Comments on: I’m all confused about the Pixies show (Chicago, Aragon Ballroom)

By: Matthew

Matthew — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:07:43 +0000

I sort of agree with some of what you’re saying, but one thing that keeps coming out of Charles’ mouth is that they keep being asked by promoters to “sing the old songs” again — its not like they’re hucksters trying to sell something to people that they don’t want. If this is still a viable commercial entity (or is for the first real time) then I say, why the f not? The songs are still the songs. They’re still awesome, and as a long-time fan, sure I feel a little mixed up to be paying for this show AGAIN basically, and I for one (as a huge Frank Black fan) would love to hear some new material, the legacy be damned — but you cannot scream those songs in anything other than full engagement the way he did in the NY show I just saw. No matter how rote some things get, you have to dig deep and pull some of that energy up from somewhere, and he’s doing it night after night! They are as tight musically as they’ve ever been (even Lovering has his chops back!) and for me its a treat to hear this album (or albums, if they wanna come back next year for Bossonova, then in 2011 for Trompe Le Monde) live and in a concert setting – nuff said. Well written review, and very honest and thoughtful, but we don’t need to worry so much about half of what you brought up, even though its good to check.

By: Nick

Nick — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:40:01 +0000

I went to the NYC show (Night 1) and had a great time. I had never seen them live before. Ever. Frank did seem quite lackadaisical, but Kim had a huge smile spread across her face the ENTIRE SET. We made them feel loved, and she loved us back. David too, for that matter!

All in all – I’m glad to at least have experienced a live Pixies set 1 time. For me, even though far from Pixies heyday, it was quite epic.

By: A Strung

A Strung — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:06:29 +0000

I’m just saying Charles wasn’t just interested in touring, he had artistic designs as well, and Kim Deal was the one who scuttled those. If you’d prefer no touring and no new material, I get that (though I disagree because I don’t consider these things holy artifacts that will be tainted by sub-standard additions to the canon), but if they’re going to tour I think having an album demonstrates some enthusiasm. I think in this case, Mr. Black demonstrated some enthusiasm is what I’m saying. Maybe not now, but at least on the previous tour(s), though I saw no difference live either time.

In general though I don’t see the Pixies as a dynamic group on stage, not in any time period.

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:06:40 +0000

To: AStrung; Who would want to work with Frank? I’m hearing from other folks at the NYC shows that Frank was just as bored playing the set as he was in Chicago. I’m with Kim on this one, why delve back in. I saw the Breeders play a few months back, they were deeply involved in playing a live show, knowing the uniqueness of the experience. I’ve seen Frank play two solo shows, both in NYC, he was never blase about those.

To: Ryan; thanks mister, the truth hurts.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:16:21 +0000

I like everything that’s going on in this concert review. There’s the disappointment when reality and perceptions of heroes collide. The sadness in realizing things will never be how they were in the past. And the worst is feeling like you’re not as cool as you think you are. Every word is pained, even at its most retaliatory there is still a slight disbelief in what you saw and the way thing are. It’s a shame most concert reviews don’t include the writers existential dilemma because it makes the read exponentially more interesting. Great as always.

By: A Strung

A Strung — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:39:11 +0000

Maybe you will be somewhat comforted by this: It is my very clear understanding, stated by the man himself, that ol’ Frank wanted more than to just tour and in fact was ready for doing an album, as were the other two guys, but Ms. Deal nixed it in the name of a legacy. I believe the pudding wherein you kind find proof of this is the two Black Francis solo albums, which are really Pixie-esque at times.