On this episode of Building Blocks, we examine the influence of the Pixies (pictured above) on the early ’90s. To say Kim, David, Joey, and Francis made an undeniable impact on a huge swath of “indie rock” as we now know it is an understatement. They made it fucking fashionable to ROCK with GUITARS once again. I use the song “Dead”, from the album Doolittle, as a jumping off point in exploring bands who favored the Pixies’ brand of weirdo lead guitar stylings; distorted, wall-of-noise encrusted melodies; propulsive low-ends; scream-till-you’re-hoarse vocal fragments; and loud-soft dynamics.

Playlist

1. Pixies — Dead
2. PJ Harvey — Joe
3. 3Ds — Evil Kid
4. Jawbox — Static
5. Blonde Redhead — Violent Life
6. Belly — Dusted
7. The Boo Radleys — Towards The Light
8. Superchunk — Punch Me Harder
9. Poster Children — Everything Burns
10. Brainiac — Hot Metal Dobermans
11. Th’ Faith Healers — Heart Fog
12. Sugar — JC Auto
13. Rollerskate Skinny — Bring On Stigmata
14. Polvo — Can I Ride
15. Come — William
16. Built To Spill — The Source
17. Jale — Emma
18. Chavez — Nailed To The Blank Spot