Search - Frank Black :: Show Me Your Tears

Cheer up Frank!

Steven W. Cooper | Perigueux, FRANCE | 06/17/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As Frank's fans know, you always give his songs the benefit of the doubt: sometimes it takes many listenings before they manage to upset your preconceived notions. But even after performing the requisite due diligence on "Show Me Your Tears" don't feel bad if "Jaina Blues" still sets your teeth on edge.



Even if this album doesn't generate the quality adrenaline of some of his earlier work, it has an immediacy and pleasant ambience. One is tempted to say he's mellowing as he gets older and to accept with an open mind this new twist in the fascinating path Frank has blazed. Well, I've tried, and not having seen the light, have at least felt the warm glow of pathos. This feeling of a struggle to come to terms with a big inevitability: this near resignation is truly touching.



Saying that, though, doesn't forgive the album's faults which seem even more glaring in light of the terrific run of albums he's had. There was always an elusive logic behind the contortions Frank imposed on a song's structure. That logic feels more tenuous here, and in some songs he seems too tired to be bothered. There was also a kind of transcendence-through-hyperventilation singing style that marked some of his most uplifting work. He still deconstructs the phrasing skilfully and brings it up from his gut, but the light giddiness is missing. We are, consequently, not uplifted.



In all fairness, Frank doesn't seem to be trying to make a great album here. It feels more like a snapshot of his state of mind at the time, and as such it's brilliant. I only wish someone would cheer him up!"

I agree, he's done better.

Gerth Mirthful | 12/01/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I don't understand the mediocre (and just plain bad) Frank Black albums getting 4 1/2 stars on average either. If you're new to Frank Black, I would recommend you get all the Pixies albums first of course. Then you should get the first two Frank Black albums (self-titled, Teenager of the Year), which are really really good. Other albums of his that have several to mostly quality tracks: Pistolero, Dog in the Sand, Honeycomb, Cult of Ray (yes!), the self-titled Catholics album, and Black Letter Days. The rest don't do anything for me, including this one."