There are endless debates about whether the band is called The Pixies or simply Pixies. Well, just as a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, so does this band by any name rock the freakin’ casbah. Some bands are destined to work their magic from behind the curtain like the Wizard of Oz or that dude who was the vocal talent behind Milli Vanilli. Their success never touched the mainstream, but those big names who put Grunge and so-called Alternative Rock in the spotlight in the nineties called themselves fans and admitted they were heavily influenced by Black Francis and cohorts. Their sound was unique when they first started in 1986 and still is as provocative, puzzling and wild as it was then.
aDawgg:
Before their 1993 implosion, The Pixies created five incredible albums in the five years between 1987-1991. As a result, whittling them down one outstanding and defining track has been the most difficult 100best yet due to the overall quality of their catalogue and my initially shallow knowledge and appreciation of their work. I now understand why they inspired and continue to inspire incredible loyalty among their fans of all ages. After much gnashing of teeth and roaring of terrible roars, I finally forced myself to settle on the one track I think packs the biggest punch by The Pixies.
Bean:
It seems weird to pick “Gigantic”, since it doesn’t have any of those characteristics usually associated with Pixies songs – there’s no screaming incoherently in Spanish, no mysterious caribou, no slicing of eyeballs. It could almost be a pop hit, making magnificent use of the Pixies’ loud-quiet-loud trademark to create a chorus you can’t help but joyously sing along with. And, although we’re more accustomed to Pixies songs with Frank Black vocals (Kim Deal’s voice more often used to create a vaguely creepy undertone), here Deal is both hypnotic and explosive. It’s exactly what it says it will be: Gigantic.
Tamboosh:
Four years after they broke up I heard “Where Is My Mind?” on the radio and remember thinking it was so different, so amazing, this HAD to be a new band. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was recorded in 1988! I still don’t really understand where their sound came from. They’re chaos and frenzy, melodic and enchanting. I’m still enthralled by the insanity and still don’t get most of the lyrics. Picking a favorite was grueling and I’ll probably change my mind by tomorrow, but from the first time I heard it I was under their spell.
