DVD Review by Doug Cornell

It seems like another lifetime ago that The Pixies emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the alternative rock scene.  The era was full of new talents who are now fading into obscurity - The Red Hot Chili Peppers... The Smashing Pumpkins...

No other rock band of the era, or any since, had the capacity to create music that combined pure abrasive rawness with a pop sensibility.  With Frank Black on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Kim Deal on bass, vocals, and cigarettes, Joey Santiago on lead guitar, and David Lovering on percussion, The Pixies could would blast out moments of pure sonic destruction, then flip the switch and create a pop masterpiece.

The Pixies Sell Out, 2004 Reunion Tour is a live documentation of their hugely successful 2004 live tour.  Thousands of fans who never saw The Pixies in the 80's or 90's got to see then in 2004.  Even though the band is older and (mostly) bald, they still have the chemistry that made them so special.  The DVD was created from footage that was recorded by an extremely enthusiastic audience at the Eurokeennes Festival in Belfort, France.  Evidence of the French fan's knowledge of The Pixies is demonstrated by their singing along with nearly every tune, from the opening track ("Wave of Mutilation") to the closer ("Gigantic").

The video and audio production are stunning, as the band occupies a large, uncluttered stage.  Frank Black, AKA Black Francis, is a strange front man. Black still has a voice capable of piercing through the guitar and drum crunch.  But he isn't an overly entertaining performer, instead relying on his intensity to draw the crowd in.  Standing on Black's right, guitarist Joey Santiago looks a bit uncomfortable.  It's entirely possible that this tour was the first one where Santiago played without the benefit of mind-altering chemicals.  Kim Deal has aged well, considering that she has an insatiable need for nicotine.  During one track, Deal steps up to the microphone to sing and exhales the smoke from her lungs.  Not an appealing sight.

No one could find fault with this DVD's set-list.  Included are such classics as "Bone Machine," "Monkey Gone to Heaven," "Gouge Away," and "Velouria."  Unexpected pleasures include the dynamic "Mr. Grieves" and the college radio hits "Where is My Mind?" and "Wave of Mutilation."

No DVD will ever be released without the requisite bonus material, so The Pixies attach ad additional 15 live tracks recorded at a wide variety of venues during the 2004 reunion tour.  The insanely melodic track "Is She Weird?" joins "Debaser," "Caribou," and 12 additional tracks.

The Pixies - Sell Out, 2004 Reunion Tour will have limited appeal for the non-fan.  For those who remember the incredible power and influence that The Pixies had on the entire recording industry, this set will be a welcome addition to their collection.