The Pixies' Doolittle (33 1/3) [Paperback]

Ben Sisario (Author)

Book Description

Series: 33 1/3 | Publication Date: March 25, 2006

The Pixies have had a career unlike any other in alternative rock, disappearing as not-quite-the-next-big-things only to become gods in absentia. "Doolittle" is their knotty masterpiece, the embodiment of the Pixies' abrasive, exuberant, enigmatic pop. Informed by exclusive interviews with the band, Sisario looks at the making of the album and its place in rock history, and studies its continued influence in light of the Pixies triumphant reunion.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"'A brilliant series of pocket-sized books focussing on a classic album. Each one a work of real love.' NME"

About the Author

Ben Sisario writes about music and culture for The New York Times, teaches at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, and is a commentator on the New York public radio station WFUV. He lives in New York City.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 127 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (March 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826417744
• ISBN-13: 978-0826417749
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 4.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #115,984 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Pixies Book... and best in the 33 1/3 series so far, May 20, 2006

By 

missed "mist." (new york, ny) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: The Pixies' Doolittle (33 1/3) (Paperback)

Another great little tome from the 33 1/3 series, The Pixies' Doolittle is an in-depth examination of arguably the best album of the Pixies' catalogue. We're given a brief history of the band, from its formation to the recording of the "Purple Tape" (which morphed into Come On Pilgrim) and Surfer Rosa, but the creation of Doolittle is the crux of the book. Sisario does an excellent job of breaking down the mysterious lyrics of the album tracks, and provides an in-depth look into the influence of surrealism and the Old Testament on Thompson's lyrics. We learn how each track was composed, and how the overall album came about in the studio with interviews from all the key players save Kim Deal, who did not partake in this literary project (sadly). Sisario's take on the Pixies is fresh and invigorating, and TPD will go down in Pixies history as a book that got it right.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the series I've read..., April 27, 2006

By 

J. T. Steinchen "Lovely Lad" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Pixies' Doolittle (33 1/3) (Paperback)

Which isn't saying much, as I've only read the ones on The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society, David Bowie's Low, the Neutral Milk Hotel one, and There's A Riot Goin' On. First off, this is not a fictional narrative ala The Smith's Meat if Murder volume in this series. Rather, it has structurally more in common with the Kinks and Bowie ones. For those not familiar with the series, Sisario puts the album in context of its time period, and within the band's history, as well as examining the album itself. This volume benefits highly from the fact that Sisario obviously interviewed Frank Black/Black Francis, which the other volumes lack (not neccessarily to their detriment, but still, a noticeable difference). Other interviews with other band members, producers, and engineers provide alot of color and depth to Sisario's story of the genesis of the album. However, what drives this book higher than the others is its actual commentary of the album itself. Without destroying the magic of your own interpretation of the songs, Sisario's obvious literate nature (he references many Surrealists that show much more than an armchair knowledge) fused with his engaging writing style (his humor shows forth with some funny bashing of things such as Roger Daltrey's acting career) really make an album that I thought I knew back to front seem fresh again with detailed and intellectual observations. Thats hard for me with Doolittle - of all the albums in this series I have probably listened to that one the most, to the point where I don't even own it anymore, but now I want to go out and get a copy again.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most intellectual beach book ever, August 2, 2007

By 

J. Overton (Port Orchard, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Pixies' Doolittle (33 1/3) (Paperback)

Doolittle has been my favorite album since it came out... I read this book sitting on a beach in Vancouver, CA, surrounded by drag-queens, interpretive dancers, Sikhs, Chinese families, and with a fireworks show in the harbor... the surrealism of the surroundings was only enhanced by the book...
Sisario's humor and obvious literary knowledge made this book about one of the greatest albums and bands ever an amazing treat... art, philosophy, music, biography, psychology, all compounded to make this an ideal book for even non-Pixies fans.