Grand Duchy
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So a few months back in January, I came across the group Grand Duchy but don't recall how. Grand Duchy is Violet Clark and her better known husband Frank Black of Pixies fame. Their album was to be released in February. Later in January things fell to shit when my best friend passed away and everything changed. I understandably forgot about Grand Duchy. But just last week I got an email from Amazon.com about their latest album downloads and they had Grand Duchy's (http://www.amazon.com/Petits-Fours/dp/B0026AUMU0/ref=xarw?pf_rd_p=482531271&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000371251&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1CPHKQR8WCK5AJR6T8W5) debut for a mere $5.00, so I snatched it up in a hot second.
I've really enjoyed it quite a bit. The album vacillates between electronic flourishes and rock/pop ditties. Violet Clark has a delightful voice and writes some great lyrics as well. Frank sounds like, well, Frank Black as usual, which is to say, enjoyable. They trade off doing lead vocals and assist each other with backup. Check out the song above on the red button. And below is a live version of their song 'Lovesick' in San Diego:
They have a great chemistry together. They are also a real life married couple too and have children. I've always enjoyed Frank since I discovered Pixies back in the day. And he always seems to be able to add some fun asides on his recordings that make his cds more interesting to listen to. This is no exception.
And as an extra special double bonus for all you cool Mog chicks & cats, here's Grand Duchy's cover of The Cure's 'A Strange Day' that they contributed to The Cure tribute album 'Just Like Heaven':
Comments (9)
This I like. But I'm always intrigued by Mr. Black. Seems like his better half is a great foil, too. I may actually like this better than his solo stuff.
I like anything Frank does, this is just another facet to his repertoire. Violet just softens the rough edges of Frank.
frank is the bomb, no doubt!
this is filling my classroom as we.....er......uhm......type?
Inrumford fer sure! He's majorly talented as well as his lovely wife.
Kev you're a sucker for a good hook, melody & lyric like I am.
This is quite good and I dare say, better than his other more notable work. I too am a sucker for a good hook, melody & lyric. :)
I really like anything he's done. His 'Bluefinger' album from '06 I loved since it was much more rocking than his other recent solo work. Glad you enjoyed it RX.
OOOOOoooo what is dis? nice shot to the hears aug, and for a five spot you say?
yea, just a mere 5 spot, such a deal!