From the Apr 1 – Apr 7, 1999 issue

Pullout

SURF BLAND

PIXIES

by Everett True

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Excellent

All right, so the Pixies produced two great records--ending with 1988's Surfer Rosa. Then they turned into a bad surf band pastiche, starting with the hideously overrated Doolittle, a trait that continued long into Frank Black's lamentable solo career. Their lyrics were always laughably childish, shock horror and proto-Dungeons & Dragons. What does it say about the Pixies that Nirvana (arguably) stole their sound and produced a record (Nevermind) that was far better than anything the Boston quartet achieved? What does it say about the Pixies that their finest moment ("Gigantic") was written by their bassist (Kim Deal), who was discouraged from further contributions and went on to actively improve upon the Pixies sound with her band, the Breeders? What does it say about the Pixies that Bush and Smashing Pumpkins look to them for inspiration? Jesus.

P.S. All right. So I lied about Doolittle.

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