Review: The Pixies

Photos by Chuck France, Special to The Star

Almost six years to the day they put on a show for the ages in this venue, the Pixies returned to the Uptown Theater. Once again, a full building awaited them.

The band's '04 reunion tour was its first in 11 years, which added hype and anticipation -- and some sentimentality -- to the event. Many in the room that night were seeing a favorite band for the first time. It made for a memorable evening.

When Friday's show was announced a few months ago, it seemed unlikely that the second time around would be as magical as the first. Maybe it wasn't, but in some ways, it was nearly as rewarding. 

This reunion tour was set up differently. Instead of pulling songs from all over the band's catalog, the Pixies focused on the "Doolittle" album, which was played in its entirety. The set list also included several B-sides, some of them so obscure, bassist Kim Deal said, that the band had to learn how to play them. It made for an interesting set list. 

The band embellished its show with a colorful stage set and some videos, which played a big part in the 7-plus-minute audio-visual overture. They needed the help, given their static stage presence. Deal maintained an ongoing conversation of sorts with the crowd, announcing occasionally where the band was in its delivery of "Doolittle." When they  reached what was the end of Side 1 of the vinyl version, she conversed with herself: "You get up and change the record; I did it last time ..."

Otherwise, they stood and delivered more than 90 minutes of a brand of indie-rock that revels in its ability to hang on to a song's melody and groove as it changes dynamics and erupts with competing and colliding lines and salvos of guitars and bursts of percussion. This band gets credit for influencing a host of bands who followed them, but ultimately, the Pixies sound is their own and no one does it like they do.

He had nothing to say to his audience but Black Francis/Frank Black still managed to cast a presence, mostly through his ever-changing vocals, which adapt to the moods of his songs, sometimes within songs. In "Manta Ray," for example, he jumped from wobbly falsetto to a hard snarl and deep growl. 

That was one of several highlights. Others: the feral, back-to-back renditions of "Debaser" and "Tame"; both versions of "Wave of Mutilation"; "Bone Machine"; and, one of the encores, a foaming-at-the-mouth version of "Broken Face." And it's always good to hear "Monkey Gone to Heaven," "Here Comes Your Man" and "Gigantic," the closer.

I suppose anyone's reaction to this show will depend on where he/she sat or stood in the theater, which was packed to its limits, wall-to-wall and back to the exits. I moved around but could never get farther in than the inside of the back entrance, unless I wanted to hang in the side aisles, which provide no view of the stage. Funny how not having a clear view can affect your listening experience. 

But overall, it was a good show.The band  could stand to share a little more personality with the 2,000 people in the room with them, but they sounded tighter than they did back in '04. After that show, I was so smitten I wanted to follow their bus to wherever they were playing next. This time? Once was good and it was also enough.

Setlist: Dancing the the Manta Ray; Weird At  My School; Bailey's Walk; Manta Ray; Debaser; Tame; Wave of Mutilation; I Bleed; Here Comes Your Man; Dead; Monkey Gone to Heaven; Mr. Grieves; Crackity Jones; La La Love You; No. 13 Baby; There Goes My Gun; Hey; Silver; Gouge Away; Wave of Mutilation (UK Surf); Into the White. Encore: Bone Machine; Isla De Encanta; Broken Face; Nimrod's Son; Where Is My Mind; Gigantic.

| Timothy Finn, The Star

Comments

[gonzo]

Great review Tim. Did you get a copy of the show on cd? Good stuff indeed.

[Mike]

Charles may not have said anything to the audience, but he did smile a few times, and looked like he was having fun, which was more than I expected from him. Kim was having fun as always. David was on fire all night. Joey is so great, but I'd like to see him let loose even more than he normally does. I agree that the band was very tight last night, the part when they filled the entre room with smoke was awesome. A real testament to what great musicians these four are when playing togther. This was my first Pixies show, waited 21 years to see them. Just wish they would have played Holiday Song. I feel bad for all the people in the balcony that got there early only to be moved back in the back, since it wasn't all GA, as the Uptown normally is. Tickets were sold as reserved seats, but someone got mixed up and neglected to tell the ushers until the opening band was on. By the way, what's with all the people getting up and walking around in the balcony during the entire set? There were tons of people going back and forth to the lobby/restrooms/whatever all night. If you don't care about seeing the band and hearing the music, why did you spend the money?

[gsp]

I agree, band was tighter and visuals were better, but there was something off. Second time around syndrome or maybe because of the album format, there was a lack of spontenaety. It's not always good to know what song's coming, even if you like it. Don't think I'll see them again without new music or maybe a different venue, tho I'll say I thought the sound was fantastic.

[Kilby]

I went to the '04 KC show and decided to skip this go round and the band plays my favorite Pixies tune, "No. 13 Baby," which they didn't give us in '04. Well, sh*t........

[gsp]

you knew they were playing Doolittle, right?

[gsp]

btw, no review of the suckbuttons?

[Tim Finn]

They were awful

[CER]

Agree. They were terrible.

[gsp]

whew, thought it was just me.

[JZ]

It seemed to me that the Uptown oversold this show. I also like to move around the venue, but found that the sight lines were pretty much non-existant. I've been to a few shows at the Uptown that have sold out. Most recently, Beck/MGMT two years ago. However, I don't recall a show being this packed and uncomfortable.

I'm not sure why they didn't book this show at the Midland.

The opening act sucked.

'04 show was much better.

[Green]

I loved how Kim annouced the b sides and then more b sides. Great show, I was right up front but had to invest some serious time to get that spot. I think I got there around 6, it was well worth it though. A bad sight line can kill a show. The people around me were awesome, came away with two new friends. The sound was fantastic too, maybe a lil loud but super clean. Songs were great, dont know the pixies all that well but liked a lot of what I heard. The opener wasn't very good, but I am not a huge dj set lover and found there game to be not for me, props to opening for the pixies, damn good gig! Tim you need to get there earlier, back of the house is no way to enjoy a concert!

[KC ROCKER]

not to affect the organic-ness of it.... by commenting on it.... again.... but once again it seems the best indication of how TF "truely" feels about a show is wether or not he comments on the demographic of the crowd.

No demographic description typically indicates he really enjoyed the show.

Just a casual observation.... from a person who greatly respects TF's written reviews and his website, but obviously does not share his taste in music.... which is neither good.... nor bad.... it just is....... and also I suppose why they make vanilla and chocolate and strawberryalarmclock and rockandfknroll..... and pixie music.

:)

[Dexter Morgan]

you think i'm dead

but i sail away

[BigSteve]

How dare the F@%& Buttons not play two guitars/bass/drums rawk! Pixies fans sure are sophisticated and open-minded music fans.

[Tim Finn]

demographics are mentioned when they're worth mentioning. like: if there are 10 year olds at an aerosmith concert or people who appear to be older than 60 at a white stripes show. Or all the middle-agers (springsteen fans) at the gaslight anthem show. it's a way of expressing how a band's/performer's music is reaching a wide audience. And if the crowd is mixed along ethnic/race lines, it's also worth mentioning, only as an observation, as you might describe the light show.

and i retract my statement about the F*ck buttons. I didn't care for them, which doesn't mean they were awful.

[Green]

I was surprised to see you say they were aweful, haha, but its cool, just words Tim, just words. As for demos, I like them mentioned, sometimes a crowd can be more interesting than the band. I also enjoy knowing what age groups attended the show. Lately, I have been to a couple shows and the crowd was very young, hell one show the band had x's on their hands! Guess I a getting older, but I dont plan on stopping my concert going just because of age. I saw the Flaming Lips last night in Columbia, the crowd was mixed with age but mainly college kids. Pretty sweet show, I liked the one back here in spring better but a Lips show is always fun.

[KC ROCKER]

TF you are just too kind, and that is just one of the many things we like that about you :)

You are a KC gem, a polished diamond. Thank you for your long term contributions to the local music deal, please keep up the great work.

ps
ATTN: LOCAL VENUES!!!
read this revue, take note of the crowd issues.....

YOU SHOULD (PLEASE) PROVIDE TF (and BB Bill Brownlee too) BETTER ACCESS.

WHY THE FK WOULDNT YOU ALLOW THEM A SPECIAL SPOT, A GOOD VIEW, TO COVER AND REVIEW SHOWS AT YOUR VENUE??

pps
do want you want to us minions, but you should provide a nice "spot" for BB and TF to observe and report. It would probably be good, (better) for everyone involved... hint hint... ( possible over sold shows, hint hint... etc etc )
contact them....
I am just a fan of theirs.....

[fkbuttn]

PPPS
any fkn band.. thingy... dealy... dj... whatever...
calling themselves the "fk buttons" will (AND SHOULD) get what they fkn deserve.

I did not see them, but based on the name, "fkbutton" alone... they should go fk some buttons.... or themselves...

fkn buttons,
what the fk button?

[fkkbuttn]

just to be fair , I went and had a listen to some fk button stuff, and it turns out they neamed themselves perfectly.

UNLIKE Pixie music(which is fine, with me anyway) .....

I tried out this track;

http://ilike.myspacecdn.com/play#Fuck+Buttons:Ribs+Out:72853454:s50765291.12601620.4856280.0.2.270%2Cstd_085f047f96c145f7a92e9260a97e9b7b

OMG!!!
that fkbutton is crapnoise BS!!! it makes me want to ****EDITEDFORLEGALREASONS***** both "members" until they no longer exist, until they quit breathing, fk buttons are what a waste of good KC air.

[gsp]

hey, I've got an open mind and was happily in place for the opening act. but the descending chord progressions over loops just seemed a bit amateurish. If it was 2 am with maybe a little x mixed in perhaps I would have been a little more forgiving.

[fkbutton]

I would say a LOT of X, but I am not sure there is a difference in a little and lot of x... and actually I am not sure it would help, cuz. My head still hurts from one track, and that was 3 hours ago, what a couple of fkbuttons.

[Kilby]

"you knew they were playing Doolittle, right?"

Nope, gsp, I didn't. I wasn't paying attention to any of the press on this show. Oh well........and were the ****buttons seriously that bad?? I have read some good press on them, but have yet to hear any of their music. I guess I'm not missing all that much, huh??

[gsp]

I'll admit to giving up after 2 songs, maybe their deep tracks are better. Seriously, think it might have been just a bad match up.

[Ian]

Am I the only one who really liked Fuck Buttons' set? Massive music that made the theater feel bigger than it was. They were definitely a schizo choice to open for Pixies, but I'm surprised there aren't a couple of people in the comments who thought it was, at least, interesting.

And as for being in the right spot, I can confirm that the show was amazing from front and center. I was first in line at 3pm, and it was absolutely worth it. Would have shown up earlier if I had to.

[Green]

Kinda sad but I was falling asleep during the buttons set and was over joyed to find a pair of ear plugs in my pocket.

[padraig]

Saw the band's earlier show at the Uptown and was hoping for a good performance Friday night.

Thought the band delivered the goods. Those songs (even the B-sides) held up well and I felt there was massive talent on stage focused on their work.

The crowd ... reminded me in a bad way of the Frank Black Francis show at the Riot Room last year. Packed like sardines w/ limited sight lines and a slightly unpleasant attitude. To the large bearded bloke who decided to try to walk through me just as the wailing "God is Seven" bridge led to the majestic "This monkey's gone to heaven" chorus, well, you sir, are a true and full douche bag.

[anon]

Went to the Pavement show last week and had them "rip" my printed ticket instead of scan it. Thought, I should have printed a few extras and sold them. I think maybe that's what happened for the Pixies. The parking garage was full, the streets were full for a couple of blocks, and the hall was bursting. And hot.

The show itself? Really good, though I could have lived without the b-sides. (I'd rather hear them cover bands that were influenced by them. Wouldn't it be fun to hear them play some Nirvana, and maybe some Weezer?)

The sound was really good, and they seemed to be better as a band than 6 years ago. A little less emotional connection to the audience maybe.

Tim, you just have to say, excuse me, and push through. At least, that's what everyone did to me all night, except most of them didn't say anything.

[Randy Rhodes]

I thought the same thing when they ripped my print at home ticket. Do they usually do this at the Uptown? Great fuckin show!

[pete]

I heard someone describe the fk buttons as "Hey, let's drop some acid and go to radioshack."

I think it was a fairly apt description.

As far as the pixies... It would have been nice if they hadn't oversold the GA by double. Wanted to like it, but honestly, it wasn't worth pushing and shoving my way through a 110 degree auditorium.

The uptown needs to up their game a little bit.

[padraig]

On the oversold Uptown:
I wonder whether the Pixies' pre-sale that was on-line - and which sold its allotment of tix - had anything to do with this?
TicketMaster did not participate in the band's pre-sale (made no $$ off it) and so maybe was motivated to sell as many GA tickets as it could print for the show?

[pellboy]

Not sure I understand the oversold concept at a show that doesn't involve comp GA tickets (Voodoo sometimes, many old Sandstone shows, maybe a Crossroads). Should be controls where everybody in attendance is paying good $ for tix. Sounds like sort of a greedy, money grab on Uptown's part.

[gsp]

perhaps the reserved section didn't sell out, but they still decided to sell the full house amount of total tickets.

[pellboy]

I guess that makes some sense. You would think some folks would have moved up to those seats then if it was allowed.

[Runner]

I wonder if the local promoters bother to read here. If they do not, then they are stupid.

"much good information to be had here, they should read it and heed it"

and they should at least provide our fav reviewers with good spots to see shows, so maybe it does get publicized to be read by ummmm... someone... I dont know ... maybe someone like... SATAN!!! .... no, I am jk kidding, maybe someone like the fire code enforcer.

anyway...
whatever the issue was/is, fix it, or at least dont let "Great White" play there.

PS
for anyone reading here, take a tip, and I hope iot never pays off for you, but I ALWAYS...

spot a close exit and makes sure it is open (not chained closed) whenever I find myself in a jammed room. If the sht hits the fan, know exaclty how to get the fk out. It is rare these days, but it still happens aropund the world.

[vster23]

It was a great show, I also didn't care for the F&#K buttons. I think that where a person is standing for a concert definitely contributes to the enjoyment of it.

Not having a good sightline, being pushed and shoved, or surviving the sauna like atmosphere can all be avoided if Uptown didn't oversell the concert.

Yes Uptown will make some extra money by overselling. But in the longhaul they will lose money cause people won't be going to concerts there if they think it is gonna sell out.

No one should have to stand in the aisles all the way to the exits to see a concert at that place.

[Discount LV Monogram denim bags]

Behind every successful man， there is a woman. And behind every unsuccessful man.there are two.