IN REVIEW: Pixies - "Head Carrier"

Whereas previous LP Indie Cindy was compiled from three previous EPs, Head Carrier marks Pixies' first full-blown, LP-sized statement since their reformation. It's also overall a friendlier, less noisy collection of songs, with a couple of proper hit contenders if 2016 radio was conducive to bands from the '80s and '90s rather than bands of millennials that sound like they're from the '80s and '90s. To the overly critical, Head Carrier is probably another sullying of the band's Holy Legacy, the go-to whine for those who still can't wrap their heads around the idea of a band's desire to make new music rather than coast on the goodwill of records nearly 30 years old. To me, it's a perfectly serviceable rock record that doesn't even try to stand up to the classics. Like Indie Cindy, it's a record that never stood a chance of being revered like Surfer Rosa or Doolittle, but that doesn't mean it deserves to be dismissed as tripe either.

September 30, 2016 • Pixies/PIAS
Highlights Classic Masher • Might As Well Be Gone • Um Chagga Lagga

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Year in Rock 2025

Alright, I've got some explaining to do. By now anyone who's visited this blog is well aware of how infrequently I've used this space in recent years; aside from the occasional fertile year of content, I really haven't posted all that often over the last five years or so. There are many reasons for this, which have already been outlined in previous apology posts; but, essentially, it boils down to my own laziness and the cold reality that blogs are, like Refused (again), fucking dead. So, I wouldn't hold my breath for a triumphant return to reviews, or even semi-regular posts, but: a) I feel like Year in Rock posts have always belonged here and, even though I've experimented with different methods of presentation recently and been satisfied, the "blink and you missed it" unveiling via Facebook stories this year was perhaps ultimately a disservice to the records I lauded. After all, cramming the list into short videos isn't too far off from ju...

Year in Rock 2016: Solo Artist Nominees

Artists who stand alone, who put their name on their album jackets and assume full responsibility for the art they give to the world, exhibit a kind of bravery that I've always admired. It takes courage to stand on that proverbial stage in solitude; this year's nominees faced varying degrees of challenges, but they all shared the desire to stare down the criticisms and expectations of every other individual they shared the air with and exclaim, "Don't worry. I've got this." Your Year in Rock 2016 nominees for Solo Artist Recording of the Year are:

Year in Rock 2024

So, how weird is it to post a Year in Rock 2024 write-up a year late? Honestly, this is just for posterity; with a post to wrap up 2025 possibly posted by the time you see this, I couldn't stand the gap that would otherwise be present. I'll have more to say, but will wait until the Year in Rock 2025 post to say it. Instead, I'll just dive right in with the list. This will be the least exciting Year in Rock post you've ever seen. 25. The Smashing Pumpkins - "Aghori Mhori Mei" 24. Japandroids - "Fate & Alcohol" 23. Pearl Jam - "Dark Matter" 22. Cheekface - "It's Sorted" 21. Kim Gordon - "The Collective" 20. High Vis - "Guided Tour" 19. Acid Mammoth - "Supersonic Megafauna Collision" 18. Microwave - "Let's Start Degeneracy" 17. IDLES - "TANGK" 16. Jerry Cantrell - "I Want Blood" 15. Chat Pile - "Cool World" 14. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard ...

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