Pixies' Frank Black To Release New Solo Album
Pixies frontman Frank Black is to release his first solo album since 1996’s ‘The Cult of Ray’. The Americana-flavoured album was recorded over a four-day period in April 2004, a few days before the Pixies kicked off their very first reunion tour date last year.
The new album entitled ‘Honeycomb’ was produced by Jon Tiven (B.B. King, Robert Plant) who also worked with Black on his 1994 ‘Headache’ EP.
It features a host of musicians who are reknowned for being some of the world’s most celebrated musicians such as Steve Cropper, Buddy Miller and Reggie Young on guitars, drummers Chester Thompson, Anton Fig and Billy Block - Akil Thompson, David Hood on bass, and keyboardist Spooner Oldham, among others.
In a statement, Frank Black said: "It was wonderful to have these incredible musicians poking fun at my non-Nashville chord progressions, and then give me a wink after a take to let me know that they approved and enjoyed it.
"I was so lucky to have them playing on this album. his was the only time that I have ever been in a studio and had the strange feeling that I was witnessing something spiritual. When we were recording, those guys didn't even look at each other, they closed their eyes and they meant it. I have never recorded with people who meant what they played so much.
"I can say without a doubt that the Honeycomb session was the most moving and mind-blowing experience I’ve ever had in my musical career. Steve Cropper co-wrote the first rock ‘n’ roll song that I ever sang in front of an
Audience “In The Midnight Hour”. It was a pure pleasure to come full circle with Mr. Cropper."
According to producer Tiven, ‘We spent more time having fun and charting the songs than we did with the actual recording; most of the songs were done in one or two takes.’
Following the Pixies' 1993 breakup, Black began his solo career, and since then has released nine albums as either a solo artist or as Frank Black And The Catholics. Last year, Pixies got back together for a one of the most anticipated reunions in recent times, and they were also nominated as Xfm’s Best Band and Live Band of 2004.
In other Frank Black related news, Pixies are to headline this year’s Reading Festival in their only confirmed UK appearance this year.
‘Honeycomb’ will be released on the Cooking Vinyl label on Monday July 18.
Check out the Xfm Online Festival Guide for all the latest line-up, ticket and site details as well as all the gossip and rumours about all the biggest festivals taking place this summer.
Text XFMNEWS to 83XFM for the biggest Festival & Music News sent to your mobile (more info)
Discuss this story on the Xfm Messageboard click here
Back to Music News click here
Got a news story? Then e-mail the Xfm News Desk below.
Tagged as Frank Black, archive
Login to xfm+
latest videos
-
Hot Chip - 'I Feel Better'
Utterly bizarre boyband carnage, directed by funnyman Peter Serafinowicz.
-
Florence And The Machine - 'Dog Days Are Over'
Ms Welch comes over all colourful for the new video for this great track...
-
You Me At Six - 'Liquid Confidence'
Go "behind the scenes" with the young Brit rockers...
-
OK Go - 'This Too Shall Pass'
The masters of the pop video return with another belter.
schedule
-
now: 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Dan O'Connell on Xfm, playing new and classic tracks. E-mail dan@xfm.co.uk or text 83936 (Std charges apply)
-
next: 4:00PM - 7:00PM
Ian Camfield on the Xfm Drivetime show. E-mail ian@xfm.co.uk or text 83936 (std charges apply)