David Bowie Discusses the Pixies

"I found it just about the most compelling music outside of Sonic Youth in the entire 80s."

Pixies Gone To Vancouver

I saw the Pixies at the Orpheum Theatre tonight. I know I say this after every show more and more these days (likely because I've been seeing so many of my absolute favourite bands), but the Pixies were one of the best shows I ever saw - musically, for sure; if I was front-and-centre, they definitely would have been one of the best shows I ever saw in general (that is, factoring in the entire experience). However, we were on the balcony because the show had assigned seating. I generally hate the balcony and avoid it at all costs, but tonight, the view was absolutely PERFECT.

The Pixies began their set by blitzing through a handful of Doolittle-era B-sides and then launching into a track-by-track performance of Doolittle (it was the Doolittle tour, after all). After an encore that consisted of a couple more Doolittle-era B-sides, the band wrapped up its show with several non-Doolittle-era songs, including its final song of the night (and possibly my favourite Pixies song) "Gigantic."

Not only were the Pixies loud as HELL (I would probably be deaf, if I was front-and-centre on the floor), but every member sounded crystal clear. Most notably, I was instantly blown away by how flesh-eatingly FEROCIOUS Frank Black's voice was live, and I never realized how great a guitarist Joey Santiago was. Even for a whopping $70+, the show was worth every penny.

This Sunday, the Kills.