All right, the Pixies have been reunited for a few years now, they've gone on tour (playing numerous dates in Southern California) and are currently working on their first album in 14 years—so what now? The band's legendary front man (sort-of front man . . . I mean . . . primary . . . vocalist/songwriter), Frank Black, has embarked on his own solo projects since the Pixies split in 1993, releasing his self-titled record that very same year. The album brought a lot of “Yeah . . . this is cool—but it's not the Pixies” sort of reactions.
To which Isay: no shit.
Unlike many, many, many narrowly conceived, meandering solo projects these days, Black had the sensibility and talent to showcase his eclectic songwriting abilities with fantastically nonsensical tracks such as “Los Angeles” (he wants to live in Los Angeles—but not the one in Los Angeles?), “Ten Percenter” and “Hang Onto Your Ego.” And the very next year, Black released Teenager of the Year—also critically acclaimed and again straying from that (undeniably wonderful) Pixies sound.
So now, one backup band (The Catholics), 11 albums and 12 years later, Black's back with his newest effort, Fast Man Fast Raider Man,and an amazing live show to match his lengthy discography. Black opens the two-plus-hour show with an acoustic set showcasing tracks off his earlier solo efforts and yes, even a few beloved Pixies tracks (“Wave of Mutilation,” “The Holiday Song,” “Cactus”). A (new) full band then joins him onstage for other Black solo favorites and a few covers.
And if I hear one audience member say, “Yeah . . . this is cool—but it's not the Pixies,” so help me god, they'll get a broken face. Uh huh, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh, ooooh! They'll get a broken face.
Frank Black and Kentucky Prophets at the House of Blues Anaheim, 1530 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, (714) 778-BLUE; www.hob.com/anaheim. Sun., 8:30 p.m. $27.50-$30. All ages.
