The Vinyl Brew: Pixies - Best of Pixies... Wave of Mutilation

So, I mentioned I got into the band in a weird way and who doesn’t love finding new music? Whether it be in an ad or a soundtrack it’s always nice to discover something on your own. The Pixies for me were discovered while playing the game Rock Band back in 2007, with the track “Wave of Mutilation” being a playable song in the game. It became one of my favourite to play and so I had to discover who this group were. I’d obviously heard of the Pixies but had never given them a chance as the things I’d heard had a weird, strange sound to them. Amazing how much discovering the group in a game has changed the whole landscape of my musical taste. Weird is good.

‘Wave of Mutilation’ covers the band’s work from their mini debut album ‘Come on Pilgrim’ (1987) to ‘Trompe le Monde’ (1991). This covers the band’s first stint together as they would go on sabbatical in 1992, after tensions between members, and decided to work on solo projects. What we were left with were four full albums and a mini album of what has been described as surf rock, indie rock and noise pop. I think trying to put the Pixies into a genre is a struggle since what they do is produce a sound that moves from almost grating to smooth as silk. Sure, they touch on all those titles but to say they conform to any of them would be a mistake.

I would completely agree that the Pixies are not for everyone - they have created a sound that if it clicks with you then you’ll enjoy everything they do. What I would say though, is that everyone should give them a listen at some stage and because ‘Wave of Mutilation’ covers such a big portion of what they have produced it is the perfect start for someone who isn’t sure that the band is for them.

 Much of their changing sound featured on their tracks, such as the title track “Wave of Mutilation” and on massive hits like “Hey”, “Where is my Mind” and “Bone Machine” to name but a few. I think as much as their sound may not appeal to everyone it will be clear from listening that they are talented musicians, with the original line-up of Kim Deal, Joey Santiago, David Lovering providing a backing sound that sits perfectly behind the lyrics of Black Francis.

So, as I’ve said, it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but sure who is? If you dig that alt pop sound or have ever listened to bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana or Radiohead, all of whom have said that the Pixies have influenced them, then jump on board the noise train. ‘Wave of Mutilation’ paints broad strokes of Pixies sounds and I think that is the sign of a great best of, which this definitely is. As my morning joy comes to a close, I’m going to let “Where is my Mind?” play us out. Remember to head on over to our twitter @vinyl8records to let us know what your favourite Pixies track is.

"With your feet on the air and your head on the ground

Try this trick and spin it, yeah
Your head will collapse
If there's nothing in it

And you'll ask yourself”

Till next we Brew,
T

Next Sunday's brew is Muddy Waters' Folk Singer. Why not add this gem to your collection so we can listen together next week!