Whether it was reforming the Pixies after years of strong denials, or churning out numerous albums of hugely variable quality since they first split, Frank Black has always been a contrary bastard.
Following Frank's twisted logic, then, the next obvious step was to up sticks, move to redneck mecca Nashville and record a country record.
Amazingly, for the most part, it works. Highlights include 'Strange Goodbye', a disturbingly chipper recount of Black's failed marriage, and a surprisingly straight cover of 'Dark End Of The Street'. Although not in the same league as Gram Parsons', it's a heartfelt and oddly poignant, if slightly plodding, reading.
Sure, we'd prefer it if he stuck to being Francis, but that was never really an option. Honeycomb shows that, when he's not wailing like a banshee on heat, Frank can croon with the best of them.
Frank Black, then, unpredictable country.
Read more of Greg's reviews at Swing Batter Batter!
Article comments
1 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
Great review, Greg. i been intrigued by this record, the first of Frank Black's solo efforts to achieve such a thing...
2 - gene
This album sucks.
3 - JJ
I think this critique is a wonderful attempt at sounding like a convincing musical literati. The mixed metaphors and letter-opener stabs at referencing genre artists were poignant.
You had some critics yourself. Greg. Greg, git offa da iTunes. Buy an album. Learn something.
I do, however, disagree with the "variable quality" comment. Truth be told, the first three FB albums were produced up to par of any Pixies album. If not over-produced. "Teenager of the Year" was likely the height of the progressive over mixes. Seriously. The next three albums were all recorded raw, live to 2 track. Other artists that depend on the talent to that degree are few and far between, and by that I mean mostly dead.
In summary, I appreciate the work, but will not be clicking on the Google ads today.
-JJ