Album Mini-review: Pixies — Head Carrier
File next to: The Breeders, Sonic Youth
Pixies were one of those bands that nobody really expected to reunite. The acrimony among its members is thought to rival that of the discord between John Fogerty and his old Creedence Clearwater Revival rhythm section. So it was a surprise when – long after unceremoniously disbanding in the early ’90s, the band re-reunited in 2003. But no new music was forthcoming until 2014, and there were widespread reports that the band was phoning it in onstage. None of that back story prepares the listener for 2016’s Head Carrier, a cohesive album that revives the Pixies spirit of old while showing Black Francis and company sounding positively thrilled to be making music. The disc is full of short, snappy, melodic tunes with solid vocal harmonies. But an underlying sense of menace remains: when Black howls “Baal’s Back,” you’ll take him at his word
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.