Frank Black
Honeycomb

THE REVIEW

I love this hefty guy because he always surprises me. Or almost. Charles Thompson IV aka Black Francis aka Frank Black has changed the history of contemporary rock music. I'm not exaggerating, I'm no longer a young fan. Unfortunately. The wisdom of years can only recognize the Pixies' pivotal role, the footing for the success of many bands. Many celebrated bands. But not their success: only the recognition and gratitude of those who have inexplicably borrowed from them. Thus, the announcement of the band's breakup, which Black communicated through an interview with fans and the band itself, saddened only a few of us. And it gave way to a quirky and brilliant solo career, always ready to reinvent himself, to direct his endless creative vein toward different horizons. Few, even fewer than those saddened above, know its full development. But it doesn't matter much. Because, after the Pixies reunion that spawned dozens of concerts and two charming but inconclusive singles, Frank has released a couple of works: the only-for-fans-who-really-want-to-miss-nothing "Frank Black Francis" and "Honeycomb."

And after a good 1114 characters, I still haven't said anything about Honeycomb. You might forgive me. Maybe. So: goodbye Catholics and Pixies reunion = desire to scream like in the good old days and to rock freely and wildly? No. Desire to take a trip to Nashville, to play alongside musicians like Buddy Miller, Spooner Oldham, Anton Fig, and Reggie Young. Desire to play country music, tinged with blues, to record in four days (this ex-boy never had much patience) with jazz-like sessions. And to sing as he perhaps never had before, at least not for an entire album. The attention to pitch is surprising, especially for someone who never cared much about it. The album's tones are calm, the sound pleasantly muffled, the quality of the musicians is a delight. In addition to the songs written by Frank, there are three covers, another unusual choice for him. I never thought I could appreciate an intimate album by Frank, with an overarching mid-tempo, even a piano solo, a touch of swing here and there.

It's an album of rare sweetness and beauty. The balance between tranquillity and "underlying" energy is admirable. It's worth listening to, trust me. The stars are 4. Because I'm keeping the 5 waiting for an album that might never come out.