Search - Pixies :: Wave of Mutilation: Best of Pixies

SUPERB collection of Pixies classics

Seth Cooper | Seattle, WA | 09/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Pixies are an excellent alternative/modern rock band, and their greatness shines through on this Best Of album. With a whopping 23 tunes collected in one place, how can you go wrong?



Granted, hardcore Pixie fans might find that many of the tunes contained on the album lack the synergy they have when place in the surrounding context of the original albums from which they are drawn. That's a valid criticism of any and all greatest hit collections, but I nonetheless maintain that anyone who buys this album will not be disappointed.



The songs on the album combine loud, noisy and gritty guitars with catchy melodies-a rare combination indeed. They also write distinctive songs, not formulaic ones. Expect some distinctive lyrics, too. The lead vocals of Black Francis, combined with the (primarily) backing vocals of Kim Deal provide a good harmony. Holiday Song, Gigantic, Monkey Gone to Heaven, and Here Comes your Man are probably the most accessible and radio friendly tunes. However, I basically dig every single track on this album. This album showcases alternative/modern rock at its very best.



I had the pleasure of hearing the band play, here in 2004. Most all-if not all-of the tunes on this collection were part of the set list, and the band hasn't lost a step. If you want to be a cool person, buy this album."

Where is my mind?

C. Fehertoi | 09/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"That was the first Pixies song I heard, during the ending of Fight Club. I found out about the Pixies through that movie [which is very good] but although Where Is My Mind? went to the top 10 of my favorite songs, I never really checked out other Pixies stuff. But then I got a Spin magazine with them on the cover, and I read about how they influenced Radiohead and Nirvana, my 2 favorite bands. I cracked and bought this CD, and let me tell you, it was well worth it. There are some very amazing songs here, and pretty much all of the 23 songs are good. Repeated listenings may be needed for some songs, bu it was a great buy."

Strong Album, Good Overview

Zack Sampson | 05/08/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this album as my introduction to the Pixies. It's been said that it's a bit of a waste of money compared to Doolittle or Surfer Rosa, because in the end you'll probably buy both of the above albums anyway. That's true to a point - I certainly did buy both, not long after buying this compilation, wasting the early half or so of the CD - but I'm still glad I bought it.



The nice part of this album is that it's set up a bit linearly stylisticly, unlike many "greatest hits" shufflings of tunes - it starts with a Come On Pilgrim/Surfer Rosa taste, then melds Doolittle into it, eventually moving on to Bossanova and beyond. Because the Pixies albums were distinct to the fine ear, after a few listens, you can get a good sample of what each album is about, and you can even hear the band's growth from from one style to the next. Listening to this CD, for example, I found that I loved the Surfer Rosa and Come On Pilgrim, liked the Doolittle, and didn't care for the rest of it. I bought the CDs according to this and have yet to be let down.



So for any neophyte, I'd recommend it as a first album - find out which parts you like most and hone in on them."