The Pixies. Underrated?

[Seamusblonde]

Personally, In the little time the Pixies had between 1986 and 1993, I think they are a very underrated band. Nirvana seems to be the first band most people think of when they think of Grunge from that era. What think you?:lol:

[Tiggi]

Not in my eyes, Seamus.

I've always thought Pixies were easily the better band, and even Cobain acknowledged the debt his band owed to them.

I think Nirvana were the closer to mainstream accessibility, so hit the big time, whilst Pixies nearly got there.

Saw them live in the early 90s, and they were wonderful.

[Dementia32]

I personally believe that both Surfer Rosa and Doolittle are amazing landmark albums.

It's impossible to say that Nirvana was not directly influenced by the Pixies. As has been previously stated, Cobain flat out referenced them in multiple interviews. He even specifically stated that Smells Like Teen Spirit was pretty much created by him trying to rip off the Pixies.

So why is Nirvana considered the bigger band in some circles? Why is Nirvana the band that people immediately associate with that era? I think that they were just far more accessible and the timing was right. I'm not sure if there is any more to it than that.

[JonG]

Also, when thinking of grunge you should think Nirvana before the Pixies. The Pixies weren't a grunge band.

I tend to think the Pixies are overratted. They're a huge crowd-pleaser and I hear them all over the place when I'm out and about. They are by and far the most popular band from that era. More so than Sonic Youth, Fugazi, Pavement, etc. They obviously did a reunion tour because it was good timing to make a lot of money. They're not old enough to be "classic" but too old to be contemporary. I prefer to listen to what's current.

[trbc08]

Why do you prefer to listen to what's current? What gives "classic" music or "current" music more merit than other types of music?

[JonG]

I mostly listen to current music because I crave the new. I want innovation, change, and people who push the envelope. I also like to hear the roots of music. I think it is important to know where music comes from. So I'll occasionally listen to the classics.

Now, if someone is new to alternative rock it is important to listen to the Pixies. Yes, they were an important band. But so was Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr, the Jesus and Mary Chain, etc. Those bands were the Pixies peers but they don't get as much attention.

[punk4trev]

The Pixies are amazing. It's true, they are underrated. People should realize what an amazing band they are!

[Cinnamon Girl]

Jon, I think that I may respect you, if it is possible to tell from two thread posts. Nirvana, Mudhoney, the Melvins, these are the faces of grunge, and the Pixies are not underrated one bit, they have received ample praise where praise is due.

[rockitmarty]

I personally love The Pixies, and they are not a grudge band at all. I would have to say that they are even less popular than sonic youth. I say them twice in one day on their reunion tour, and they were amazing. Therefore I would conclude, underrated! But I think where they are in music, is perfect for them, any more attention, and they would not be the same. :happy:

[Trumpton Riots]

Underrated?

Of course not. It seems that everyone who has listened to the Pixies at least likes them, and most adore them. The only person I can think of who doesn't think much of the Pixies is Steve Albini.