Pixies (Saturday Review)

Pixies are an American alternative rock band formed in Boston in 1986. Known for their unique blend of punk, surf rock, and pop, the band quickly gained a following and became one of the most influential groups of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The Pixies’ lineup consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Black Francis (real name Charles Thompson IV), lead guitarist Joey Santiago, drummer David Lovering, and bassist Paz Lenchantin. Their music is characterized by Francis’s distinctive high-pitched vocals, Santiago’s intricate guitar work, and the band’s unconventional song structures and lyrics.

One of the Pixies’ most famous albums is “Doolittle,” released in 1989. The album included hits such as “Debaser,” “Here Comes Your Man,” and “Monkey Gone to Heaven,” and showcased the band’s ability to seamlessly blend elements of punk, pop, and noise rock. “Doolittle” has since been hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time and a landmark in alternative music.

The Pixies’ influence can be heard in the work of countless bands that followed them, such as Nirvana, Radiohead, and Weezer. Despite achieving only moderate commercial success during their initial run in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Pixies have since become one of the most revered and respected bands in the alternative music scene.

In recent years, the Pixies have continued to tour and release new music, with their most recent album, “Beneath the Eyrie,” coming out in 2019. The band’s live performances are known for their energy and intensity, and fans flock to see them perform their iconic songs like “Where Is My Mind?” and “Gigantic.”

Overall, Pixies have left an indelible mark on the music world with their innovative sound and uncompromising approach to their craft. They continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans with their timeless music and enduring legacy.