Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A perfect combination of melody and noise, October 13, 2002
As most would expect, the first CD by Kim Deal's band The Breeders bears significant resemblance to her previous band the Pixies, but with some key differences. Unlike the Pixies, the Breeders are more subtle, relying on a much more subdued approach that creates an almost tangible tension between melody and noise throughout the entire album. Steve Albini's production only furthers the stiff tension in the Breeder's songs allowing the listener to hear every note in its rough, unaltered, natural state and appreciate the full depth of each individual sound. Showcasing some impressive songwriting talents, Kim Deal proves she was much more than just a bassist and occasional vocalist for the Pixies, drawing upon some interesting personal influences to craft her new band's sound. For example, the violin aided, atonal ballads of "Oh!" and "When I Was a Painter" would fit perfectly on any Raincoats album while "Opened" captures all the wild guitar power and rhythmic fury of early Sonic Youth recordings. Deal even goes so far as to undertake the brave task of covering a Beatles track, casting Lennon's classic in a new chaotic light. In fact, John Lennon would prove a perfect comparison to the Breeders. Lennon's interest in making unmixed and rough music but that still retained a pop melody seems like a perfect parallel to what Kim Deal is striving for with the release of Pod. But regardless of where Kim Deal is coming from with this album, there are some tracks like the gut wrenching "Iris" and sonically sinister "Glorious" that immediately make the listeners jaw drop in awe. With every song a perfect combination of pure pop and sub stooges guitar riffs, Pod accurately shows that music doesn't need to be overproduced and studio enhanced to be catchy but can remain edgy and still get stuck in your head for days.
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fortunately Gone . . . but not forgotten from the Pixies, June 12, 2001
Remember the Pixies? Of course you do, how can you not relish in the memory of that heavily armed bass and guitar rhythm coupled with the howling, ferocious voice of Frank Black. Well, like most all glorious bands that renewed our faith in hard rock'n roll during the late eighties/early nineties, the Pixs split to follow their own musical horizons. And while I can't say I'm happy they no longer play together, the important thing is they still play. And where are they now? They're all over the place, that's where. Frank Black (aka Black Francis) discovered some mellower and pleasant rock with a new band called the Catholics (their new album, Dog in the Sand, features fellow former Pixie Joey Santiago!). And if you're looking for more of the experimental yet melodious Pixie sound, I recommend you check out Black's solo, Oddballs, or this album called Pod, brought to you by Kim Deal's truly incredible Breeders. Like Black's Oddballs, most of the tracks are accompanied by a ripping bass sound that keeps you humming the heavily laden chords minutes after the music's over. Many people will tell you The Last Splash, 1993, is the Breeders' best work. But there is just too much well rehearsed rock on Pod to let that fly. Songs like "Opened" and "Metal Man" incorporate such a hard hitting style that's it's almost impossible to forget her work with Black and the others. Plus there's a version of "Happiness is a Warm Gun" that brings true faith to one of John Lennon's innumerable masterpieces. The bass is loud yet comfortable, the guitar keeps your head nodding in musical agreement, and Deal's voice complements the entire package beautifully. Check out the album. I bet you love it.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pod is good, April 17, 2000
Do yourself a favor and put down the Sleater-Kinney c.d's and what not and pick this mutha up. A truly mezmerising c.d that melancholonizes( its not a real word I know) the hell out of you. Flawlessly crafted , and if you know anything about Deal's work, emotionally stirring. Her voice will enter your ears and never leave, as you ask yourself why you never knew that 'pod' existed way back in 1990. Like that year itself, this album feels almost like it never existed, in any case it should evoke odd emotional responses.
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