You Think I’m Dead, But I Sail Away…

I had the pleasure of seeing Frank Black (or Black Francis, or whatever he’s calling himself) of Pixies fame play last night at the Aladdin Theatre. Just the bald man, his electric guitar, and a spotlight. After a few songs from his solo stuff he ripped into a blistering version of “Cactus” (bloody your hands on a cactus tree, wipe it on your dress and send it to me!!) which somehow developed into a demented rendition of “Wave of Mutilation.” My main thoughts: I was there to hear him play Pixies songs but his solo stuff is sort of remarkable—twisting and turning and telling stories, like Leonard Cohen meets Willie Nelson or something.

As far as the crowd goes, I’m not sure where I fit in. I felt too young to be one of the wrinkled rockers dragging their offspring along because there was finally a show that 6-9 year olds could enjoy, but then again I was too old to be one of those 6-9 year olds. Luckily I didn’t have to talk to anyone, just sat alone up there in the balcony with a peanut butter cookie and let the waves wash over me.