Come On Pilgrim

Arcai in. I resenty made two purchases of the Pixies, one for their first album, the legendary Alt. rock Surfer Rosa, and their debut EP Come On Pilgrim. Come On Pilgrim is a unique prototype to their follow-ups. It contains Black Francis's unique melodic/shrieking vocals, his dark lyrics, the lighthearted sound, the genius guitar, a strangely fun latin flavor. It is because of bands like the Pixies and the Melvins that Kurt Cobain created Nirvana. Cobain is my idol, and I can see why he loved this band. It's ironic, because the sound is so lighthearted and party-esque that you don't notice the lyrics about murder, self-loathing, and multiple other subjects I can't talk about without this review being banned. Anyway, Come On Pilgrim is a great debut EP, or debut in general. It's amazingly short (only 21 mintues) yet it feels like it could've been 45 minutes. Maybe it should've. My only problem (like I said, MY problem) with this EP is that the songs are so short. It slightly aggrevates me. Okay, here's the song breakdown: Great songs:Caribou, Vamos (Pilgrim), Ed Is Dead, Levitate Me Good songs:Isla de Encanta, The Holiday Song, I've Been Tired Okay songs: Nimrod's Son Highly recommended songs: Caribou, Ed Is Dead I give the Pixies' debut EP a rating of: **** (Very Good) That's all for this week. I'll review Surfer Rosa this Friday on April 31st. Arcai out--

There are only 8 songs, with 7 at 3 minutes and under...yet I could listen to it over and over and not get bored. In fact I have listened to it over and over and not gotten bored. My favorite Pixies album. It's odd how it was put together from demo tapes, yet all the songs seem so cohesive. I have the vinyl version too and it's too bad you can't see the masterful artwork.

Its the best because every song is worth 5 stars. There is not one bad song at all. This album just defines the Pixies' sound. The album has such a sound of excellent raw power and just purely a raw sound with no remastering or effects put in. The frontman, Frank Black, wanted such a pure sound that he recorded some guitar tracks in his closet. But this album is just such a great one to get to know the Pixies and their style. There are also only 8 tracks, and nearly every song is under 3 minutes, so it won't take long to listen to the whole album, but you should listen to the whole album at once. That way you can hear the greatness of this album.

"Come On Pilgrim" was actually compliled by Ivo Watts-Russell at 4AD Records from the 17 song "purple tape" demo the Pixies recorded. SpinArt Records released the other 9 songs from the tape back in 2004 on a CD simply titled "The Pixies" (some of these songs went on to be re-recorded and used on other Pixies albums in one form or another.) Too bad iTunes doesn't have "The Pixies". It's a must for diehard fans. Given that, "Come On Pilgrim" is still a classic record - and one well worth owning.

I just think it is poopy that iTunes is charging $8 for 8 songs. I would suggest buying the greatest hits for $9.99 (because Trompe La Monde isn't that good). Then buy whatever songs were not included on the greatest hits from here. This is a great companion piece to Surfer Rosa.

This is up there on my list of favorite Pixies albums. It's up there on my list of favorite albums period. Every song is amazing, my personal favorite being The Holiday Song. Probably one of the best breakout albums ever. If it can even be called a breakout album whatever. Buy this. now.

A gem, often overlooked and underrated. Delightful from start to finish, no filler, worthy of the eight or so dollars it costs. Treasure. Every song is good. I promise.