Choosing 15 songs from the beloved band wasn't as daunting a task as it first seemed. Sure, their records in their golden era, a.k.a. the Kim Deal era, were, without a doubt, a tight body of work, full of catchy rock music and energy that deserved its "classic" status. On the other hand, after hundreds upon hundreds of listens, our favourites were cemented. Lots of great songs were left out but, by now, you sure have the common sense to listen to all of their discography and love most of it.
(As posted for the #PixiesTop15 Twitter challenge, which ran during February and March 2023.)
15. Motorway to Roswell (Trompe Le Monde, 1991)
Beautifully done extraterrestrial fantasy with driving guitars and a rare use of piano.
14. Into the White (B-Side to "Here Comes Your Man", 1989)
The guitars are in full throttle and Kim Deal sings matter-of-factly about nothing in particular in this exciting b-side.
13. All Over the World (Bossanova, 1990)
Pixies' longest song is an unpredictable two-part epic. The transition between the two parts is butter-smooth even though it could have very well been two different songs.
12. Gouge Away (Doolittle, 1989)
Black Francis's favourite song from Doolittle and one of the most memorable closers ever.
11. Ana (Bossanova, 1990)
A 2-minute vivid description of a surfer girl getting ready to ride the waves. Uncomplicated, relaxing, and beautiful.
10. Letter to Memphis (Trompe Le Monde, 1991)
@Beerenalia described it perfectly the other day. I'm just going to add my admiration for Joey's Santiago inimitable guitar playing.
9. Where Is My Mind? (Surfer Rosa, 1988)
I was one of those people that heard it for the first time in that '99 movie. It still blows me away (wink-wink) with its inventiveness.
8. Wave Of Mutilation (Doolittle, 1989)
On Doolittle, they were at their absolute peak as a band and this one sounds so effortless. Meanwhile, they perfected the "carefree tunes/ really dark lyrics" combo.
7. Here Comes Your Man (Doolittle, 1989)
Speaking of dark lyrical themes, this one is about the silence before an earthquake, or perhaps about a nuclear bomb. Whichever the case, it's neatly packaged in a perfect pop song.
6. Alec Eiffel (Trompe Le Monde, 1991)
Explosive and lightning-fast with some of the funniest lyrics Black Francis has ever written. "He thought big, they called it phallic/they didn't know he was panoramic" A riveting experience.
5. The Happening (Bossanova, 1990)
Another one about aliens. Cartoonishly mysterious and playful. Francis shines with his disorienting falsetto and a spoken word outro. Unexpectedly touching, to be honest.
4. Gigantic (Surfer Rosa, 1988)
Obviously Kim Deal is the absolute star in this. She wrote the lyrics, she played the fat bassline and she made everyone fall in love with her.
3. Debaser (Doolittle,1989)
It contains all the elements of their unique recipe, the one that helped shape their legacy in music history. Unforgettable riffs, melodic basslines, frenetic vocals, and rich imagery. THE Pixies song.
2. Hey (Doolittle, 1989)
Probably one of their most emotional songs. A love song in a warped (or romantic?) kind of way.
I don't know if it echoes some parts of BF's and KD's relationship, but their musical chemistry was undeniable.
1. No 13 Baby (Doolittle, 1989)
The pace and volume that grow vigorously, the enduring muscular backbone, the sweet release of the extended jam outro (one of the most expressive guitar riffs ever)... This one will always be my favourite.
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