FRANK BLACK | FRANK BLACK
The self-titled debut from Pixies frontman Frank Black is a relatively obscure album that never quite got the recognition it deserved. While The Pixies remain one of the most influential acts of all time, this effort slid under the radar and is still left off of critics lists.
Opener and lead single “Los Angeles” sums the album up in a perfect song. It’s catchy and driving while having absolutely no place in any particular era or time period. While the drums are indicative of classic early 90’s production smack, the songwriting itself is a spirited and frisky run through Black’s state of being at the time. “I Heard Ramona Sing”, a song about Black’s obsession with the Ramones hits as deep as the album can get within the melodies and guitar riffs. It contains frequencies of connective tissue that can leave its chorus in your brain for eons.
The cover cover of “Hang On To Your Ego” by The Beach Boys is another album highlight, and in key with the album’s randomness. Black makes it entirely his own creation, so much so it’s hard to tell it was written by one of the world’s most praised geniuesses. The chorus is a barking dog of energy, while still playing by the album’s rules of not taking itself too serious. The lack of drama across the album is what makes it so special. Everything is placed so it’s playful and light.
Frank Black is not easily adaptable to listeners on first pass, and it doesn’t quite fit in with any relevant crowd, era, or scene. The album carries with it a cross-section of different genres and emotions. It’s complicated yet simplistic at the same time. While “Czar” and “Ten Percenter” are guitar drudge bliss, tunes like Brackish Boy and Two Space drop into caffeine-laced guitar jerking.
Lyrically the album offers very little that anyone would find personally relatable. “And there is no time for the man called Czar” is not exactly something you sit in your room to and pine about. Pixies created a much deeper emotional pull on their music, while Frank Black’s debut is meant to simply provide some flavour in its own dish. And rightfully so, we don’t need to add this spice to everything for it to be relevant on its on merit.
The sunny album art with its super yellow stripes and mountain sketch give it an energetic presence that invites curiosity. It captures the bright inspiring ideas that burst fourth across the entire album. It’s not a pop album, or overly sweet as the bright hues might suggest. But its also not dark or dramatic by any means. The album rides a wave of quirky intellect and tongue in cheek musings.
While it will remain a forgotten album, it’s is a pleasurable experience to dive into for a short while.
SAIL AND SHORE
2.5 oz vodka
1 oz Aperol
4 oz orange juice
1 oz fresh Meyer lemon juice
.5 oz fresh lime juice
.5 oz simple syrup
Splash of soda
Shake all ingredients together except for the soda with ice. Strain into a large wine glass filled with crushed ice. Top with soda and more ice as needed. Give a quick stir and a small squeeze of lime. Garnish with an orange slice and 3 fresh blueberries.