Best Of Frank Black, The - Frank Black

Advantages: it sounds like the pixies
Disadvantages: it's not the pixies

...Frank Black, former Pixies frontman, has left those days of glory firmly behind him, whilst moving forward with his own innovative style of music and embarking upon a successful solo career. From the outset of 'Frank Black', it is impossible to miss the obvious influence of the Pixies style on the record, but as the main man in the band, little else could be expected. The basic Pixies principles are still there, a typical four piece rock band coupled with a rock undertone and highly melodic ideas. However, it is something of a departure from the finer moments of the Pixies, with various songs incorporating highly bizzare musical features, normally consisting of techniques such as a synthesised brass section, and his tendency to suddenly change the pace of his tracks without prior musical warning. Individual tracks that stand out... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Perfect manic pop songs
Disadvantages: None - once you get over the fact the Pixies are no longer

...I think this is the best album released by Frank Black since the demise of his band The Pixies. The Pixies are, incidentally, one of my all-time favourite bands, so I came to this album with a history, and, I suppose, a lot of hopes and preconceptions. "Frank Black" was Black's first solo effort, although ex-Pixie guitarist Joey Santiago did join him, as he has done on other solo outings. It's definitely not what you'd call "a Pixies album", but I was nevertheless overjoyed when I heard it. Yes, it's a Frank Black album, but it's still brilliant. Almost as brilliant as the Pixies' albums. Just slightly different. Some of the themes in the songs are a little strange: Many are on the subject of UFOs - this won't be a surprise to any fans of The Pixies, as several songs on "Bossanova" and "Planet of Sound", their last two albums... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: RAAAAAAAAWWWWWWK!
Disadvantages: James Hetfield had a bit of a mullet

...The front cover of this album, frankly, is black. All black. And in this case, you should definitely judge the CD you have in your sweaty palms by its cover. B'cos let us not forget: Metallica, much as they seem to be out of favour these days since their rather BUNGLESOME attempts to curb Napster, can safely say that they produced one of the best metal albums EVER in the shape of this 1991 opus. It FUCKING ROCKS! Even more so than old Nick's own leather trousers! Fuck yes! 'Enter Sandman'... 'Wherever I May Roam'... 'Sad But True'... 'Nothing Else Matters'... GO ON, I challenge you NOT to headbang like a loony when you hear this album. It really does rock that much. And frankly, even though it's nearly a decade old, it still makes a mockery of all of today's crap pretenders like Limp Bizkit and bloody Slipknot.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful