Pixies
The Pixies are an influential American alternative rock band formed in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts. Here is a detailed overview of the band, including their formation, members, musical style, and discography:
Pixies. Formation
The Pixies were formed by Black Francis (real name Charles Thompson), Joey Santiago, Kim Deal, and David Lovering. Black Francis and Joey Santiago met while studying at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and decided to start a band. They placed an ad in a local paper looking for a female bassist who liked both Hüsker Dü and Peter, Paul and Mary, which led them to Kim Deal. David Lovering, a friend of Deal’s husband, joined as the drummer.
Pixies. Members
- Black Francis (Charles Thompson) – Lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Joey Santiago – Lead guitar
- Kim Deal – Bass, backing vocals (1986–1993, 2004–2013)
- David Lovering – Drums, percussion
Additional members include:
- Kim Shattuck – Bass (2013, briefly)
- Paz Lenchantin – Bass, backing vocals (2014–present)
Pixies. Musical Style
The Pixies are known for their unique blend of punk rock, surf rock, and indie rock with dynamic song structures that often feature quiet verses and loud, explosive choruses. Their music is characterized by Black Francis’s distinctive scream-singing, cryptic lyrics, and the interplay between Santiago’s angular guitar work and Deal’s melodic bass lines.
Pixies. Discography
Studio Albums
- Surfer Rosa (1988) – Produced by Steve Albini, this debut album includes songs like “Where Is My Mind?” and “Gigantic.”
- Doolittle (1989) – Featuring tracks like “Debaser,” “Wave of Mutilation,” and “Here Comes Your Man,” this album is considered a landmark in alternative rock.
- Bossanova (1990) – This album continued their success with songs such as “Velouria” and “Dig for Fire.”
- Trompe le Monde (1991) – The band’s final album before their initial breakup, including songs like “Alec Eiffel” and “Planet of Sound.”
- Indie Cindy (2014) – After reuniting, the band released this album, which compiles material from their EPs.
- Head Carrier (2016) – Featuring Paz Lenchantin on bass, this album includes the single “Um Chagga Lagga.”
- Beneath the Eyrie (2019) – Their most recent album, featuring songs like “Catfish Kate” and “On Graveyard Hill.”
Extended Plays (EPs)
- Come On Pilgrim (1987) – Their debut EP, featuring early songs that would define their sound.
Pixies. Live Albums
- Pixies at the BBC (1998)
- Complete ‘B’ Sides (2001)
Pixies. Compilations
- Death to the Pixies (1997)
- Wave of Mutilation: Best of Pixies (2004)
Legacy
The Pixies have had a profound impact on alternative rock music, influencing bands like Nirvana, Radiohead, and The Strokes. Their innovative approach to song structure and dynamics, along with their raw and eclectic sound, has made them a cornerstone of the genre.
Their reunion in the early 2000s brought renewed interest in their music, and they continue to tour and release new material, maintaining a dedicated fan base worldwide.
