-= Frank Black Forum =-
-= Frank Black Forum =-
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Members | Search | FAQ
Username:
Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

 All Forums
 Frank Black Chat
 Planet of Sound - Pixies News Items
 the "bam thwok is not really smashing" thread
 New Topic  Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Author Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  

two reelers
* Dog in the Sand *

Austria
1036 Posts

Posted - 06/30/2004 :  04:09:56  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
okay, i suppose this will cause some uproar, so let's make some things clear in advance:

1) i love frank black
2) i love the pixies - i think all four of them are extraordinary and original personalities with a head on their own
3) although being sceptical in the beginning, i think the reunion is a very good thing - even if they are in it for the money

but bam thwok - i mean it is nice, but in my opinion it is a breeders song. so what is the difference between a breeders song and a pixies song ? the latter one is written by frank and performed by the pixies - that's why all pixies song are so great. frank is just an extraordinary songwriter with an unmatched vision. kim is a very good musician with something to say, but an average songwriter.
in essence, i would like to say that i would never reckon bam thwok to be a pixies song. there is nothing special in it like it can be found in any song on the albums from pilgrim to trompe.

having said this, you can slaughter me now.

I joined the cult of this mouse / and now I occidentally tic-tac

ivandivel
= Cult of Ray =

394 Posts

Posted - 06/30/2004 :  05:17:30  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
You shall not be slaughtered for speaking the truth. I have to say i agree. It's an ok song, not much more. However, I do not think it will be representative for what might come next. They clearly need to put more effort and thought into their next release, and i would think they know this themselves.
Go to Top of Page

billgoodman
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<

Netherlands
6196 Posts

Posted - 06/30/2004 :  05:51:52  Show Profile  Click to see billgoodman's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
It's ok enough for a come back song
it's got kim deal's signature all over the place
but I still love it
I think the pixies could do better
but I wasn't expecting this 2 years ago
I glad they released it
it fits nice with the whole reunion


"I joined the Cult of Frank/Nobody wanted to join my Culf"
Go to Top of Page

mun chien andalusia
= Quote Accumulator =

Italy
2139 Posts

Posted - 06/30/2004 :  06:40:37  Show Profile  Visit mun chien andalusia's Homepage  Click to see mun chien andalusia's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
i am with you. though a fun song it sounds like a breeders song readapted for the pixies. it is the kind of unreleashed song that lures you to buy a "best of" but not a great start for a brand new album. and the pixies where all about frank singing and screaming why the hell did they decide to release a new song with kim in the vocals? courtesy of frank to demonstrate his respect of kim's talent maybe? bottom line: fun but not indispensable.


join the cult of errol\and you can have a beer\without having to quit smoking
Go to Top of Page

BLT
> Teenager of the Year <

South Sandwich Islands
4204 Posts

Posted - 06/30/2004 :  08:48:55  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
You are right. It does sound like a Breeders song. I suppose it's good they released something new but the song just doesn't get me all that excited.
Go to Top of Page

Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =

Canada
11687 Posts

Posted - 06/30/2004 :  09:19:23  Show Profile  Visit Cult_Of_Frank's Homepage  Reply with Quote
I think it's a good song for what it is:
1) a download-only exclusive track
2) a "look, we're getting along" symbol
3) nothing like traditional Pixies stuff, but still unmistakenly Pixies
4) a debut track for people who would otherwise be nitpicking how they sound too the same, or seriously evaluating the merits of an album based on this one track.

I think it's safe to assume that a new Pixies album would not consist of Bam-thwoks. I don't even know if there'd be one song like it. So it takes all the pressure off that track for it to be something completely different, it alleviates some of the album pressure because it gives them a little more freedom to move from what they recorded years ago, it shows that Kim is back to being integral to the band (which some argue she wasn't in the Trompe days), and it's not really that bad a song to boot.

No, it's not great, and it won't be making my top 10 anytime soon, but it's fun, catchy, and I've listened to it a lot.

Anyway, that's my opinion on it, I guess. Taken in context it's a great choice. By itself, maybe not the best track but still fun and enjoyable. Of course, you're more than welcome to disagree.


"When 5000 posts you reach / Look as good you will not, hmmm?"
Go to Top of Page

NimrodsSon
* Dog in the Sand *

USA
1938 Posts

Posted - 06/30/2004 :  09:39:36  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I don't really like it; I don't really like it at all; actually, I kind-of hate it. Okay, so it's not terrible, but there is nothing about it whatsoever that grabs me. It's just too much of a basic pop song. I suppose if it was performed by another band besides the Pixies it might be okay, but I expect much more from a Pixies song than "Bam Thwok" offers.


ˇViva los Católicos!
Go to Top of Page

pixie punk
> Teenager of the Year <

2923 Posts

Posted - 06/30/2004 :  10:17:41  Show Profile  Visit pixie punk's Homepage  Reply with Quote
If Frank decided it is good enough fun for him to release it,sing backup vocals for a change,let Kim have the most fun doing it,and let Joey provide his signature guitar magic and family musical legacy in the middle of it no one can argue the Pixies decision,it's their twisted fun and good humor that make this song special.I'll take those 50,000 watts of good will anytime over all the bullshit going on in Irak and the rest of the Middle East right now (and I say it now I have my younger brother in the military).
Go to Top of Page

moofah
- FB Fan -

6 Posts

Posted - 07/01/2004 :  11:31:35  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
The ONLY thing I don't like about it is the Fozzy Bear "Wocka Wocka." Did they not know that was his tag line? Drives me nuts every time. The rest of it rocks.
Go to Top of Page

Ziggy
* Dog in the Sand *

United Kingdom
2461 Posts

Posted - 07/01/2004 :  11:52:29  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I like it. Has grown on me.
Go to Top of Page

Helmut
= Cult of Ray =

315 Posts

Posted - 07/01/2004 :  17:02:36  Show Profile  Click to see Helmut's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
It's a bit like Tipp City (Amps) but Joey's Guitar rubber stamps it as the Pixies. Hopefully Frank brings some songs into the mix - he must have written at least a whole new album since he last recorded in March.
Go to Top of Page

Mad Lucas
- FB Fan -

Australia
144 Posts

Posted - 07/02/2004 :  05:41:30  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Is it any more of a pop song than, say, Debaser? Given the obvious vocal contrasts, they are similar. But why dislike Bam Thwok? I think many refuse to accept a new addition to the long established Pixies list.
Perhaps the Pixies have changed over the years. Who wouldn't? I seem to see that the song doesnt try to be deliberately weird, like other songs. There is a stronger, happier melody in this one.
There are weaker lyrics however, than other songs (well maybe not in the case of songs like Stormy Weather or Havalina).
Obviously, I like the song, and i reakon that perhaps if it is listened to with an open mind, free of all reservations, it may grow on those who listen.

Jesus was a sailor, when we walked upon the water.
Go to Top of Page

Skatealex1
* Dog in the Sand *

1667 Posts

Posted - 07/02/2004 :  06:39:17  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I love Bam ThwoK

The Truth Is Out There
Go to Top of Page

whoreatthedoor
> Teenager of the Year <

Spain
2873 Posts

Posted - 07/02/2004 :  07:59:28  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
What needs a song to be a Pixies song? And Stormy weather?, Silver? Are them real Pixies songs? If Bam Thwok isn't a Pixies song, Bossanova isn't a Pixies album, which is stupid.


"Join the Cult of the whore at the door / And You'll find no answers, but real fun"
Go to Top of Page

apl4eris
~ Abstract Brain ~

USA
4800 Posts

Posted - 07/02/2004 :  10:20:57  Show Profile  Visit apl4eris's Homepage  Reply with Quote
I think maybe what people are feeling (who say it doesn't seem as much a Pixies song) is the lack of a discernable edge. In their other songs, there is always an edge, either in the lyrics, irony in their delivery, or implied in the chord structures or in the guitar crunch or Frank's scream or whatever -it was always there. This song is just straight up silly and bubblegum pop. It sounds more like a Breeder's song (I loved their earlier stuff). I don't personally like it, but that's what they're making right now, and that's fine and dandy. I look forward to hearing more.

Go to Top of Page

jonathan
- FB Fan -

United Kingdom
114 Posts

Posted - 07/02/2004 :  13:04:10  Show Profile  Visit jonathan's Homepage  Reply with Quote
I'm not keen at all (and it has almost undone all the long work I've put in getting my girlfriend to be a fan of Frank Black/Pixies, she really hates it). It is, to me, a breeders song with Frank, Joey and Dave playing on it. Never have really Kim's song writing enthuse me like Frank's does (Gigantic has always been one of my least favourite Pixies songs). I really do hope they don't release a crap new album, rather Frank kept doing Cathlics stuff instead, because frankly now, they're the better band, in my opinon.

_________________________________________________________________
Treat yourself - www.blackmarias.com - the best new band in the world.
Go to Top of Page

BLT
> Teenager of the Year <

South Sandwich Islands
4204 Posts

Posted - 07/02/2004 :  13:16:28  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I listened to it with an 'open mind'. I enjoyed it quite a bit the first time through, but liked it less with each successive listen and stopped after the fifth time.
Go to Top of Page

floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =

Mexico
15297 Posts

Posted - 07/02/2004 :  14:13:45  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
i'm on BLT's wavelenth. it's not something i'm going to go out of my way to put on. but it's not something i despise. i think it's in the lower lower percentile of Pixies tunes (down there with "Build High" and "Silver")..
Go to Top of Page

Erebus
* Dog in the Sand *

USA
1834 Posts

Posted - 07/02/2004 :  14:25:26  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
At times I think Bam Thwok entails an inside joke designed to separate the fawning "anything by Pixies" fans from those who are into it for the creativity, but then I guess you might say that the fans who can't "get" FB&C have already demonstrated that separation for us.
Go to Top of Page

Erebus
* Dog in the Sand *

USA
1834 Posts

Posted - 07/02/2004 :  14:27:04  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
hey jonathan, that flashing blackmarias icon is really obnoxious, and perhaps dangerous. no offense, but could you make it stop?
Go to Top of Page

jonathan
- FB Fan -

United Kingdom
114 Posts

Posted - 07/02/2004 :  23:56:08  Show Profile  Visit jonathan's Homepage  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Erebus

hey jonathan, that flashing blackmarias icon is really obnoxious, and perhaps dangerous. no offense, but could you make it stop?



Am very much sure it's not dangerous (if epilepsy is what you have in mind) but okay, I can imagine it is (very) annoying. Have removed the images from my signature. :)

_________________________________________________________________
Treat yourself - www.blackmarias.com - the best new band in the world.
Go to Top of Page

Erebus
* Dog in the Sand *

USA
1834 Posts

Posted - 07/03/2004 :  04:11:09  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Thanks guy. I was in a truly foul mood yesterday, I must admit.
Go to Top of Page

Domestiques
= Cult of Ray =

United Kingdom
503 Posts

Posted - 07/03/2004 :  08:09:46  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
its a fun great pop song. I like it. Its different, but it is similar in style to tipp city. yeah.

------------------------
“I want to be a star!” I cried
They said, “You’re overqualified.
Why don’t you learn to tune your damn guitar?”
Go to Top of Page

begeegs
- FB Fan -

United Kingdom
81 Posts

Posted - 07/05/2004 :  07:37:07  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I agree with the majority opinion here - I don't think it's great. I think the only endearing quality of the tune is Santiago's lead playing. If it wasn't for that, I think this could be on an Amps LP....
Go to Top of Page

Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =

United Kingdom
17125 Posts

Posted - 07/06/2004 :  11:45:38  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by moofah

The ONLY thing I don't like about it is the Fozzy Bear "Wocka Wocka." Did they not know that was his tag line? Drives me nuts every time. The rest of it rocks.



Hahaha, I said the same thing when I heard it.

I really like it though. I love the Breeders, so although I agree that it sounds like something off Title TK, it's still very good.

__________________________________________________

If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
Go to Top of Page

thedutch
- FB Fan -

Canada
16 Posts

Posted - 07/08/2004 :  08:25:32  Show Profile  Visit thedutch's Homepage  Click to see thedutch's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
it's grown on me.

not my favorite pixies song but not at the bottom of the list either
Go to Top of Page

Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =

Canada
11687 Posts

Posted - 07/08/2004 :  08:38:24  Show Profile  Visit Cult_Of_Frank's Homepage  Reply with Quote
It's THE DUTCH!!!!!

Sorry, I just saw you and had to say something. Please resume your regular conversations. :)


"When 5000 posts you reach / Look as good you will not, hmmm?"
Go to Top of Page

thedutch
- FB Fan -

Canada
16 Posts

Posted - 07/08/2004 :  08:46:55  Show Profile  Visit thedutch's Homepage  Click to see thedutch's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
why yes it is THE DUTCH

THE DUTCH
Go to Top of Page

Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =

Canada
11687 Posts

Posted - 07/08/2004 :  09:10:11  Show Profile  Visit Cult_Of_Frank's Homepage  Reply with Quote
Well, welcome aboard. Now you must listen to more FB.


"When 5000 posts you reach / Look as good you will not, hmmm?"
Go to Top of Page

thedutch
- FB Fan -

Canada
16 Posts

Posted - 07/08/2004 :  12:39:22  Show Profile  Visit thedutch's Homepage  Click to see thedutch's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
hey i listen to more frank black then you
no i don't
Go to Top of Page

bumblebeeboy2
> Teenager of the Year <

United Kingdom
2638 Posts

Posted - 07/08/2004 :  13:37:48  Show Profile  Click to see bumblebeeboy2's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
frank's backing vocals do it for me. they're ace.


And it's hard to be a human being, and it's harder as anything else, and I'm lonesome when you're around, and I'm never lonesome when I'm by myself, and I miss you when you're around.
Go to Top of Page

begeegs
- FB Fan -

United Kingdom
81 Posts

Posted - 07/15/2004 :  03:41:13  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I take back what I said. After a few listens I now think that it's pretty cleverly done....!!!
Go to Top of Page
  Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  
 New Topic  Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Jump To:
-= Frank Black Forum =- © 2002-2020 Frank Black Fans, Inc. Go To Top Of Page
Snitz Forums 2000