Frank Black Francis, 'Frank Black Francis' (spinArt)

This Pixies-less Pixies album ain't no holiday.

This double CD’s first volume is easy enough to understand. It’s a collection of demos by Charles Thompson, who later became Black Francis and later became Frank Black. It was recorded in 1987, the day before his band the Pixies went into the studio to make their first record, Come on Pilgrim.

The Last DJ: John Peel, 1939-2004

Travis Morrison, 'Travistan' (Barsuk) Say Anything, 'Say Anything is a Real Boy' (Doghouse)

The way out of emo, and the way over the top.

Soon, Max Bemis will get his ass kicked by a girl--figuratively, at least--and Say Anything will be over.

Interpol, 'Antics' (Matador)

Interpol temper their Joy Division with some actual joy.

You know what the ’80s sounded like? Journey, Men at Work, and Lionel freakin’ Richie, that’s what. So can we all please stop squealing “It’s so ’80s!” whenever we hear a campy new song that even slightly evokes the Human League, Depeche Mode, or the Cure?

Interpol - Antics

Interpol
Antics
Matador

Noise Live: AFI / Thursday

RCKTWN Music Venue
RCKTWN Music Venue
Nashville, TN
February 27, 2004

 

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