There is something to be said of the Pixies frontmans first solo album. Whilst owing alot to the success of The Pixies Black has written various solo albums. This self titled LP showing the most resemblance to the Alt Rockers.

With tracks such as 'Los Angeles' 'Fu Manchu' and 'Hang onto your Ego' its difficult to distinguish this from Early Pixies recordings. They have the oddball lyrics, the offbeat verses and sing-along choruses.

However it is on tracks like 'Places named after Numbers' and 'Every time I go around here' Black shows another more sentimental lyrical side. Musical direction on these tracks is alot more straight forward and very simple melodies are produced.

For the Pixies fans out there this is an essential album. In effect it is like an album of new material from 1 of the most influential bands of the last 20 years.

The production quality is far superior to many of Black's other albums. He seemed to later opt for a more raw sound as per his bands style. This is a rather polished affair. With session musicians used for the recordings it means with the exception of Joey Santiago's excellent guitar work this album has more thoughtful basslines, lots of organ and more intelligent drums - whilst very simple for the most part.

In conclusion this is a must for any Pixies fan out there. It is also alot more accesable for anybody who cannot quite get thier head round the Pixies but is a fan of the singles from the band such as 'Debaser', 'Where is your mind' et al.




Luke the Lust