Milo here.
It’s a Thursday and you know what that means; it’s MMM day. In fact, that’s wrong. I don’t give a shit about Thursdays and you shouldn’t either.
Today, we’re looking at alt rock pioneers Pixies and one of their landmark tracks, Debaser, from their 1989 release Doolittle. Check the video below:
Deviating from their famed “quiet-loud-quiet-LOUD” dynamic that influenced everyone from Nirvana to The Strokes to Rage Against The Machine to Foo Fighters, Pixies present us with a full-throttle catchy, kitschy, grungy alt rock tune that lacks little.
The bass that opens the song establishes the feelgood chord structure while also giving us an idea of the tempo we’re going at here, with the clashing guitars kicking in with steel-toed boots and, along with the cokehead drumming, immediately plunges the listener into a tornado of instrumental emphasis on MENTAL. Said guitars weave in and out under each other, with the backbone riff being hopped upon by these whining overheads, coupled with Kim’s etherally cool backing vocals.
On top of all this, Black Francis delves into the surface-level simple lyrics that reference 1929 art short Un Chien Andalou, serving up the same surrealist imagery as it’s inspiration. Despite this, there is also a childlike ambition in the vocals, with Francis’ wild howls countering the aforementioned backing — all coming together in a cacophony of AAAAhH.
Lots of hugs, kisses and lacerations
Milo.
This song is absolutely glorious! One of the finest pieces of pop rock songwriting ever, and certainly the catchiest tune one will ever hear inspired by a surrealistic motion picture featuring an eyeball being sliced and Salvador Dalí.
Black Francis is probably the only living human capable of turning that material (as well as many other odd topics addressed by the Pixies) into anthems of alternative rock!
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I can’t argue with you there! Un Chein Andalou has brought out my inner art student in so many ways haha but I agree with you on Black Francis’ lyrics — pure gold!
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I see Pixies I click Like and wish it was Love. Yes yes YES!
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YESSSS!!
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Did I ever tell you we got to see them on their reunion tour, in Saskatoon? James told me they were coming to town so we got tix but there was concern they would fight and break up and the tour would cancel and we were about the third stop on the tour… but it went off great and OH MAN was it awesome. I even have the recording of the show, on of those ones they record and then sell afterwards. Great stuff! GREAT!
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Honestly the jealousy is so real right now! That’s amazing! What a show that must’ve been! 😀
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It was magic, something special about those musicians together making music!
Also, one other time, we saw the drummer do a magic show as an opening act for another band. True story!
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One of the very best bands ever at the height of their powers. This shit is mercurial in it’s magic. Perfect
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I don’t doubt it. I’ve only scratched the surface really and can’t wait to delve deeper.
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Absolutely incredible tune…
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Agreed.
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