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Frank Black “93-03” 8 out of 10 By Roxy S. Okay. Let’s just get the Pixies’ references out of the way before we get down to the brass tacks here. Yes, you got me there: Frank Black did front one of the most innovative bands to ride the alternative music wave. Yes, the Pixies were mavericks that registered on the Richter scales for bands you may have heard of such as Radiohead and Nirvana, who cite the Pixies as among their biggest influences. The latter even credited the Pixies’ for their breakout hit, 1993’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” And finally, yes, the Pixies freaking rock! After a tally of five records, and an even larger tally of bouts between Black and bassist Kim Deal, the Pixies called it quits in early 1993. Well folks, “put your party face on” because Frank Black is back with a long overdo greatest hits collection “’93-’03.” To ensure the deal is sealed, the second disc “Frank Black Live” is a compilation of live tracks from last year’s tour. Teaming up with Pixies guitarist Joe Santiago and Pixies collaborator Eric-Drew Feldman, Black laid the egg that would later hatch into a solid solo career in 1993 with his self-titled debut “Frank Black.” The critically acclaimed “Teenager of Year” followed along with “Dog in the Sand”, “Pistelero”, and “Frank Black Francis Black” among others, carving out a LEGIT ten-year run. His paradoxical approach to music featuring screeching vocals, hummable melodies, and metal-inspired guitar rifts was inspired by an equally odd melange of influences including Black Flag and Christian rock singer-songwriter Larry Norman. Gruff, tough, and as epic as ever, most of the 23 guitar wielding tracks featured on “’93-’03” don’t stray far from the tried and true Pixies formula of prolific, astro-noise rock. Opening with “Los Angeles”, the album immediately left a familiar taste in my mouth similar to this whole Coca-Cola classic/Coke Plus, Coke Zero business. I’d rather just have a Coke. Tracks “Western Star” off Frank Black and the Catholics’ “Pistelero”, and “Robert Onion” from 2003’s “Dog in the Sand” showcase his transition toward a less experimental, more structured and complete sound. Don’t sweat it; it’s still not void of the rough edges we’ve come to expect. My personal favorite off the album was the oh-so catchy “Headache”, which plays on the schizophrenic qualities his voice takes on. Frank Black live won’t take up too much of your time. It’s exactly what the name says it is: a live album of last fall’s Frank Black tour featuring Duane Jarvis on lead guitar, Eric Drew Feldman on bass, and Billy Block on drums. Performed at various gigs from North America, to Japan, to Europe depending on where you live, the songs sound fine; it’s hard to say too much about a live album unless there was something exceptional or exceptionally rotten about the sound quality. All together, the song choices and sound quality were pretty standard for a live album. I’m definitely digging the gloriously unsexy vibes these albums give off. With these two releases, Frank Black truly capitalizes on his quirky, signature style that leaves us nostalgic for 1990 sans the flannel. All and all, I would say he had a solid solo career, but I’m not going to lie and say I’m not stoked that he is back together with the Pixies.