PIXIES Vinilo y CD

Review: This is the first official vinyl release of the previously CD only collection of Pixies live performances on the BBC. Fans of the band know what a mythical live band the Pixies are. And what better way to experience that emotion then these recordings collected from their earlier years of the late 80s and early 90s? Included are many of the early hits like 'Monkey Gone To Heaven', 'Wave of Mutilation' and 'Allison', mainly from BBC studio sessions and the occasional live recording. 4AD have done an amazing job with this release spreading it across three pieces of vinyl too.

Review: When the end days come and it's finally time to write the complete story of American rock 'n' roll, surely Pixies will get their own chapter. Legends of the grunge world, often known for a stylistic simplicity (quiet-LOUD anyone?) but unafraid to go out on a psychedelic limb when the moment suits, they've towered above the majority of acts for 28 years and, as "Beneath The Eyrie" proves, still have plenty to say. "In The Arms of Mrs Mark Of Cain" starts proceedings on a gothic-Western hybrid tip, setting things up perfectly for any song named "Graveyard Hill". Realistically when that track does arrive it switches the mood with a nod to the band's archetypal punk-infused sound, and that's precisely the point. Apparently betting the farm on this one, it's got everything from psych-folk to Tim Burton-ish ghoulish wit, making for the band's finest hour since their 2004 reformation.

Review: When the dust settled, it would be fair to say that 'Indie Cindy', Pixies 2014 recording comeback, was not a roaring success, from its unfortunate title down. Paradoxically, what appears to have made the difference for the vastly superior 'Head Carrier' is the arrival of talented journeywoman bassist Paz Lenchantin, who makes her presence felt throughout and perhaps shakes up the chemistry of the band just enough to make them comfortable taking chances. The spiky pop hooks, humour and off-kilter raunch are here in spades, yet more importantly 'Head Carrier' sounds like the work of a band comfortable in its own skin once again.

Review: When the dust settled, it would be fair to say that 'Indie Cindy', Pixies 2014 recording comeback, was not a roaring success, from its unfortunate title down. Paradoxically, what appears to have made the difference for the vastly superior 'Head Carrier' is the arrival of talented journeywoman bassist Paz Lenchantin, who makes her presence felt throughout and perhaps shakes up the chemistry of the band just enough to make them comfortable taking chances. The spiky pop hooks, humour and off-kilter raunch are here in spades, yet more importantly 'Head Carrier' sounds like the work of a band comfortable in its own skin once again.