All Things Weird And Wonderful
Come this way my friends and let us enter the bizarre and intriguing world of Pixies main man Mr Black Francis, now those already familiar with his concoctions will know what to expect and those new to his work, well prepare to be mesmerised. After aeons in the music industry we take a look back at three albums that have never been released on vinyl before. We have ‘’Francis Black Francis’ , ‘Honeycomb’ released in 2005 and ‘Fast Man Raider Man’ released in 2006 wherein you will discover such delights as ‘Monkey Gone To Heaven’, ‘Where Is My Mind’ and my favourite ‘Velouria’. The overall feel can come across as unfinished with the addition of demos, but I think that slightly underdone aspect makes for an interesting insight into song writing and recording. There is a humble and homely side to these albums, straight from the bosom of Mr Francis to your soul, and having taken up residence, you will return to experience these songs over and over again.
We have the instantly recognisable sound, that punky ethic with the sharp bursts of energy and driving frets, and then the sublime, hippy, trippy vibes fused with Spanish/Latino and Country and Western mad banjo influences. I love his writing too for example ‘look up at the sky in a poetic kind of way’ there is so much life and love and anticipation in those words. I also find that these songs can be seen as individual short stories in themselves or in fact may be excerpts from a larger picture, one that you can imagine in your own minds and craft to your own specifications. From the eerie whining, to the scream for mercy and back again, we leave no stone unturned, which is why this work is so expansive and varied. You will find collaborations from artists such as Al Kooper, Lyle Workman and Rick Gilbert which further accentuates the core belief and idea in the song. The power of Mr Francis’ storytelling skills defines the origins of this particular species, encompassing all manner of human emotions, frailties and dysfunction.
Take my hand, my velveteen and we’ll trampoline to the insane sounds right here. Or if you prefer ‘hold my heartstrings and have yourself a strum’ there’s something for everyone in this little honeycomb shaped box.
Azra Pathan
Black Francis – Francis Black Francis, Honeycomb, Fast Man Raider Man out now via Demon Records.