Frank Black

For this particular fan, the Pixies' reunion tour, 2005 edition, was a bit underwhelming. It was nice to see the group receive some long overdue recognition, but the players seemed hemmed in by the restrictions placed upon them by the large, nostalgia-hungry crowd. This impression was reinforced by Honeycomb, in...

By Michael Roberts

July 14, 2005

Audio By Carbonatix

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For this particular fan, the Pixies' reunion tour, 2005 edition, was a bit underwhelming. It was nice to see the group receive some long overdue recognition, but the players seemed hemmed in by the restrictions placed upon them by the large, nostalgia-hungry crowd. This impression was reinforced by Honeycomb, in which front man Black revels in the opportunity to do something completely unexpected.

The album was recorded in Nashville with guitarist Steve Cropper and a slew of veteran studio pros, and the sound they arrive at is clean and casual. Black's excitement at being in their presence is tangible, yet instead of responding with self-consciousness, he radiates an unruffled confidence that brings out the best in an excellent gaggle of covers ("Song of the Shrimp") and rootsy originals ("Selkie Bride"). As for the concluding number, its lyrical grimness is balanced by the thrill of performance referenced in its title: "Sing For Joy."

Black will make a lot more bread by rendering old Pixies numbers than he will from this disc. But Honeycomb tastes a lot sweeter.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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