This sounds like Brian just discovered MIDI, made some songs in 20 minutes each, and sent them off. It's uninspired, flavorless, boring, and monotonous. And yet, I keep listening to it. Something about it how bad it is is fascinating to me. It's really bad, by the way.
The album cover gives off a vibe I can't quite describe. Putrid?
None of the songs are bad, but none of them are particularly interesting either, other than Elements and perhaps Gonna Lose and Understood. It feels like all the songs are in the same key, and it makes it feel pretty repetitive. Plus the recording/production is a little questionable. The mixing is incredibly muddy, the drums sound lifeless, Doug's voice is buried in the background under layers of echo, and it just doesn't sound punchy. Disappointing for me, unfortunately.
The songs aren't terrible. The production is fine. The performances are alright. The problem is the severe lack of creativity here. Every once in a while, you'll get a glimpse of what Pixies are capable of, but it just ends up being an incredibly dull listen.
Just about the definition of mediocre. But it's enjoyable and nice to have on in the background. I like the more bluesy style of this one, especially songs like Good Love and For The Love of Money. But what were they thinking with Your Team is Looking Good??? Far and away the worst song on here. Baffling that they decided to have it in the tracklist.
Really great songwriting here. Some classics like Wonderwall, Don't Look Back In Anger, Morning Glory, and Champagne Supernova really carry this thing. Unfortunately, I feel like the boomy and cluttered production really sucks the energy out of this thing. Not as bad as Be Here Now, of course, but it can drown out some of the details and get exhausting by the end.
Consistently underrated. Maybe if Guiding Light wasn't on here it would get the attention it deserves.