Review
'Bossanova' is an explosive cocktail of styles - a perfect blend of surf rock, garage grunge, and sci-fi paranoia. Released in 1990, this album is a departure from the Pixies' darker earlier work, bursting forth with bold new sounds. The album title is apt, reflecting the eclectic 'bossa nova' spirit that influenced its creation.
Produced by Gil Norton, 'Bossanova' was crafted in various studios around the world. Despite reported production challenges, the album maintains a sense of cohesion, a testament to the band's evolving musical experimentation. One of the standout elements on this album is Black Francis' vivid lyrical journey through the realms of science fiction and space. Many tracks showcase spontaneous songwriting - some even crafted in just a few minutes before recording.
One standout track, "Velouria", weaves the electronic spell of the theremin through an atmospheric soundscape, complete with its irresistible chorus. Another gem, "Cecilia Ann", is a surf-rock infused take on a The Surftones' classic, echoing the era of '50s and '60s influenced coast vibe. Whether an angsty anthem or dreamy space-jazz crooning, 'Bossanova' embodies each of its unpredictable styles with an audacious swagger, influencing many a musical contemporary. - Zane
Artist Bio
Pixies are an alternative rock band from Boston, Massachusetts, formed in 1985 by Black Francis, Joey Santiago, Kim Deal, and David Lovering. Their music, starting with releases like *Come On Pilgrim* (1987) and *Surfer Rosa* (1988), helped define the alternative rock genre with a mix of punk, indie rock, and noise pop, producing classics like “Where Is My Mind?” and “Gigantic.” Originally signed to 4AD, their album *Doolittle* reached gold certification and became one of their most recognized works. The band broke up in 1993 but returned in 2004 and has continued to release new records and tour with various lineups. Fans of bands like Sonic Youth, The Breeders, and Nirvana will find Pixies’ dynamic sound and influence hard to miss in the landscape of modern rock.
