Reviews (page 6 of 14)
Grunge art punk. This is a good inclusion. Great sound, and I don't mind the disjointedness. Favorite: "Where Is My Mind?"
bone machine- 6 break my body- 7 something against you- 7 broken face- he sounds like mickey mouse. 7 gigantic- 6 river euphrates- 7 where is my mind- 10. you met me at a very strange time in my life cactus- 6 tonys theme- 7. shout out tony oh my golly- 6 vamos- 6 im amazed- 6 brick is red- so true 6
This is really good. Wild, raw, great vocals. The songs are effective: short and intense.
Maybe their best
crazy for a debut
Offbeat and enjoyable. Not every track hit for me, but more did than I was expecting. Cactus and Broken Face are both standouts.
4.5 Just not quite Doolittle level, but amazing none the less.
I’d heard of, but never listened to, the Pixies. They’re great! The music is a little on the edge for me. But, it’s creative and delivered with talent and confidence. Could be a three, but it makes it over the threshold to a four.
This album is so influential and the blueprint for many more commercially successful indie/grunge/alternative albums and bands that followed, including Nirvana’s Nevermind a few years later. This is their rawest most punk Pixies album, and the lyrics and vocals are more deranged than the later ones. Makes this a harder listen, but still worthwhile. 4⭐️
I have always steered away from the band as I have deemed myself not cool enough to like them but I have to listen to them now because of this experiment. Yes, I have heard Where Is My Mind? Before and I do enjoy it. Luckily I think that after all these years I have finally discovered the Pixies as I enjoyed this album a lot. Very good.
4/5
4.25
While not on the level of Doolittle for me, it still manages to capture what I found so enthralling about the pixies with some great guitar line and funky lyrics and vocals.
Quite good.
I love cactus and where is my mind
Wijs album! Natuurlijk niet in de buurt van Doolittle, maar het komt wel een beetje dichter bij. Soms iets te noisy, maar bij de Pixies mag dat. 3.8
When this album came up, I audibly said "Fuck Yeah!" After listening to this album, I definitely was reminded of bands that came far after this was released, and it's easy to see how influential this was on the alt/punk/grunge scenes that followed in the 90's. While this album might bot be as well regarded as Doolittle, and mostly is remembered for the "Fight Club Song", I think it stands on it's own two feet as an incredible album that's worth a listen for anybody who even remotely enjoys punk. As a whole, I think this album really is carried by the instrumentals and what Joey Santiago is doing on the guitar, and somewhat held back by Black Francis' vocals. "Where is my Mind" has probably the most "normal" vocals on the album (which is saying a lot, because he was really going for it on that song, and it really worked), but I felt like on a lot of the other tracks, Francis was really trying out some things that just didn't work. That said, this album still absolutely fucks. 8.4/10
Already familiar with this album. The rawness of this album is great. Although Doolittle is amazing, it lacks the same rough edges as its predecessor.
surfer wowsa
Strong start from Pixies with Surfer Rosa! Drum beats drive most songs which are all good, lead by Where Is My Mind. They definitely influenced alt rock bands of the 90s. (4.2*s)
The Pixies Surfer Rosa ignores the overproduced synthy sounds of the 80s in favor of Steve Albini's raw, cold, unpolished production and it makes an abrasive statement on the cultural shift moving into the 90s. With songs covered by the likes of David Bowie, included in seminal 90s film Fight Club and its great influence on grunge music, its manic pessimism is still felt to this day. Like Sonic Youth the female and male vocals sold this album to me instantly when I first heard it, Frank Black and Kim deals vocals just coalesce into something far greater than the sum of their parts. Just take the backing vocals on Where Is My Mind, which are so harrowingly beautiful and mystifying that I can't help but be completely absorbed by it. Kim Deal gets her own track on the album, Gigantic, led by her powerful yet soothing vocals, definitely in the conversation of best Pixies songs. The way Kim sings the first verse is completely entrancing evoking a sense of teenage love, carefree and youthful as though she's completely entranced by this 'big big love'. Another one of my favourite tracks is Something Against You which starts sounding like an episode of spongebob with its opening guitar riff until exploding into sea of razor-blade guitars which swamp the vocals which sound like they're shouted through a broken megaphone. Also the lyrical content on this album is so raw and unfiltered, clearly making way for the grunge scene in the 90s. Lines like "I'm the horny loser... I'm the ugly lover" or "He bought me a soda and tried to molest me in the parking lot" or "The day before that I was wed, she went upstairs and shot her head." Just scream nirvana-isms, that they would employ on songs like 'rape me' and 'Polly'. The entire first half of the album up until cactus is fucking fantastic which is a bummer when you look at the last five songs which show the band slowly running out of steam. Theres lots of gringo Spanish and a song about a superhero named Tony on the back end, which are funny but certainly tonal whiplash from the strong first half. It does pick up slightly with the last two songs and some spoken word sections which I think add a lot to the album. 9/10
Crude singing, distorted guitar, thumping bass lines, poignant drums, all things the pixies have managed to master. Leaning into noise rock, and shit singing, have created a truly unique sound. The lead singer sound like Poofesure loosing it sometimes. Overall, a good punk album, but I felt some tracks just that little more to give. Probably won't listen to this ever again, but I can appreciate it's a good album. Best tracks: Something Against You, Where is My Mind, Tony's Theme, Vamos
Good rock album. Didn’t change my life.
Chaotic, but instrumentally astounding
Album art: 4
[[1001- 3 Pixies - Surfer Rosa]] Is todays, released 2 years after yesterdays Graceland, this one is more to my tastes when it comes to tonality, distorted, heavy and a little rough round the edges. I can see why they were popular at the time and honestly, so far it still holds up today. Oh and there it is, the one I know, Where is My Mind, proper banger if a bit overplayed. Thoroughly enjoyed Tony's Theme and Vamos in particular on first listen, I can see this becoming a favourite.
Bone Machine Gigantic Where Is My Mind? Cactus
Fantastic album
This is possibly a 5 star record. I might be underselling it. There are only a few mid-level Pixies songs on here. The rest are some of their best work.
Classic. No notes
Just a great album. Love none machine, gigantic, where is my mind. Wacko lyrics and jammy guitars. Beaut!
a classic and a gem
AJJ adjacent experimental
Pretty great.
ну достаточно крэйзи музыка конечно
Listens: 3 Standout tracks: Where is my mind?, Oh My Golly!, Bone Machine Added to Library: TRUE I've tried to listen to this album for a long time, but its never clicked over the disparate times over the years. Finally forcing myself to listen to it, holy shit is it clicking now. I hear Modest Mouse, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, all bleeding through this album. I will also never get tired of Where Is my mind? Fight Club ending! The renditions of it in The Leftovers. Damn.
Not my first listen. Gefällt mir, ich denke wenn ich wieder ne Band hätte könnte sich die Musik ungefähr so anhören die wir machen würden. Highlights: Where is my mind; Gigantic; Cactus (das ich zuvor auf Bowies Heathens gehlrt hab und nicht wusste, dass er es gecovered hat)
My third favorite Pixies album when they were at their primal nest.
This is a song about a superhero named Tony
Classick, quirky and unique pixies sound. Maybe my favorite album of theirs
Really great & fun indie record, the riffs & performances are amazing, everything's just great.
Big fan of The Pixies
I often think about how the reason I got into the Pixies was that I read (probably in Spin or something) that a young Thom Yorke idolized them. Anyway, Surfer Rosa rules. 4.5.
Right from the jump things are off-kilter with Lovering’s tempo which in retrospect is a little funny: Charles and Joey really wanted this to be a huge band, just as much as the Gallaghers envisioned being rock n roll stars. Old Days: Hugely important album for me, along with the rest of the 87-91 period (and the first few solo/Breeders records). I got in right before they broke up, loved Trompe le Monde even more than Nevermind. A few years later I was starting to play in bands and had a memorex cassette tape that contained the entire discography front to back and hoo boy did I ever wear that out. I’d already purchased the Gigantic single/EP with its alternate version of Euphrates, which showcased Joey’s playing and that was the ultimate attraction for me with the Pixies: his guitar. I was already a “guitar guy” but like, a fan of the Edge, Robert Smith, Peter Buck: oh you use feedback and noise? I’m in! Joey was doing a masterclass with that. Like, “Vamos” was the clear album centerpiece for 16 year-old KPH. We later used one of the studios they recorded at (Albini hated it) and then with some of the same people at what Fort Apache turned into. So that was fun and for a normal person would’ve been meaningful but it was just another boring ass studio to me. Today: Hard to hear any of this fresh. “Where is my mind?” was my jam in 1993-94, but weirdly, I was alone with that. “Gigantic” and the subsequent albums highlights got all the attention, whereas for a while there, “Where is my mind?” was kinda forgotten. And now everyone has it. That’s the indie rocker dilemma I suppose, I have my special thing that means a lot to me and I want to share it with everyone and then it does get shared with everyone and becomes a commercial jingle, soundtrack staple/shorthand for “life is crazy eh?” Also, like a lot of “underground” music there’s a lot of patience here for experimental or offbeat lyrical approaches, which maybe worked at the time, but even Charles steered away from the dada/surrealist stuff the longer he stayed at it.
Can’t believe I slept on these guys for so long
A harcore Pixies fan since day one, I love this album with its mix of energy and noisy sounds that never forget the melody layer. Yet, despite the iconic Where is my mind, their 3 following albums are better in my opinion.
4-
finally some good fucking food
The first decent album recommended by the site in a week. Good experimental rock 'n' roll. Of course I've heard of the Pixies and I know some of their songs, but I never listened to a whole album before. I'm not real fond of Black Francis' high pitched singing voice- Kim Deal fares much better here, but it's not a deal breaker. This is a good album that I'll listen to again. 4 stars.
If I hadn’t loved this album in the 90’s, I’d probably hate it now. But I was super into this album in the 90’s and so now when I hear Frank Black yelling and the guitars buzz-sawing, I don’t think “ahh! stop all that terrible noise! you’re hurting my ears!” like I do with a lot of the more discordant albums on this list. I think “Gods I rocked hard then” and my soft, quiet music-loving soul fills with joy at the fond memory of a hard-rocking past that probably never really existed. But even if I heard this album for the first time today, the fact that it has both "Gigantic" and "Where is My Mind?" on it would likely win me over despite the rest of the album being a bit too abrasive.
Yeah actually I quite enjoyed this, I'm not really into lazy vocals but I think this really worked for some songs and then it belts out when it needs to.
4 stars just for "Where is my mind?"
One of those bands and albums, that no matter who says, "they've had a huge influence on me", I would still love them. Journalist - "So, Lee, you may be of the singers in Blue, I hear you have quite a wide taste in music?" Lee Ryan - "yes. I love The Pixes. Especially the album Sofa Rosa. The way Black Francies can give a vocal performance so visceral such as on Broken Face and yet bring a different vibe with tracks like, "Where Is My Mind". I love it sad often feel inspired by this with my performances in many of our hits, such as 'All Rise'. Me (with gritted teeth and clenched fists), I still like the Pixes. Please note this is a completely imaginary quote by Lee Ryan. But still... fuck that guy.
There's nothing more I can say that hasn't already been said by m'colleagues. Enjoyed it, would listen again, made me actually stop my DIY task of putting bolts on a door to listen. Clearly I'll have to go back to one of the previous albums to get the task done because the gosh darn musical gifts from The Pixies were too good for to focus on otherwise. 4/5 for the album 1/5 for the back door lock. I've stripped a screw and buggered it all
Once again asking for half stars because this is a strong 4.5 for me. What a good reprieve after the last couple of days.
This is great. I prefer Doolittle and I guess that's just cos it's a bit more song-y. Winner.
These riffs are fucking grating holy
love them and the deal sisters lovelovelove!!!!
These guys sure busted things open. Things look a bit different without this album. 3 stars for Gigantic alone. We had to wait a few more years for more KD. But so worth the wait. RIP Steve A.
Great album overall, good flow, lost me a bit towards the end, I felt the first half was better than the second.
Listened. Cracking album. Where's my mind and and Bone Machine are good. Tapers off a little bit
Obviously one song stood out from all of the others but that doesn't take away from the other songs. I would have to be in the mood to listen to this and unfortunately I wasn't really in the mood :/. I got like 1/5 enjoyment from it but objectively it's at least 4/5.
Some absolute bangers, but a couple misses for me as well. But I do feel like I appreciated it more the further I listened. So will probably give it another listen and maybe I'll feel differently.
Classic garage/grunge, hard to get through if you aren't in the mood though. The vibes are classic either way. Has Where Is My Mind, which is a classic.
I really enjoy this album, it has a lot of good and fun songs. It also has my favorite Pixies song, Gigantic, on it.
I got into Pixies on the release of Death to the Pixies. Also my introduction to 4AD and the artwork of Vaughan Oliver. Strange stuff, an uncanny blur of rock - a decent description of the cover and the sound. Working back to the records proper meant a version of Surfer Rosa with Come on Pilgrim stuck on. It was a long album then, with the Best Of bits already familiar. It wasn’t the record itself. It’s hard to think of it as only 34 minutes of music. In 1999, Fight Club came out and made an album track into a cultural touchstone, maybe even a lodestone - Where is my Mind? was only fourteen on the track list, last of the six Surfer Rosa/Come On Pilgrim songs - but, to read some of the reviews here, it is the only song of merit. At the time of release, if we are to believe Fool the World, the oral history of Pixies, Gigantic was the song of highest merit. Kim Deal’s only lead contribution, it stood head and shoulders about everything else on the debut album. I don’t think any of these estimations are accurate, but I think it’s true that I’ve never heard the true Surfer Rosa - with all its incendiary aggression and manic energy, with any of its freshness. Those coming to it in the reverberations of Where is my Mind? have not and cannot hear it through the tinnitus of that one song’s inexplicable explosion. Death to the Pixies was sold on the band’s influence on Kurt Cobain, which causes a similar tinnitus. Here, we were told, was a near perfect four album catalogue and, coming to Pixies then, meant grappling with an oeuvre, not an album. Perhaps, like I mentioned in my Cure review last week, Pixies is a five-star band without a five-star record or that this discography (from the original run at least) is greater than any component part of it. I don’t think that’s the case entirely, but I find it hard to think of Surfer Rosa in isolation. Most remarkable is how the songs from Come On Pilgrim, Surfer Rosa, and some from Doolittle were written in a six month purple patch that Black Francis was never able to replicate. It’s really this six month period, after a trip to Puerto Rico, that looms larger than everything else - when he was swimming in the Caribbean and losing his mind. That deserves a 4.5 at least, even if the burst of Surfer Rosa may not. Surfer Rosa is a weird album. There are a lot of great tracks on it but it isn’t quite a great album, in my opinion, because they don’t feel (to me) like they are in any order. That’s excepting Bone Machine as an opener, which is a wonderful idea. It’s a petty thing to complain about. When so much talent is dumped in front of you it’s looking a gift horse in the mouth to say ‘Brick is Red’ isn’t a great closer (doesn’t help that Surfer Rosa/Come on Pilgrim is how I have always listened to this record) or ‘Where is my Mind?’ is an odd choice for opening side B, for example. Or that the (de facto) skits are annoying and unnecessary. Or that Broken Face isn’t any good. Why isn’t Broken Face any good? I’ve no more idea than I do about why most of the rest of the album is brilliant. I was going to write something about the strength and clarity of the musical ideas and their brutal economy of phrase construction…but really I’ve no idea. Pixies are just special. Never has music that sounds so stupid been so incomprehensibly clever. 4/5
Really good. Not really sure what I would change and what's keep this from being a 5/5, maybe just personal preference. Protecting the 5 spot for all time greats. This was surprising to me though. I've always wanted to do a Pixies deep dive and don't think I've heard any of these, aside from Where is my mind. On another note - I've already realized I underrated Jesus and MC... Hit me on the Hardest Walk. Great song. Def a 4 or 5 album. My b.
That's alot of 80s post punk recently - hard to complain! The front half of this album steals the show - Gigantic, River Euphrates, Where Is My Mind? 3.5 for me - will round up because Kim Deal > Kim Gordon.
although not an overall fan of the album, this is an experience from the first to the last song. there's more to love in this album than the (nonetheless awesome) "Where Is My Mind?".
Bone Machine 4 Break My Body 4.2 Something Against You 3.8 Broken Face 3.9 Gigantic 4.5 River Euphrates 4 Where Is My Mind? 4.6 Cactus 4 Tony's Theme 4 Oh My Golly! 3.8 Vamos 4 I'm Amazed 3.8 Brick Is Red 3.8 Score: 4.030769231
This album was released a good 7 years before I thought it would have been. The fact that this album contains where is my mind adds an extra start at least. Overall a really good album in its own right.
Not much to say, it's just good and kinda weird, but in an interesting way.
The highs were really high, didn’t hold up all the way through for me.
All the classics on this one
It's not Doolittle, but it's still pretty good.
Enjoyed thoroughly I liked; Gigantic River Euphrates Where is my mind Cactus Camps
Every time I listen to this album I’m a little disappointed because it is very hyped up, so I expect something polished and beautiful. But maybe the beauty in it is how well it gets away with sounding kind of like shit. Just as something beautiful isn’t always enjoyable, something messy is often very lovable.
Pixies would go so hard 3 beers deep at your local bar. Where Is My Mind is so iconic and good.
8.8/10
Boobs?? At this hour? At my job? Ah man. I’m offended and the Pixies have been cancelled. Sorry fellas. As a devout male feminist, I have to put the kibosh on this feminine expression. It’s in my job description. Despite the scandalous nature of the sleeve, I am giddy for more Pixies. I feel as though they might have a perfect early run. Of course, my reviews will continue to dip in quality as the plastic in my bloodstream cripples each lobe of my brain like an encroaching oil spill, but I shall persevere and attempt to transcribe the following. Cowabunga, Surfer Rosa. Don’t jump the shark. Carol gets a whole song? What do I get? This almost has elements of Devo. The frantic caterwauling. You can hear that this influenced so much indie music right away, and I suppose Devo is in many ways the spiritual grandfather of said indie music. This song is downright futuristic for 1988. Cool track. Break your Body? I will do no such thing. Despite my powerhouse physique and my prison nickname being “The Spleen Incinerator,” I do NOT work for free. Sorry pal. Now, will I hold your bones? Absolutely, BUT only if you pay for the body breaking seminar. Bone holding is complementary with seminar purchase. Tons of energy in this song. They really want that body broken! Sponge-Core. Not a bad instrumental break. I love the unhinged screeching. Buddy’s got a broken face. What can I say? Asked for a broken body, and somebody breaks his face. You know what they say, If you want something done right, hire the Spleen Incinerator. Remarkably reasonable pricing. This track rules. Oh no. I used to make fun of this song. My teenage self is looking at me with arms folded in anticipation. Yes, he is wearing a Demolition Hammer t shirt. Guess what lil fella. I still think this chorus is a dumpster filled with Carnak-esque predictions of what 2011 pop hits would sound like. You can rest easy. However, the verses are great. Not “.44 Caliber Brain Surgery,” but still great. Oh, while I’ve got you in this time portal, please buy real estate with your part-time job money. I’m sure that 300 dollars a month should do it. Gaza strip has been discussed. Genocide is bad. All religion needs to be abolished. Hope things improve there. Anyway. The song is cool once again. The shrieks are so good. Not a misspelling of sheiks. I mean. It has a billion plays or something. It’s so god damn good though. Ugh. I hate myself. Emotionally poignant, varied, a little funny and ultimately, beautiful. Jeez follow that, right? Not an easy track to respond to. The coolness keeps on coming though. Good. The superhero named Tony probably owns Tony’s on Robie Street in Halifax. SOLID donairs. A worthy theme song for a purveyor of such fine meats. You’ll do a *gulp* topless woman on the front cover, but won’t say “Oh my sweet fucking Christ.” That would’ve been cooler. Oh he said fuck. Ok. He said it a lot. The title track in parentheses. Too cool to even do the full title track. My word, the screams are great. It’s such a nice touch and they fit so well. This song is a little off its rocker, but that is very much ok with me. Hell yeah. Hey Paul McCartney, this is how you get decisive. You’re all like “well gee I don’t know, MAYBE I’m Amazed” and then the Pixies rock up a couple decades later and are all “oh yeah I’m amazed big time. The wonders of this event are immeasurable and have bewildered us into a state of amazement.” Make a commitment for once in your life Paul. If the Pixies can do it, well, actually, they’re pretty good, so maybe sit this one out. Decent song. Brick IS red. I liek this album ‘cause it say true thing. Man. You have to love songs that mention hanging. Easily the most artistic execution style. For the real melancholia heads. This album could’ve kept going. That ending almost felt premature. Just goes to show that I continue to really enjoy discovering this band. I just needed a reason to finally explore all of the (mostly bad) music people have been obsessed with for all these years. For all the hatred I spew towards many of the albums that pop up, I’m glad this list has given me that reason. If nothing else, for artists like The Pixies. Surfer Rosa is aggressive, creative and even a little bit funny here and there, and I think it’s absolutely sublime. I have an HR meeting scheduled for later today. I’m sure it has nothing to do with writing lengthy reviews under a picture of a topless woman. You just need context, I swear!! Well, that context is a wonderfully cool album. This whole ordeal reminds me of that time I used a boogie board to surf the 2004 Indonesian tsunami and was summarily tased and incarcerated by UNICEF. “My Summer in Jakarta, How I Boogied my Way Into the Hearts (and Prisons) of Southeast Asia” is on shelves this fall. Surfer Rosa, however, is on repeat right now. Hang loose, brah. 4-4.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Break my Body, Broken Face, Where is My Mind?, Tony’s Theme, Vamos (Surfer Rosa), Brick is Red
Good album, more optimistic sounding than I expected. Good length, no frills. Where is my mind was the highlight for me
I wish I’d gotten into pixies earlier. Great stuff.
(the) Pixies are another one of those bands I'm vexed there's not a "the" in! I should have started a list of those. Anyway, yay, a band I like. Maybe because I was negative years old when it came out, I never saw this topless lady album cover, so I wondered "was there a different version in the US?", but the answer is no. This makes the Strokes 'Is This It?' alt-US cover seem extra weird to me, but I guess it's more up to the artist & label than any album cover ~rules~. Also, going down this rabbit hole, I read that some scandalous albums were only sold in paper bags, something I just associated with alc 'til now. I wonder what other indecent things I haven't been buying that I could've gotten in a paper bag! Cigars?? Lottery tickets?? Anyway, speaking of things that are subjective, I enjoyed this album a lot even though I imagine someone else might think it's just noise. The tracks are short and nothing overstays its welcome. Highlights: 'Gigantic', 'Where is My Mind?' (great, but overused in media), the line "soy playero pero no hay playa" (the spiritual prequel to "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier") Lowlights: 'Something Against You' (OK, maybe this one is just noise)
Already love this album, but I think I like doolittle more.
Album feels very indie-unpolished but has good musical ideas. Where Is My Mind is a classic! 3.7
Fantastic
Fantastic album
What another great album from the Pixies! This was such a pleasant listen as I love the pixies and this is prob my second favorite album of theirs! Definitely has great vibes and is a solid work!
Not as good as Doolittle but it's Pixies, baby!
I enjoyed it with 'Where is my mind?' as a clear favorite.
A little too crazy for a 5 but i can appreciate it.
Some great stuff, some real rubbish. For me their third best, from a band who recorded possibly one of my top five all time albums. Kim is the real Deal as ever.
Good album to wake up to; fast, loud & fun. Plenty of variety so you don’t get lulled into just one thing. Always a good sign when I make it through an album and then check my phone & realise I’ve just listened to three other songs from a different album of theirs as well.
This might be my favourite Pixies album, though Dolittle is close enough that it on more listens it might take that. I love how distinct they feel as a band and despite nothing that complex instrumentally they really do carve their own space. I'm a big fan of the production on it that makes it really feel loose. It's got a good amount of space that despite it being a short record it still doesn't feel dense. I was surprised how Ska adjacent the album felt. Songs like Something Against You feel like some early third wave Ska but swerving into punk before reaching that. Also, listen to Kim Deal's new solo album, it's very good. Highlight: Gigantic
I really enjoyed the album. Need to listent to more of them.
Consistently energetic and wonderfully produced alt-rock.
Thank you Pixies for introducing me to the beautiful concept of surfer grunge. Super fun album that channels the adventure and pretentiousness of being a teenager. Almost makes me want to go back to 15
Wonderful album, though "Doolittle" keeps (deservedly) getting the spotlight.
mit Hit Where is my Mind!
I guess I finally got the hype on the Pixies with this album. They introduced the exact amount of noise and strange stuff without being too pretentious or too experimental. I didn't enjoy so much the other Pixies releases I got here on the list, but I guess I'll have better impressions listening to them again after this album.
+ 0.3 for woman singing, + 0.7 for Where Is My Mind
Listen again- yes! Favourite track- too many to list Unskippable album- yes 9/10
Edgy, provocative, and humorous. An album that leaves me feeling strange and rather disoriented. Certainly never a dull moment. Where Is My Mind? stood out to me.
Very good! Pixies never disappoint. There's the classic "Where Is My Mind?" here, and that's worth listening to the whole album, which is very enjoyable to listen to.
Fun. Gigantic, where is my mind.
I mean yeah, Pixies. Give me more. A relic of its time for sure, but every track on this album brings the same energy. Great alt-punk-grunge-rock, if a little out there.
Not as immediate of an album for me as Doolittle, but still good. Will be listening to this quite a bit. Much more audacious. Kim Deal is stellar.
Not to my liking
Good Album - I enjoyed
Half decent, and a bit less shouty than the previous Pixies album I got. Not bad at all and I could listen to this again.
Pixies are unhinged, in the best way possible. They can pull it together and put on a nice smile for you for a few seconds, before they rip the flesh of their faces and spew all over you. Black Francis sounds like a guy I wouldnt trust who’s about to have a mental breakdown, and then just narrowly avoids it through primal cathartic release. Santiago plays short melodic riffs that can glide into the stratosphere or stab you with a spastic blistering. Kim Deal lays down simple, infectious baselines and sings a harmony with some character. Their loud-quiet combination is pleasurable, exciting, noisy, catchy, aggressive, bizarre, almost frightening. That’s to say, it’s great. Though some songs could probably be developed a bit more, but them not being is the charm of it.
Great great great can think of the last time I listened to it front to back. Some forgettable songs but Gigantic and Where is my mind. Still loom large.
Agresywne i dzikie, bardzo fajny album, wpada w ucho i zostaje na dłużej.
There are a couple of standout tracks on here, and I enjoyed the overall anarchic spirit and percussion work. "Where is My Mind?" is the only track I'd heard before, which is interesting as it feels quite tonally different to most of the rest of the album, more polished. I liked Gigantic (which was probably the most similar to WIMM in terms of polish level) but also really enjoyed Vamos, which is one of the least. You can almost feel the band trying some different things to figure out what their "sound" is. Hoping some of their later work is on this list somewhere so I can see where they eventually landed!
4 great album. Fav songs: broken face, gigantic, and where is my mind
It's a Pixies album. It's great, sparse, and rough around the edges.
Another great Pixies album. I like Doolittle just a little better, which is why I settled for 4 on this one.
Must love album cover! :D Of course, "Where Is My Mind?" is iconic, epic and brilliant! The rest of the album was very okay. I liked it.
I am so conflicted about this album. It has some cool moments, but i didn't enjoy most parts. Also "where is my mind?" Is like one of the greatest songs ever written and noone can prove otherwise.
Enjoyed it. It has been a while since I’ve listened to most of this album and reminds me of the violent femmes and butthole surfers in some of the later tracks on the album. I remember playing gigantic on WEGL in fairly high rotation. I enjoy ‘where is my mind?’ and is one of the pixies songs that more frequently makes it onto my random playlists Not a fan of cactus.
It's another good album this week. I liked it even more on the second listen. Every song is alright at its worst and amazing at its best. "Surfer Rosa" was beyond its time. Remember, there's more to the Pixies than just "Where is My Mind?" 4 stars for "Surfer Rosa".
I dig this. it’s not my favorite, but it’s better than neutral.
Weird but a really good listen. Gigantic is a fun one.
I'll give it to them, the album is just over half an hour, which is my kind of album. Once more, we have an album I'm aware of but only know the one song off - unsurprisingly 'Where is My Mind?'. I only know about two Pixies songs total. I don't mind the early grunge sound, but I definitely find the sounds a little repetitive, however because of the shorter runtimes it's not completely mind-numbing. They definitely have a sound which predates a lot similar, you can tell this sound was something more found in the 90s - which this album predates. Quite enjoyed it, I feel like it's very pleasant background music. Wouldn't mind listening to it again.
3.5
Yes please!
Great album. There are some killer tracks in here. In my opinion, it's not QUITE as strong as Doolittle, but it's an amazing work of art. 4 starts easy.
In ‘88 I was too much of a metal head to appreciate the pixies. It took me a few more years. Surfer Rosa is a classic album, the groundwork for indie/fringe/grunge whatever you want to call it. 4/5
The Pixies mighty debut which mastered the quiet/loud dynamic. (...and so begat Nirvana) Brutal tales hate and pain. 4
Preferred Dolittle, but still a great album.
This is what Nirvana always wanted to be, to me. Everything here sounds complete and stupid in many ways, but I love it for that. I don't really have much meaningful insight because I had two beers before finishing it, but I really vibe with it, probably because a lot of my more recent favorite bands (Number Girl especially, and The Pillows) obviously were influenced by it. It will undoubtedly grow on me more, and I really dig it so far.
This album is so me in highschool
Kind of an awkward and meandering start, really clicks in for a solid string of tracks starting from about Broken Face to Where's My Head Tonight? Cactus and Vamos were solid tracks but sort of oddly placed, weird intermissions. A lot of fun. Light 8
I'm a noise ho!
Music sounds great but lyrics have to make sense to me.
I like it
Juvenile at times, but the music is mostly really good.
Hadn’t listened to the whole album before. Solid.
An explosive, maniacally-charged debut album. Twisted and weird. Overall a fun listen, it's anything but boring (unlike *some* of the other records this website has fed me). And "Where Is My Mind?" is legendary.
Not on the level of Doolittle in regards to songwriting or overall sound, but still excellent
Really solid. Love the spastic all over the place guitar. Drums sound great too. I honestly can barely understand the lead singer most of the time but that’s okay. Great debut really paved the way for grunge later on.
Have never listened to an entire album by Pixies-was about what I expected. tracks are in your face but not over the top. gigantic & where is my mind are the best. really enjoyed Kim's vocals-wish she had more. 3.5 stars
For me, my favorite song from this set is “Gigantic” which features fantastic vocals from Kim Deal. Kurt Cobain once said, “I wish Kim was allowed to write more because ‘Gigantic’ is their best song.” Another classic is “Where is My Mind?” Both these stand up quite well and I believe will be remembered for as long as recorded music is part of the culture. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-surfer-rosa-by-pixies?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Surfer Rosa is a hard album to judge, especially when I just like Pixies by default. But I came to love Pixies through Doolittle, and Surfer Rosa is no Doolittle, and it’s never been. I rarely revisit Surfer Rosa, and I might even put it last in a ranking of their discography proper (aka pre-reunion). And yet, my gut feeling says I should give this a 5-star rating, even if it’s not a perfect album. Although the first 7 tracks might be on their own. Starting with the off-kilter beat and abrasion of “Bone Machine” through to the stoned-out pop perfection of “Where Is My Mind,” it’s an immaculate run of songs. Whereas the heights of Doolittle are “pop forward with art punk edges,” these songs are all “art punk forward with pop edges,” and it makes Surfer Rosa a stunning thing to witness. Whether you’re looking at the blunt screams of “River Euphrates,” the grunge-precursor “Break My Body,” the weirdly glitchy “Broken Face,” the early rock ’n’ roll/surf jangle of “Something Against You,” or what may be my favorite song of all time, the immaculate gem of “Gigantic,” there is nothing to critique about the better front half of Surfer Rosa. After that, though, I start to have issues with it. I can’t put my finger on why “Cactus” throws me off, but I think it’s just a boring song, and it’s where the experimentation of Black Francis starts to hit its natural ceiling, as by this point in Surfer Rosa, I’ve heard all the weirdness he has to offer, at least for 1988. I feel the same way about the persistent dynamics of “Oh My Golly,” and, on a worse day, “I’m Amazed.” My other issue with this lesser half, particularly with the two aforementioned tracks, is the studio banter, which slams the breaks on the record’s momentum instantly. That isn’t to say that I don’t love and adore the dumb fun of “Tony’s Theme,” the involvement of the full band for the experimental vision of “Vamos,” or the saucy closer “Brick is Red.” Hell, I don’t even dislike the songs I said I dislike, I just find them to be weaker. And strong albums with more obvious missteps are easier to critique, and frankly make for more frustrating listens, because I am *so close* to adoring it if it wasn’t for those few faults. I really went back and forth on this. Surfer Rosa is the type of record that I almost can’t rate on the same scale as I’ve rated the last 391 albums. It’s my least favorite record from one of my favorite bands of all time. The scales are weighted in a way that doesn’t work. It’s nowhere near my own Top 100 Albums, and I’d revisit, enjoy, and praise about 60% of my 4-stars above this record. But objectively, I think the best parts are more plentiful and more artful than some of my 5-star ratings are as a whole. And that’s ignoring influence! In the end, I have to be honest, and while that feels like splitting hairs, I need to accept that I don’t have to adore every Pixies album, even if it contains one of my favorite songs of all time and multiple other A+ bangers.
my second favorite pixies album, no notes just vibes
:D
Coolt på många konstiga sätt. 'Tony's Theme' är cool för att den låter som en galning på karaokebar 03:30, 'Broken Face' är cool för att den handlar om en person som är missbildad till följd av incest, 'Where Is My Mind?' är cool för att det är världens bästa låt. Härlig, rå, weirdpunkig energi. Växlande lågintensivt viskande och psykotiska urladdningar. Alltid framåtdrivet av en OTROLIG gitarr. Texterna mystiska och mörka, erotiska och perversa. Genomgående bra kvalité, men inte några höga toppar - bortsett från 'Where Is My Mind?'. Den har varit en favoritlåt i något decennium, och är såklart på en helt egen nivå, en helt egen galax. Men andra hedersomnämnanden är 'Bone Machine', 'Oh My Golly!', och 'Brick Is Red'. 'Gigantic' ska tydligen vara en stor hit, men den gjorde inte så mycket för mig. Bästa låt: Where Is My Mind?
Such a classic album. Right on the edge of punk and grunge. Short songs, loud, aggressive, seemingly uncaring about a vocalist that maybe wasn't the best but was certainly unique. I love it. I feel like it could have been produced a little better and would have benefitted from maybe not sounding quite so raw and maybe having the guitars sound a little fuller. You have to be in the right mood for this one, it's not something you could just put on to magically fix however you are feeling. But that can be said about most records. To me this is the best Pixies album and I'll listen to this a lot more in the future. 4/5
Before Mr. Black got too pudgy and insecure to let Ms Deal contribute. Peak pixies!
7.5/10
This feels a little messy, but has a lot of energy. Riffs are original and writing is unique. There’s a good amount of range that keeps you interest as well as the album only being 34 minutes long. Production and instrumentation are good. Vocals are unmistakable. I enjoy all of these songs and I enjoyed listening to the whole album, but it’s not one I’ll be listening to as a whole anytime soon. All of it is a bit much. One is great. 4/5
Fun, impromptu, noisy, clearly a Cobain influencer.
Great punk-rock record. Can definitely see why and how it influenced a lot of my favorite bands
A necessary inclusion and probably their best work, and definitely includes a couple of their most successful tracks.
Even after all these years and fight club hype, I loves me some where is my mind. You know what I also love? The album art. Props.
Am I a basic bitch cuz Where Is My Mind is my favorite Pixies song? Undoubtedly yes. But love is love and I can’t quit that song. Rounding up based on it alone. 3.5/5
where is my mind
There’s some pixies songs I really like. Like I listen to them a lot. And idk why I didn’t rate the other albums higher bc I feel like they have a lot of songs I listen to. On this one where’s my mind is the only one I knew beforehand. For some reason the other albums didn’t really hit as albums for me. this did, but maybe bc I was more conscious about my mind inner workings. Also we got lots of albums that have naked boobs on the album cover kindve in a short time frame lol
Not quite as good as the other two pixies albums but still solid
Pixies er skemmtilegt band og það var margt gott þarna. Ég held samt að ég muni alltaf hlusta frekar á Doolittle. Það var nefnilega ýmislegt eins og t.æil dæmis spjallið og tiraunakennt spilerí sem dregur þessa plötu aðeins niður. Set hana samt í 4 stjörnur
A noisy indie classic about sexual delinquency, scuba diving, and a superhero called Tony. Latin-driven grooves with noisy, punky guitars and Black Francis’ signature yelping, this is a statement and a half. It’s not as strong as it’s follow up Doolittle where everything just blends together a bit better, but songs like Bone Machine, Gigantic and Vamos are just fantastic, even if the iconic Where Is My Mind? steals the show
I am a bit of a Pixies fan, at least in terms of their greatest hits. I mentioned this when I reviewed Bossanova and wondered if Surfer Rosa would change my mind. It did not. There are more songs I know on this one, but man, there is also some really bad songs that are "experimentation" which I conclude means "It's a bunch of sounds that don't make sense." Looking at you Vamos. Vamos was a bad song full of noise that isn't good and I think even a diehard Pixies fan could search themselves to find this is true. Bone Machine Gigantic Where is My Mind? Break My Body Broken Face Cactus These are all great songs. I found the back half of Bossanova to be the best part of the album, while I find the back half of this album to be the more "experimental" side of the album. Meaning, it wasn't good.
This has a very raw punk/grunge sound to it and I love it.
Songs i know: 2 Songs i like: first half of the album. Good songs: 1 and a bit Only the second album so far with a good song on it. This is more like it, an album I would happily come back and listen to again any day. First time listening to this front to back and it's great, full of energy. Basically a good radiohead aren't they.
As much as I like Pixies, I don’t think I’ve ever listened to this album back-to-back. Which is a shame as it’s great. It does feel a bit like Gigantic and Where Is My Mind are outliers, as the rest of the record is so dissonant and strange, in a good way. The start of Cactus sounds exactly like Rock N Roll Star. Think Lloydie will like Tony’s Theme due to his extreme narcissism (and tbf, the song slaps). Only problem I have with this is that the production is all over the show. None of it is bad, per se, but it sounds like every song was recorded in a different room, but I like how ‘live’ it sounds. Favourite songs: Bone Machine, Gigantic, Where Is My Mind, Tony’s Theme, Oh My Golly, Vamos, Brick is Red. Least favourite: None.
4 out of 5. I enjoyed this one with it's frantic energy more than I thought I would.
I don't like this album quite as much as Doolittle, but I appreciate its importance in music history.
Back to playing catch-up, a few Pixies albums on my list now. They're good background music for work
As background music this album does not work (I usually listen while at work). It's kind of manic & distracting in that setting. Or perhaps I was just annoyed in general yesterday when I listened to it. But when I listened to it with more attention I actually really started to enjoy it. So much more than I thought I would, especially after that first listen yesterday.
I'd not heard this album by the pixies. It was really fun. I very much enjoyed it
4 Stars (11/15)
Tied for best pixies album. Proper quality. Where is my mind is a classic and all the songs are very very strong
Glad to spend time with this front to back, first timer here. That said, not much time needed as this was a punch-packing breezy 33 minute spinaround. Not sure I heard a skip in this one, as each track comes in hard with some edge and impact from the all-too-familiar Bone Machine & Where Is My Mind to quirky narratives like Tony's Theme & River Euphrates. I quite liked this one. It rocked to a satisfyingly ample degree while doing its own weird thing. I gotta give Frankie B & the Pixies more spins. Great stuff.
Really like this (but not the cover!)
Deze was tering vet! Leuk om meer van Pixies te horen.
80% Best: Gigantic; Where Is My Mind? Must-Hear? Almost
Ist halt Fundament für die ganze alternative Rock Szene mit Nirvana und der ganzen Auflösung von sauberen Vocals und sinnvollen Stilmitel und so tönt es auch. Super Basic ausgerüstet direkt vom Surf-Strand latschen die Punks mit den dreckigen Stiefel direkt in den nächsten Saloon. Bro, was willst du mehr als 90' Ehrlichkeit: Alles geht den Bach runter und where is my mind dabei?
Ist halt Fundament für die ganze alternative Rock Szene mit Nirvana und der ganzen Auflösung von sauberen Vocals und sinnvollen Stilmitel und so tönt es auch. Super Basic ausgerüstet direkt vom Surf-Strand latschen die Punks mit den dreckigen Stiefel direkt in den nächsten Saloon. Bro, was willst du mehr als 90' Ehrlichkeit: Alles geht den Bach runter und where is my mind dabei?
Eigentlich ja scho na banger sounds. 1 big up song. Brucht de richtig mood defür. Aber d Gitarre bringt mini füess zum lüpfe und d luune zum stiege. Btw: geile album name und interessanti cover uswahl.
wenigi 2*, einigi 3*, vereinzelti 4* und eis 5* ih de volle längi wirdi's wohl nöd no es dritts mal lose aber trotz es paar skipbare lieder isch "where is my mind" s'züngli ah de waag herzlichi gratulation pixies, 4* vom don nunchaku
pretty good. gigantic is probably the best song on it.
Great album, you can see how it influenced a lot of early grunge. It's almost nonsense lyrics at time but the energy and feeling pulls it together well. Great album to put on the list and full of experimentation. I've heard plenty that sounds tighter but that's not the goal of all music.
Here’s an outline for an album review of Surfer Rosa by Pixies, including space for rating each track: Album Review: Surfer Rosa by Pixies Release Date: March 21, 1988 Genre: Alternative Rock Label: 4AD Overview: A brief introduction to the album, discussing its significance in the development of alternative rock and its influence on the ‘90s grunge movement. Mention producer Steve Albini’s raw recording style and how the album’s mix of quiet-loud dynamics and surreal lyrics became iconic. Track-by-Track Review: 1. Bone Machine • Commentary on the aggressive opening riff, Black Francis’ unique vocal delivery, and the song’s punk energy. Rating: 9/10 2. Break My Body • Thoughts on the song’s heavy distortion and mix of eerie and aggressive tones. Rating: 8/10 3. Something Against You • Analysis of the song’s blistering speed and unconventional production, with distorted vocals. Rating: 4/10 4. Broken Face • Discussion of the song’s fast pace, strange narrative, and its place in the album’s offbeat vibe. Rating: 8/10 5. Gigantic • Kim Deal’s standout vocal performance and the song’s catchy bassline and indie-pop appeal. Rating: 10/10 6. River Euphrates • Commentary on the intense drumming and surreal, somewhat cryptic lyrics. Rating: 7/10 7. Where Is My Mind? • Thoughts on the iconic status of this song, its ethereal melody, and its haunting lyrics. Rating: 10/10 8. Cactus • Analysis of the darkly romantic lyrics and minimalist, gritty sound. Rating: 8/10 9. Tony’s Theme • Discussion of the playful lyrics and punk-rock delivery, with its superhero-themed narrative. Rating: 6.5/10 10. Oh My Golly! • A fast, frenetic song with bilingual lyrics and raw, energetic instrumentation. Rating: 7/10 11. Vamos (Surfer Rosa) • Thoughts on the re-recording of the track from Come On Pilgrim, its wild energy, and surreal lyrics. Rating: 8/10 12. I’m Amazed • A brief song with conversational lyrics, focusing on themes of deception and relationships. Rating: 8/10 13. Brick Is Red • A moody, slower track that closes the album with a more introspective feel. Rating: 6/10 Final Thoughts: A summary of the album’s chaotic energy, blending raw production with dynamic shifts in mood and intensity. Reflect on the album’s influence on alternative rock and its status as a cult classic. Here’s an outline for an album review of Surfer Rosa by Pixies, including space for rating each track: Album Review: Surfer Rosa by Pixies Release Date: March 21, 1988 Genre: Alternative Rock Label: 4AD Overview: A brief introduction to the album, discussing its significance in the development of alternative rock and its influence on the ‘90s grunge movement. Mention producer Steve Albini’s raw recording style and how the album’s mix of quiet-loud dynamics and surreal lyrics became iconic. Track-by-Track Review: 1. Bone Machine • Commentary on the aggressive opening riff, Black Francis’ unique vocal delivery, and the song’s punk energy. Rating: 9/10 2. Break My Body • Thoughts on the song’s heavy distortion and mix of eerie and aggressive tones. Rating: 8/10 3. Something Against You • Analysis of the song’s blistering speed and unconventional production, with distorted vocals. Rating: 4/10 4. Broken Face • Discussion of the song’s fast pace, strange narrative, and its place in the album’s offbeat vibe. Rating: 8/10 5. Gigantic • Kim Deal’s standout vocal performance and the song’s catchy bassline and indie-pop appeal. Rating: 10/10 6. River Euphrates • Commentary on the intense drumming and surreal, somewhat cryptic lyrics. Rating: 7/10 7. Where Is My Mind? • Thoughts on the iconic status of this song, its ethereal melody, and its haunting lyrics. Rating: 10/10 8. Cactus • Analysis of the darkly romantic lyrics and minimalist, gritty sound. Rating: 8/10 9. Tony’s Theme • Discussion of the playful lyrics and punk-rock delivery, with its superhero-themed narrative. Rating: 6.5/10 10. Oh My Golly! • A fast, frenetic song with bilingual lyrics and raw, energetic instrumentation. Rating: 7/10 11. Vamos (Surfer Rosa) • Thoughts on the re-recording of the track from Come On Pilgrim, its wild energy, and surreal lyrics. Rating: 8/10 12. I’m Amazed • A brief song with conversational lyrics, focusing on themes of deception and relationships. Rating: 8/10 13. Brick Is Red • A moody, slower track that closes the album with a more introspective feel. Rating: 6/10 Final Thoughts: A summary of the album’s chaotic energy, blending raw production with dynamic shifts in mood and intensity. Reflect on the album’s influence on alternative rock and its status as a cult classic. Overall Rating: 8/10 the album’s percentage rating is 76.54%. Final Review: Surfer Rosa by Pixies
Quite liked this one
Very good, sounds written in expectation of nirvana
Decent. Jack White was definitely tapping into the vocal style in the early days of the White Stripes. Where Is My Mind is the stand out attack but I enjoyed the gruniness and hardcore punk vibes elsewhere on the album.
Finally an album I’m familiar with! This was so nearly a 5 for me. The production, mix of tones, use of harmony and simplicity is amazing. Great to come back to this banger.
My wife is going to be furious at me that I didn't give this a 5.
I only knew where is my mind going into this and I ended up liking a couple other of the songs. I added 3-4 to my likes songs. The rest were all pretty good, nothing I disliked. I wish I could give half stars. I'd like to give this a 3.5/5 but I'll do 4
Today I learned Car Seat Headrest is so entirely influenced by this album and the Pixies sound. The first half of the album was not doing it for me but it really came back after Where is My Mind?. I think besides Cactus (which was okay), I really jived with the rest of the album. Surprisingly strong finish!
In my opinion this is the best Pixies album. Has a darker unpolished sound but still keeps the pixies insane levels of weirdness. Also it has boobs on the cover.
A shortie but a goodie. I appreciated the musical variety in this. I agree with the producer that the conversation snippets sound a bit gimmicky but that’s okay. Lots of experimental things, didn’t enjoy all of them. The vocals through the guitar amp was a little disappointing. But holistically, I think this is a 4
The start of something incredible, but Doolittle was better
A great quick album! Fun and silly.
Punky and punchy with short songs and some goofing around
Love it. This is a good one.
I'm already a fan of the pixies so this was a fun one to get - probably my favourite of their discography and starring where is my mind so easy 8/10 for me
I've never really liked the Pixies but you can see why this was popular and inspiring to so many bands.
THROW ON YOUR CLOTHES THE SECOND SIDE OF SURFER ROSA AND YOU LEAVE ME WITH MY JAW ON THE FLOOR
Unforced cool. Hot, sweaty punk basement music. And good gid, where is my mind.
PUNKADA. EU NASCI NESSE ANO
esse é bão demais. primeiro album do pixies e ainda tem a produção do eterno steve albini (que deus o tenha e que tenha muita guitarrada no céu). só soco na cara, produção linda, adoro as guitarras desse. 4 estrelas porque não é o melhor do pixies (ALÔ DOOLITTLE) mas é pedrada
1st time listening 8/10 Favorite songs: Bone Machine, Break My Body, Gigantic, Where is my Mind?
3rd Pixies album from the list. Previous two were 3/5 for me. "Where is My Mind" is obviously one of the greatest tracks of all time. Does this make the album better? I think so. It's near my taste and I know how much impact this album had on future bands and albums.
While certainly not full of catchy, almost pop-y hits like the two albums following this one the foundation of a new wave of rock was certainly being organized via this album. It has its softer, jangle-y moments, but otherwise this album is blasting ahead at full speed, with little concern for who it may take out along the way. That means you get a lot of blistering songs that in the right mood can be a destructively great time, with oddball lyrics and instrumentation out of this world for 1988. It just tends to lack a polish that similar inspirational acts like Sonic Youth nailed already at this point, so the album can sometimes feel a little hollow. However, still full of great tracks that fueled a generation, and that big track is truly something special.
‘Where is my mind’ is a favorite of mine. Not every track works, but it’s all interesting and creative.
I wish Where Is My Mind? wasn’t so overplayed but this album is still near peak
Very gritty early "indie" sound. Doesn't have the same songwriting panache as Doolittle or Bossa Nova, but some of Joey Santiago's best guitar work, TBH.
”Gigantic” is an all time top ten song for me. Not really knowing who the pixies were back then I had a very innocent conception of the lyrics. I always thought Kim Deal sang about a deep, deep love. Gigantic even. Turns out it was all about the schlong-size of black man named Paul.
Fabulous album
9/6/24. Great, great album! Really set the template for a lot of my favorite bands that came about after this. Love the punk asthetic but with various lyrics, themes, and sounds.
I'm not a huge Pixies guy but I gotta admit they whipped up some great songs here. You really can't go wrong with their first three albums but if I were pruning the list I would probably cut Bossanova. The first two albums just have the most concise, well-delivered alternate rock songs.
I didn't find the Pixies to be particulary impressive at first, but then it clicked. I can't say I listen to them all that often but whenever I do, I like them a lot. Key tracks: Bone Machine Gigantic Where Is My Mind?
This is my #2 pixies album behind Dolitte. Gigantic and Where is My Mind have been on mix tapes and playlists for the last 35 years.
Indie Rock, Alt Rock. Of course Pixies are great, but there was something missing from this album that later albums had. It had the energy, the manic, chaotic lyrics. But none of the polish. Some of the songs almost felt redundant? I liked it though, very good. 4/5
Oh yeah this is a blast from the past. Had this cassette as a teenager. Looking at this album more than 30 years later, two things struck out - the music is uniquely Pixies and the lyrics are wait, alluding to incest? Were they making obscure biblical references to Lot or Noah's family? Were they singing nonsense? I'll just chalk it up to a warped sense of humor and enjoy the good music.
I liked it better than I thought I would.
Pika. Mas em Partes Slg !? falta Muita Coisa Ainda Mane .. Só Minha Opinião ! #Fé
Very nice album, kinda punky/grungy.
I had heard Where Is My Mind before but the album as a whole was different to what I expected. I liked Bone Machine and Break My Body.
Classic debut. Pixies knew who they wanted to be and arrived fully-formed. They would go on to bigger greatness, but the punk sensibilities, quirkiness, and interplay between Frank and Kim make this one a fun album to revisit.
kinda grungy, had some good songs though
Set the blueprint for the Pixies’ iconic sound. Very much the precursor for the masterpiece that is Doolittle. Bossonova > Surfer Rosa, thoooo
It’s a classic that expires countless copies.
Doolittle betta
Could easily be from the mid 90s. Melodies, Noise, joy
Great album. Doolittle will always be my favourite, but this is still really enjoyable.
This is really cool, I definitely see the influence this would have on Nirvana. I sort of prefer this sound, not fully grunge so it almost ends up feeling like pop punk, just earlier.
This is a great debut album and an economical 34 minutes in length. Post punk, alt-rock with a raw edge perfectly captured by the late Steve Albini’s production. There was evidently a bit of tension between the band and the producer, shown through some of the studio chatter that’s included here, but it seems to have pushed them to greater heights. Highlight is the track Vamos (Surfer Rosa) which is sung half in Spanish. Great stuff.
This album was great, really enjoyable the whole way through. They rock hard but it's approachable and varied enough to stay interesting throughout (though the album is only 34 minutes long). This is Boston-based Pixies debut album, and my second "greater Pixies universe" album on here (Black Francis aka Frank Black is the lead singer). This one was much better than his solo album that was only my 10th album in the project. It seems like this came out of nowhere a bit, they were on a minor label at the time and this didn't get much promotion when it came out. It's been pretty influential for a lot of artists though, and you can really hear how the sound of this 1988 album leads into the early 90s alt-rock and grunge sound. It feels like Pixies and Sonic Youth have a lot in common, and both had a real influence on the bands that came soon after. I considered giving this a 5, but there's a few songs that don't quite do it for me on a short album. I can't decide how I feel about the banter on some of the songs, I generally find that a bit gimmicky but it's ok I guess. Overall a really enjoyable album, I'll definitely be coming back to this. Also "Where Is My Mind?" has probably been overplayed a bit over the years, but for good reason. It's an awesome song. Favorite song: Where Is My Mind? Other: Break My Body, Something Against You, Broken Face, Gigantic, River Euphrates, Cactus, Vamos (Surfer Rosa), Brick Is Red 7/10/24
Not as good as Doolittle but still amazing
Really good album
This is amazing.
A very good album which I would have given five stars, were it not for the moments of ugly, abrasive harsh noise. I like Albini's raw production (which I have praised on other albums on this list), but this was a bit too much to fully enjoy the album.
The debut album from the Pixies, particularly notable for the production by Steve Albini. The mix of punk rawness with pop elements would become a defining feature of many 90s acts. Nirvana, PJ Harvey, and Smashing Pumpkins, among others, have cited 'Surfer Rosa' as a massive influence. 'Where Is My Mind?' is the album's (and perhaps the band's) strongest song by a good margin though it would need to be included at the end of 'Fight Club' before most people heard it. I love the rough style and the clash between high and low. But if I'm completely honest, I prefer 'Doolittle' overall.
love how disjointed and loud this record is, definitely my preferred sound over something like the rem album which is mainly problematic to me because its just way too clean
4.25
3.5 but Where Is My Mind kicks it to a 4
Doolittle is one of my all time faves and this isn’t quite up there. Also I saw them live a few years ago and it was one of the most disappointing gigs of my live
Lo-fi and grungy. Some songs are more surf rock than others. Gigantic and Where is my mind are big highlights.
What an awesome sound. The only track I'd heard before was Where Is My Mind, but the rest of the songs were great too. Such a cool guitar sound. I really dug this. Four stars.
Alright! Some Pixies! This is the album that has Where is My Mind? Awesome. That's the only song of theirs I know haha. Oh and Gigantic which is also on this album.
I thought I had a better idea of what the Pixies were based on "Where is my mind" and that seems to be the outlier on the album. It is evident the influence this band had on the alternative/grunge sounds in the 90s, and also like some of those earlier albums there are quite a few noisy tracks. Earlier on in this 1001 journey I'd probably have given it an extra star or more for just the influence it had on so many artists, but I've gotten a little more restrictive with 5 stars, but it can be a solid 3.5 Favorite track "Where is my mind?' 3.5/5
I always enjoy this one, really fun and exuberant album
#255. Honestly, this reminds me of my review of In Utero. There's definitely some standout really good songs, but there's also a few that seem almost intentionally bad. It all averages out in the end I guess. Plus one star because there's boobies on the cover. 4/5: boobies.
I still like Doolittle better, but I had fun with this one
Classic from track 1
I had Surfer Rosa/I am Pilgrim growing up, which I always found a bit bloated so didn't rate it that highly, especially in comparison to Doolittle. However, this is my first time absorbing Surfer Rosa solo. Being just 33 minutes actually helps it a bit, it makes the weaker tracks, and there are a couple, drag on less. There's still plenty to about about on this album. Not as polished (or as good) as Doolittle, but a great debut from a band which quietly changed music history
I've owned this album for a long time, and always enjoyed listening to it, so it's a bit hard to listen to the songs without associating them with various times and places. Regardless, I always feel like this could have easily been the soundtrack to "Repo Man" (the movie) and not skipped a beat, and I mean that as a high compliment. :) I think my favorite song is "Where is my mind?" although there's only a few that aren't up there as good-to-great songs. It's very cool to read how this album was an inspiration for Kurt Cobain for "Nevermind", and other artists too. A huge bummer, though, that the producer (Steve Albini) totally bad-mouthed the band after helping make a great album ....
I lovvvveee fight club
This band is massively influential to pretty much all alternative music that came after it and you can hear that in every song. There are themes and riffs that just seem to set the bedrock for so much music. I had never listened to this album prior despite knowing The Pixies place in history and I'm happy that I finally got the chance. It's also so great to a listen to an album that isn't taking itself so seriously. I mean having a song that starts with the line "This is a song about a superhero named Tony! It's called 'Tony's Theme'" is just stupid fun.
While I completely respect Steve Albini, who produced Surfer Rosa. I don’t agree with his take on the Pixies, “a patchwork pinch loaf from a band who at their top dollar best are blandly entertaining college rock,”. Yea, I suppose their messy, yelpy style can be described as college rock?l, they are hardly bland. Surfer Rosa, is an energetic frenzy of grunge, pop punk and surf and it all comes together with Black and Deal at the helm of this wild ship. Sorry Steve but this college rock is fucking great. 4 stars
Prefer Dolittle
A really cool album with a big hit on it. I didn’t like it as much as Doolittle
Where Is My Mind is such a toooon! I’m not even the biggest Fight Club fan but the ending + credits with this over the top is superb. The rest is good, but doesn’t live up Where Is My Mind. Although I do like Gigantic. Decent live as well. Simpsons: Yes
4/5
Pixies tapes and CD’s were heavily rotated amongst my friends and I. At this time they were traded along with bands like R.E.M., Fugazi, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Violent Femmes and Janes Addiction. This was around the time for me as a new guitar player and music lover that I began opening up to new artists. I was transitioning from hair metal and “guitar gods” to music that had deeper layers and went against the status quo of that era. Also these bands created music that seemed more tangible for my friends and I to learn and emulate. Pixies, and this album in particular, fully embodied these qualities. On the technical side, which is something I’m drawn to now going back to all these familiar albums, there’s producer/engineer Steve Albini, who the music world lost just recently. Steve’s distinct drum sound is on full display on this album, as well as his ability to capture the raw energy of the band, warts and all. I love how this album really pulls you into the recording process. The banter between members made into song transitions invited the audience to hang out in the studio. Vocals were recorded in the studio bathroom just to get the perfect room sound since Steve wasn’t happy with the ambiance of the vocal booths. The sound of the session being recorded was a major feature of the album and it created a more detailed documentation of where and how it was made. For better or worse this was all Steve’s influence. For instance the tape ran out at the end of “Where Is My Mind” so Steve recorded Kim’s reverb track at the end to mask the studio blunder, and it just makes it all the more haunting. The songs on Surfer Rosa sound like the band had been playing them out for good period of time giving the band more time to really dial in the tones and performances rather than hashing out song structures and lyric writing on studio time. All of this makes for a solid album from top to bottom, no skips.
- I liked this a lot more than I thought I would - cool blend of surf rock and punk - guitars were awesome - nice album cover -3.5
I was wavering between 4 and 5 for this. It was such a stonking album but I hadn’t listened to it for years. I remember playing the CD a lot back in the day. It’s very raw and messy but powerful. Sort of tailed off at the end but terrific for three-quarters. Gigantic talent!!!
Super fun
Other than Where is My Mind, I'm not really familiar with the Pixies (or is it just "Pixies"). I can see what all the fuss is about. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Enjoyed it. Short but sweet
Excellent album, consistent and stands out from the standard grunge acts of the time
Yeah. Still amazing. Those Albini drums are so special.
Like it. Actually plan on going through their discography now
It has been a hot while since I got a Pixies album. My first album of theirs was Bossanova, their third album. But that's not the only context where it's the third album, as it's also the third album that I ever listened to for this project all the way back in October 2023! I've been pretty excited for this day to come ever since, as Surfer Rosa as seen quite a bit more acclaim. So, does this album live up to the hype? Yeah, I think it does. This is a much more aggressive album in comparison to Bossanova. The sound is more raw thanks to Steve Albini's production. The writing is also more taboo and intense. There's some great songs on here, but all of them are eclipsed by what is easily the band's most popular song, "Where is my Mind?". While I do agree that it's an amazing song and it's probably the best on the album, I can't help but feel that it's kind of out of place. Like, the other songs are quite heavy and written about things like sex and violence, and then you have this slower song about scuba diving (though that is just the literal interpretation). This is one of those rare albums where being loud and noisy actually works. Still, it isn't quite perfect enough to warrant a perfect score. High 4/5. Maybe Doolittle will be the one to break the barrier.
Only reason this is getting 4 and not 5 is because Doolittle is better
This was an unexpectedly awesome album. I thought for sure this had come out 10 years later than it did just because the sound was so modern. I guess they were the genre defining act that everyone tried to emulate tho. Great album
Great album. As good as The Fall! Brilliantly recorded. Favourite tracks: Something against you. I'm Amazed. And Vamos.
Exceptional album - ignoring the hype only one or two flat songs on here there rest is banging
Another one I know songs from but never listened to - can hear the influence this had directly on bands like Nirvana. One that I’ll now have on my rotation of albums I think.
Rough and angry debut with the melodies and sound coming through.
day 138 ----------------- surfer rosa pixies 1988 alternative rock, grunge the pixies' debut album is pretty typical grunge, almost... gothic grunge at points. i would say it starts like how edgar allen poe would write if he was in a punk band and it gets so bonkers later on. billingual thrash... sonnets. it was pretty solid, but the lyrics sometimes fall flat. lots of... bones and body talk? okay i guess. that album art ROCKS.
One of those big albums I'd heard very little of. Mostly short, energetic tracks. Drum sound is great. Straight away, great intro riff on Bone Machine, the bass following suit. Strong guitar work continues on Break My Body. Easy to see how this influenced Kurt Cobain. River Euphrates is catchy and fast and then it's Where Is My Mind? Iconic song with the big slow riff and plodding bass. Things get a little weird and a little more punk rock towards the end, but I don't mind the detour. Brick Is Red closes with some more of the fuzzy alt rock sounds. Verdict? Good, maybe very good.
A fantastic album, all over the place, weird as hell, dirty production but a joy to listen to
listened to this twice in a row. not really cause i loved it that much, but the fact that i could says something
Most of the album is on the Best of Pixies compilation.
Everyone seems to give Nirvana credit for breaking Punk into the mainstream, but even Kurt Cobain gives credit to Pixies for their “quiet, then loud” approach. Before everybody and their mother was loving on Alternative Rock and before that genre term was widely used, Pixies were here to break the mold. “Bone Machine,” “Gigantic” and “Where is my Mind?” are incredible standouts. They were way too edgy to ever get massive mainstream radio airplay, but boy did they win the influence-over-popularity sweepstakes. It’s good that the band (mostly) remained intact to enjoy that warm legacy-making embrace. They deserve it.
The original Nevermind!
Great band great album. Again, so much I love wouldn’t exist without this.
Great
very cool sound, love all the dynamic range & separation, lots of fun. like River Euphrates, seems to show off all the best aspects of the Pixies with the least amount of 'song'. something holds me back from fully enjoying the Pixies, and I think it's Frank Black's reputation as an asshole. does Frank Black have a reputation as an asshole, do I even remember that right? whatever it is, there's some kinds of music that don't hit right if you think the author is a jerk, and this is one. until today I've never been sure where Surfer Rosa ends and Come On Pilgrim begins. both are very good. music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)
A lot more demented than I expected (good thing)
I’m not able to pinpoint exactly what it is about them, but now that I’ve had the time to sit down and dive in to their music, I can’t help how admirable I find Pixies to be. They just have an incredibly simple and enjoyable sound that I can attach myself to very easily. And Surfer Rosa is ultimately a very impressive debut record. They came out at the tail end of the 80s, and immediately changed the game. And their sound would go on to inspire the antithesis of indie rock for the entire decade of the 90s. They really are a very influential band when you really think about it. I mean, Kurt Cobain took huge inspiration from them, and think of how many people started a band and wanted to make grunge music because of Nevermind. It all goes back to Pixies. And rightfully so. They had something going from day one. Their style of on and off, quiet-loud-quiet-loud songwriting is so uniquely them. And when you hear one of their distorted noisy guitars punching through, you know exactly whose music you are hearing. The one song every one knows is Where Is My Mind? And before I had even heard the rest of this record, I wasn’t like a massive fan of this song. When a band has such a distinct and simple, but deceivingly complex writing style, to dumb it down and make it even more complex feels a little weird. This song may even border on being overplayed at this point, but I don’t have it outright. Still a good song, just not one I’m in love with. This debut is very important to the history of alternative rock. But it doesn’t exactly match the heights that their next record reached. Rating: 8/10
Love. I enjoy the first half of the album more. Solid Pixies.
This album is WIERD! But I liked it.
Where Is My Mind? wasn’t getting anything lower than a 4
Bone Machine sounds like it was written by Tim Robinson
The album that launched a thousand bands. A good start…this band should’ve been BIG.
So weird and so excellent. Love it
Pretty great indie rock.
Really fun, whining, wailing album. Not supposed to be taken too seriously and has a great vibe to it. Half of the songs aren’t really anything but a bunch of nonsense, but it’s a fun listen. There’s a reason why Where Is My Mind? is still circling its way through the internet still. Standouts: Bone Machine, Something Against You, Gigantic, River Euphrates, Where Is My Mind?, and Brick Is Red.
Amazing album
Feels like it encourages an almost bitterly energetic vibe which is really fun. I only really knew Where is my mind before but now Gigantic is a new favourite!
I can see why this was so popular
I feel surprisingly close to giving this a 5. Not my style, but this album planted one of the many seeds that became 90s alt rock, which feels pretty important, plus there's some real good songs here and it's solid from beginning to end, but still can't do it. Quantifying the qualitative is just tough, and I have to go with my gut over my brain when it comes to music. Solid 4
All the Albini please.
Awesome
маниакально и очень животно периодически кайф, периодически хотелось выключить. если настроишься слушать, то отлично алкоальбом: настойка в которой червь гигантский
A damn classic. 4 stars.