Review Summary: A brilliant live band releases their first album in years. But we've heard this before.
Do you ever get the feeling, that certain feeling, that there are periods in time that music is remembered the wrong way? Like the 90's with trashy grunge exploding onto the scene, that turned out to be loud and indecipherable, the early and mid-80's containing synthesized pop songs that were cheesy as hell, and even nowadays with rap and pop taking over the mainstream charts. Case in point, the alternative scene is remembered by some as the "in-the-middle" genre. Although bands like The Velvet Underground and R.E.M., and later on Radiohead, have all been met with worldwide success, alternative can sometimes go by unnoticed, a fact proven multiple times.
But the Pixies are unstoppable. Once Doolittle came out, it was cited as one of the most influential alternative albums of all times, and one of the most intelligent at the time. It was atmospheric and helped lay the foundation for rock later on. But ever since 1991, the Pixies have gone. They're taller, older, not as energetic, and touring the world, spreading the word for 20+ years of Doolittle. And the 20th Anniversary Sampler, as short as it may be, there are plenty of memories to be relieved here. But boy will fans hate this.
And you know why? This is an EP. After numerous compilations and not an album released since 1991, we're finally reintroduced to the Pixies for the first time in years. But what could be the most ambitious Pixies album yet, it only comes in four painfully brief packages. This is not an easy or wise choice: we have waited far too long for them to return, even when their legacy lives on. In fact, the shortage of tracks could be the very reason purchasing is not recommended: there are four tracks of wild audience reactions and gods playing live.
The lead singer Black Francis does display a dynamic vocal range and does an expert job at capturing the songs in a great way, even years later. Every wail, low and high pitch, and inflection is worth every minute of it, which makes it a shame we don't hear enough of it. Joey Santiago's guitar establishes the mood of the reunion perfectly, in a harmonic and dynamic style, such as the skillful traits taken on in the scary "Monkey Gone to Heaven", or the three-minute prog-esque Gouge Away. The drum work of David Loverding is consistent and crushing, each tempo recognizable, and the bass lines of Kim Deal do a great job of leading the charge.
And these are still classic songs, and will be for many years to come. The nostalgic, straightforward guitar work and brilliantly atmospheric lyrics of "Monkey Gone to Heaven" should be enough to reunite fans around the world, or how the audience goes insane on "Gouge Away", with its beautifully expert midtempo. Each song should be enough to remind fans that The Pixies continue to stay strong, and they still have the strength from the last of the 80's. Somewhat.
If there's one last thing I'd like to mention: the audience reactions are great. They are able to shout wildly and chant on and on, but you're able to hear everything Francis says, or actually listen to the guitar solos perfectly, without an annoying fan screaming. Unlike other live albums, the audience knows when to be quiet, and interacts with the band members perfectly. Just a note, because I get tired of hearing thousands of idiotic fans just screaming at the top of their lungs.
But this is still just a sampler. There's not enough tracks on this: if the track listing had doubled and they featured more renowned anthems from the Pixies, this would of been an album that everybody should of listened to. As an EP in itself, it's a fantastic 4-track compilation of timeless anthems by The Pixies. As their first true "album" in years, this extended play could of been infinitely better. If you are able to catch this album for free digital download, give it a listen nonetheless: it just may surprise you.
