Back catalogue: All genres

Review: This double pack brings together the original, pre-reformation Pixies' last two albums from the early 90s with Bossanova from 1990 marking a distinct shift in the band's sound, Black Francis pursuing a more 'space age heavy metal' direction, a vision he had long desired. The album is imbued with haunting melodies like in 'Ana' and 'Velouria' and contains some of Francis' best lyrical work, dealing in unsettling concepts and a dreamlike atmosphere that's unlike anything they'd done before. Following closely in 1991, Trompe le Monde continues this exploration, both musically and thematically, with its most famous moment 'Planet of Sound' seemingly joining the dots between punk and metal. The title track, which translates to 'Fool the World', sets the tone for an album that adds more avant-garde touches to their alternative rock. While maintaining the Pixies' signature style on 'Alec Eiffel' and the impossibly funky but still lead heavy 'U Mass' - the only track containing the c-word that even sneaked onto a Desert Island Discs playlist thanks to one Jimmy Carr - it still pushes the boundaries even further with more experimental elements. A comprehensive experience of this fascinating and often underrated period in the Pixies' career.

Review: When the dust settled, it would be fair to say that 'Indie Cindy', Pixies 2014 recording comeback, was not a roaring success, from its unfortunate title down. Paradoxically, what appears to have made the difference for the vastly superior 'Head Carrier' is the arrival of talented journeywoman bassist Paz Lenchantin, who makes her presence felt throughout and perhaps shakes up the chemistry of the band just enough to make them comfortable taking chances. The spiky pop hooks, humour and off-kilter raunch are here in spades, yet more importantly 'Head Carrier' sounds like the work of a band comfortable in its own skin once again.

Review: When the dust settled, it would be fair to say that 'Indie Cindy', Pixies 2014 recording comeback, was not a roaring success, from its unfortunate title down. Paradoxically, what appears to have made the difference for the vastly superior 'Head Carrier' is the arrival of talented journeywoman bassist Paz Lenchantin, who makes her presence felt throughout and perhaps shakes up the chemistry of the band just enough to make them comfortable taking chances. The spiky pop hooks, humour and off-kilter raunch are here in spades, yet more importantly 'Head Carrier' sounds like the work of a band comfortable in its own skin once again.

Review: Pixies' The Night The Zombies Came marks their tenth studio album and continues their resurgence with a fiery new direction. This release is a vibrant mosaic of eclectic influences, from Druidism and medieval themes to apocalyptic malls and gargoyles. The album, produced by Tom Dalgety, blends cinematic ambition with a diverse sonic palette. The tracks divide into two distinct camps: the country-tinged 'Dust Bowl Songs' like 'Primrose' and 'Mercy Me', and the intense punk anthems such as 'You're So Impatient' and 'Oyster Beds'. Notable is the single 'Chicken', showcasing the band's signature surrealism. With the addition of new bassist Emma Richardson from Band Of Skulls, and an expanded role for guitarist Joey Santiago, who contributed lyrics to 'Hypnotised' using a sestina form, the album explores new creative depths. The Night The Zombies Came reaffirms Pixies' enduring creativity and versatility, delivering a dynamic and imaginative collection that bridges past influences with a forward-looking vision.

Review: Pixies return with The Night The Zombies Came, their tenth album, marking 35 years since Doolittle cemented their place in alternative rock history. Building on the momentum of their 2022 album Doggerel, the band deliver 13 new tracks that prove to be among the most cinematic soundscapes of their career. The album weaves together eclectic themes like Druidism, apocalyptic shopping malls and medieval-themed restaurants. Black Francis, the band's primary songwriter, describes the album as a series of fragmented narratives that come together to form a kind of movie. The Pixies' trademark blend of surreal lyrics and dynamic "loud-quiet-loud" song structures remain intact, yet the new material explores fresh, imaginative territories. Having influenced iconic bands like Nirvana, Radiohead and Weezer, Pixies have long been a cornerstone of alternative rock and now, with Emma Richardson (formerly of Band of Skulls) joining as bassist after Paz Lenchantin's departure, they continue to evolve while maintaining their distinctive edge.

Review: It's hard to imagine the rock music of the last quarter-century without Pixies, and in particular without the Doolittle album. Lest we forget, Kurt Cobain was at one point concerned that Smells Like Teen Spirit might be too much of a Pixies ripoff, which is testimony to the innovative qualities of the band's meld of surrealism and pop hooks; quiet and loud, sweet and sour. This triple-album set offers an opportunity to bear witness to the gestation of this near-perfect opus, collecting demos and radio sessions to map out the means by which four weirdos united the underground and the mainstream, seemingly by some serendipitous car crash of happy accident and raw talent.

Review: This is the first official vinyl release of the previously CD only collection of Pixies live performances on the BBC. Fans of the band know what a mythical live band the Pixies are. And what better way to experience that emotion then these recordings collected from their earlier years of the late 80s and early 90s? Included are many of the early hits like 'Monkey Gone To Heaven', 'Wave of Mutilation' and 'Allison', mainly from BBC studio sessions and the occasional live recording. 4AD have done an amazing job with this release spreading it across three pieces of vinyl too.