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rockmusic84
= Cult of Ray =
USA
256 Posts |
 Posted - 03/10/2004 : 23:44:55
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Hello Pixies and Frank Black fanatics! My name is Chris, and I'm a new member to the FrankBlack.net forum! I'm excited to be here!
I suppose the best way to introduce myself is by giving a little of my background:
I was born in Scranton, PA., on Flag Day, 1984. Growing up, I've listened (and am STILL listening) to different types of music. But rock is definitely the best. It can make you laugh, cry, think, and give you pretty much every other emotion there is. I was in a band last year, and I'm in another one this year. I play the bass guitar. Why? Because no one else wants to! Just kidding. Well, not really. Nobody really wanted to play it, so I offered my services. And I wouldn't have done it if I didn't like it! Every band needs a backbone... Unfortunately, my band doesn't need a backbone, it needs a miracle! Egos and other problems keep pervading, though, and it's made it tough to keep anything together for too long. Oh well, maybe someday...
I hate to think in terms of favorites, as I like to think that the stuff I listen to is all pretty good, but...Some of my favorite groups are:
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Nazareth
Deep Purple
The Velvet Underground
Some of my favorite artists are:
Lou Reed
David Bowie
Neil Young
So as you can see, my tastes are pretty varied, even though I tend to keep to classic rock.
But now I will tell you of my first encounter with the music of The Pixies:
Last May, I joined my first group (we were called "The Pheromones") with a former schoolmate of mine, who plays drums. He picked me up for band practice one night. As we headed off, he popped a C.D. in his player. Within the first 10 seconds, I heard a throbbing, punchy bass line, followed by an insane sounding rhythm guitar riff, followed by heavy snare and tom drums, accompanied by an equally insane sounding, yet pleasantly melodic lead guitar. Then I heard the vocal, not sung, but SCREAMED, in a declarative way: "GOT ME A MOVIE, I WANT YOU TO KNOW..." I just said, "HOLY SHIT!! WHAT'S THIS?", talking as though I'd stumbled upon buried treasure (which, indeed I had). All he said was, "THE PIXIES". I was hooked by just the sound of the music, but the vocal clinched it! As we got into town, the next track came on. Again, I was completely floored: "...Talkin' sweet about nothin' - Cookie I think you're TAME!!!!!!!" It was a bit overwhelming for a first timer, I must say. Of course we all know those first 2 tracks are "Debaser" and "Tame" from "Doolittle". At that time, I didn't hear the full album. The practice space wasn't a far drive from my house, so I only ever got to hear 2 or 3 tracks, and every time he (my drummer) played the disc, he started it from the start. But more about that later...
What got me was the dynamics - people talk a lot about dynamics in music. Well, I could tell these guys wrote the book. Especially with the dynamics in vocals. What better vocal dynamics can you have than a man and woman singing? Brilliant!
In the coming weeks, I became enthralled with the music of the Pixies. The first full album I heard was "Surfer Rosa". The bilingual lyrics, wordplay, and fierce rhythm guitar of Black Francis, the shrieking guitar of Joey Santiago, the no-nonsense drumming of David Lovering, and the bouncy bass beat of Kim Deal (or "Mrs. John Murphy", as she was known then), it was the best 33:33 of my life! My band thought this was the Pixies best album, and was one of their all-time favorites. Funny anecdote about that: One night, the rhythm guitarist (who is the guitarist in my new band) and lead guitarist stayed at the practice space. The rhythm guitarist put "Brick Is Red" on REPEAT in the C.D. player. My drummer and I came back the next afternoon to collect them for a gig that day, and it was still on!! And then, they STILL wanted to hear it in the car on the way to the gig!!
Fast forward a month later, to The Pheromones' last gig. We had a long drive to this club, and my drummer and I were debating on what to listen to. He wanted to listen to "White Blood Cells", by "The White Stripes", (which, by the way, is ALSO a brilliant album), but I had heard that a couple of times already, and told him to put in "Doolittle". I'll never forget the scene: me in the backseat with all the guitars on or around me (it was a compact car, no room), my drummer and his girlfriend Jess (who also has a band) in the front, heading out to East Stroudsburg, PA. on I-80. No one spoke. It was just us, and the music. One brilliant song after another. The best moment though, was when track 7 came on. "Monkey Gone To Heaven". I just remember the eery bass line, the desperate sounding lead guitar, and the sincere vocal delivery from Black and Kim. The part that really got me was the numerology verse ("If Man is 5...And if the Devil is 6, then GOD IS 7!!!!!!"). At that time, I felt like I had just heard the most profound thing in my entire life. Fuck everything else. This was (and still is) where it's at. All this, and the album was only halfway through!! But "Doolittle" and the Pixies, still managed to FURTHER amaze me!! For instance, "No. 13 Baby" has one of the most awesome lead guitar parts in rock. "Hey", was another "HOLY SHIT" moment. Frank Black is an amazing rhythm player, and he proves it on this track. The Kim Deal "Chained" vocal part is brilliant. Joey's solo is amazing. David's drums hit you in the right spot. I'm on cloud 9.
A few days later, I got my paycheck, and I went out and bought EVERY Pixies album - no word a lie! Even the compilations!!
Soon after, I discovered the music of Frank Black, which is also amazing. Personal faves are:
End Of Miles - "Black Letter Days"
The entire "Devil's Workshop" album
Punk Rock City, I Don't want to Hurt You (Every single Time), and Kicked In the Taco - "The Cult Of Ray"
Blast Off (original and demo versions) (awesome rhythm riff by Frank, his best since "Hey") and Stupid Me - "Dog In The Sand"
The Entire "Show Me Your Tears" album. I don't like how people have labeled this a "break-up album". I know Frank wrote and recorded most of this material during and after his divorce, but I don't think that it neccesarily influenced the work. Simply, this album is a man looking at 40, reflecting on life, love, searching for the truth, not worrying about what might happen, and cutting out the bullshit. If you want a perfect example of this, listen to Lou Reed's "looking at 40" album, 1982's "The Blue Mask". It's just rock and raw emotion, straight, no chaser. And it almost always makes for the best, most brilliant and prolific music. And that's exactly what Frank does on "Show Me Your Tears".
I worked at Best Buy when this album came out, and on the in-store promo radio, they would play selected tracks from new releases of that month. One of the tracks they played was "Massif Centrale". I got so stoked when I heard it! I used to crank it up! But then my boss told me to turn it down. -grumble- They were actually a month late - "Show Me Your Tears" was released in Sept. 2003, they started playing "Massif Centrale" in October. Assholes.
I also became immersed in Kim Deal's band, "The Breeders", and immediately picked up all their albums. And when MP3.com was still up and running, I heard 2 tracks from Joey Santiago's band, "The Martinis", "Free" and "The Walls of Silence". And his work with Frank and The Catholics is nothing short of amazing.
I'm glad to be a part of this forum, talking about bands and musicians I love, and talking about music in general. I've been an observer of the forum for a long time now, and it's good to be on the inside. Sorry if the message was a little long, but I just want everyone on the forum to know where I'm at, so when I start posting on threads, people won't think I'm some asshole because they don't know who I am, and so they don't say things like, "Who's this guy?" "What's he on about?" Now you know.
I also understand that the man himself occasionally visits and posts to this forum. Mr. Black, if you read this, I think you're amazing. Definitely one of the most prolific songwriters out there. You had me at the word GO...T, as in GOT ME A MOVIE! I'm surprised no one in Nashville wants to hire you as a songwriter...Toby Keith would probably sell his soul for songs like "Horrible Day" and "Coastline"! And if the reunion tour with the Pixies goes well, and you decide to come back for a victory lap around the states, PLEASE come to my town!! Otherwise, just keep doing what you do, it's awesome.
One thing to leave you all with is a question: I have read lots on the forum about how 1996's "Cult of Ray" is not a favorite album among Frank's fans. Some have even dismissed it. So then, why does nearly everyone have their own cults for their signatures? I'm not speaking for most FrankBlack.net forum members when I say this, but the general feeling I got was that it was not a highly regarded album. I personally enjoy it. It's a fun album.
With that being said, I have started my own cult here on the forum, and I encourage those of you without a cult to join. It's the cult of U-MASS. If I could just get a "Trompe Le Monde" era Pixies logo to go with the signature - now that would look sharp! Any help with that will be greatly appreciated. And to show my appreciation, I'll let you move in my dorm, we'll form a rock band, drop out of the cult, and go on to music legend status. Sounds like fun, eh?
Here's to many more posts and inquiries!
Yours in Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Music that DOESN'T SUCK,
Chris (rockmusic84), 3/11/04.
Join The Cult of U-MASS - IT'S EDUCATIONAL!!!
[EDIT - Moved] |
Edited by - Cult_Of_Frank on 03/11/2004 06:34:15 |
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benji
> Teenager of the Year <
New Zealand
3426 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 01:40:18
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what a mammoth first post.
welcome aboard!
 "I joined the Cult of Frank / I think that man deserves a DB!" |
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PsychicTwin
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1772 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 06:27:15
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holy shit. I think you've actually circumvented any possibility of newbie-hazing with your thorough self-introduction.
Welcome.
------------------------
The blue pill opens your eyes
Is there a better way?
A new religion prescribed to those without the faith
http://www.psychictwin.com |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 06:40:15
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Wow. That was large. :)
Welcome aboard. I'm afraid the beginning of these cult things is a mystery known only to few sworn to secrecy or who have read the FAQ.
Personally, I love Cult of Ray, though my favourite album is always divided between Teenager/the orange album. Though there is not much of a lead between them and DITS, BLD, and SMYT.
 "Join the Cult of Frank / And you'll be enlightened" |
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misleadtheworld
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
1222 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 07:15:47
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the first meeting of the cult of frank perhaps?
welcome, new person. the fruits of fb.net are oh so sweet.
 Frank Black / Teenager of the Decade.... |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 08:15:16
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Hahaha, I'm going to have to throw that pic into my bio or maybe my profile. :)
You'll notice how I'm not in the photo (I'm at the tip of the oval). The mystery goes on...
"Join the Cult of Frank / And you'll be enlightened" |
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El Barto
= Song DB Master =
USA
4020 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 09:14:42
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Most thourough first post ever...I think this guy deserves a prize. Welcome! Great pic, mislead.
 "Join the Cult of Brit / And let your oral hygiene go out the window." |
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GypsyDeath
Zapped Profile
3575 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 09:14:43
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wow. Possibly the longest newbie post ever?
Welcome Chris...
Re: Cults. I never felt that any of the cult leaders have made a very good pitch about what their cult would have to offer over competing cults for membership. So heres your chance Chris, whats the cult of UMASS got to offer? (other than education)
Also, Jim (el barto) works in a Best buy in PA...and first heard pixies in a car...<cue freaky eerie tune thing>
Boys go to Jupiter, Get more stupider,
Girls go to Mars, Become rock stars
Wanna fuck and fight in the basement? |
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GypsyDeath
Zapped Profile
3575 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 09:16:17
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"I've been an observer of the forum for a long time now, and it's good to be on the inside. "
IM guessing you were an observer who didnt actually join, unless you call one day a long time? hehe
Boys go to Jupiter, Get more stupider,
Girls go to Mars, Become rock stars
Wanna fuck and fight in the basement? |
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El Barto
= Song DB Master =
USA
4020 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 09:22:48
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Nah I didn't first hear the Pixies in the car. The first I ever heard the Pixies was on the internet back in err...1997? 96? A friend of mine who loved Nirvana as much as I did (I still remember his screenname) told me about them, and he told me to search the AOL Downloads for them, and there was a small clip of "Gigantic" in a .wav file there (early internet music piracy!). So I downloaded it and it got stuck in my head. I was expecting an all girl 80s rock band...when I bought Surfer Rosa and first heard it, I thought "Who the hell is this guy? He sounds like David Byrne!" On the second listen, I was hooked.
"Join the Cult of Brit / And let your oral hygiene go out the window." |
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PixieSteve
> Teenager of the Year <
Poland
4698 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 09:24:45
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| hi. |
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GypsyDeath
Zapped Profile
3575 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 09:35:47
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oh, was it nirvana? Or maybe im thinking of someone else completely - I usually am :p!!
Boys go to Jupiter, Get more stupider,
Girls go to Mars, Become rock stars
Wanna fuck and fight in the basement? |
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El Barto
= Song DB Master =
USA
4020 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 09:47:35
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Well, I didn't first hear Nirvana in the car of course, but the moment when they changed my life, yeah I was listening to them in the car when I was driving around with my sister and her friend. Breed came on...my life was forever changed.
"Join the Cult of Brit / And let your oral hygiene go out the window." |
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GypsyDeath
Zapped Profile
3575 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 09:50:49
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see, I was sorta right.
So you and chris arent the same person then?
I cant remember who it was, (probably simon) said that maybe youre everyone on this forum, and have a multiple personality disorder...so im a little paranoid now...
Boys go to Jupiter, Get more stupider,
Girls go to Mars, Become rock stars
Wanna fuck and fight in the basement? |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 10:40:12
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quote:
Originally posted by El Barto
Well, I didn't first hear Nirvana in the car of course, but the moment when they changed my life, yeah I was listening to them in the car when I was driving around with my sister and her friend. Breed came on...my life was forever changed.
"Join the Cult of Brit / And let your oral hygiene go out the window."
WOOHOO!!! A fellow Nirvana fan. I wasn't sure they existed here.
Welcome Chris, excellent introduction my friend. 
Hansel and Gretel have formed a band, .....And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Breadcrumbs!!! |
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rockmusic84
= Cult of Ray =
USA
256 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 10:42:23
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Thanks for the warm welcome, guys. As for what my cult has to offer, GypsyDeath, isn't education enough?
Thanks Again,
Chris (rockmusic84), 3/11/04.
Join The Cult of U-MASS - IT'S EDUCATIONAL!!! |
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GypsyDeath
Zapped Profile
3575 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 11:17:32
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Haha, nice try, but you arent getting out that easily!
I already have.am in enough/too much education for my liking! I want somethinng more...do you have ideas that you want me to know?
Boys go to Jupiter, Get more stupider,
Girls go to Mars, Become rock stars
Wanna fuck and fight in the basement? |
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Dave Noisy
Minister of Chaos
Canada
4496 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 11:39:52
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Hey, welcome aboard Chris!!
 Join the Cult of the Flying Pigxies - I'm A Believer! |
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VoVat
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
9168 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 13:51:15
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quote:
One thing to leave you all with is a question: I have read lots on the forum about how 1996's "Cult of Ray" is not a favorite album among Frank's fans. Some have even dismissed it. So then, why does nearly everyone have their own cults for their signatures? I'm not speaking for most FrankBlack.net forum members when I say this, but the general feeling I got was that it was not a highly regarded album.
Well, the best title doesn't necessarily belong to the best album. Maybe people like the title "Cult of Ray" more than the album's actual contents. It's certainly not my favorite overall Frank album, but it DOES have "Men In Black," and that song just kicks ass. My favorite title for a Frank album is probably "Black Letter Days."
quote:
Welcome aboard. I'm afraid the beginning of these cult things is a mystery known only to few sworn to secrecy or who have read the FAQ.
There's something about cults in the FAQ?
Join the Culf of Buttoms / Correctly spelled cults are so passé. |
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Cheeseman1000
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Iceland
8201 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2004 : 14:02:19
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quote:
Welcome aboard. I'm afraid the beginning of these cult things is a mystery known only to few sworn to secrecy or who have read the FAQ.
The very few who've read the FAQ, or Frequently Ignored Questions.
Plus Tom, superb picture man, you're challengin for the title...
Howdydoody sir, and be aware that most cults are impermanent, at least until some other pastry-based product is brought up.
 "Join the cult of scone/And succumb to the power of the cream tea" |
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El Barto
= Song DB Master =
USA
4020 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2004 : 15:47:22
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Frequently Unanswered Questions...
"Join the Cult of Brit / And let your oral hygiene go out the window." |
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Cheeseman1000
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Iceland
8201 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2004 : 16:19:51
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Frequently Annoying Questions. See what I did there, its the right acronym and everything.
Plus, I do find most people annoying, especially the 'how do I post pictures' brigade. Shaddap your face!
"Join the cult of scone/And succumb to the power of the cream tea" |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2004 : 16:35:42
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Yeah I can see why that would be really annoying. I mean it's like asking how to eat. Everyone just 'knows' from birth right?
Hansel and Gretel have formed a band, .....And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Breadcrumbs!!! |
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Cheeseman1000
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Iceland
8201 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2004 : 16:39:36
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Exactly. For most people, its an instinctive thing to know how to post pictures. However, you may use my first attempts as proof that I am not 'most people'. Extraordinary Si, thats what they call me.
"Join the cult of scone/And succumb to the power of the cream tea" |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2004 : 16:46:35
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So if you struggled with your first attempts then why do you find it annoying when other people do???
Hansel and Gretel have formed a band, .....And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Breadcrumbs!!! |
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Cheeseman1000
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Iceland
8201 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2004 : 17:11:51
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Because, um, I was just joking... Consider my wrist duly slapped.
I was just making idle conversation, old chap. I'm in many ways a 'net muppet, or mup-net, by which I mean that half the time I have no idea what the clever people are talking about.
"Join the cult of scone/And succumb to the power of the cream tea" |
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Greetings!
