:11:51
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Jeez, i opened a bit of a can of worms with this one.
I don't think my first post put across what I was trying to say, which was as excellent as the Pixies are, the older you get the more you appreciate Franks solo work because he deals with more 'adult' themes. Songs like Cold Heart of Stone or Horrible day have more resonance because you empathise with what he is talking about, you have had similar experiences in your adult life. Maybe this all sounds a bit cheesy. And maybe outgrow was the wrong word, i am not trying to imply that the Pixies are inferior in anyway. I guess the problem with this debate is that it is impossible to compare the Pixies with Franks current solo stuff, in terms of which is 'better' (not that I would want to) but it means it always results in circular and recycled arguments.
I like IceCreams point about inspirers and inspirees though, couldn't have put it better myself.
And I stand by my belief that a new Pixies album would be a bad idea.
A pig or a goat well, they wouldn’t let you be mistreated
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2006 : 08:22:20
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Teafer. Civility is important, all the moreso when we disagree.
"If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominos will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate." |
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ScottP
= Cult of Ray =
USA
618 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2006 : 17:44:44
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Yes, Teafer. Although I couldn't agree with you more, we musn't chastise retards. Or stare at them either.
Oh, cheese. Wonderful cheese. I love you. |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2006 : 18:29:47
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If you want your account locked, you're one step away.
"If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominos will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate." |
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Frank - like a fine wine
