Fair comments there pal. It was very much a ‘hot take’ after a couple of beers last night. They aren’t a band I’m familiar with; I can remember mates liking them years ago, and I was vaguely aware I hadn’t liked the singers voice in the past, but just thought I’d give them another go last night after seeing and listening to that clip of yours.
I do appreciate that a singer’s voice is an acquired taste, and I’d probably say it is the single biggest factor (for me anyway) in determining whether I like a band or not. As a fan of Rush, I’m fully aware of the marmite effect of some singers.
I recall seeing that the pixies co-headlining with orbital at blue dot festival a few years back and thinking what a bizarre combo - can there seriously be anyone who is a fan of those 2 bands?! Maybe there are, so what do I know.
Anyway, yeah, I’m still not finding his voice listenable, but it is what it is, each to their own etc.
One thing though; am I quite rare in saying his vocal delivery is difficult to listen to, or is it a common reaction from people when they first hear the band?
I’ll try and ignore rather than post negatively in future; just got carried away on a raft of Guinness last night.
Hey mate, great response, cheers, no worries whatsoever bud, and thanks for the reasoned reply.
You make some good points, fair play. I must admit I did jump in a bit rashly, I'd had a beer or two as well!
No harm done, discussion is good.
I've been a fan of them since the eighties. When I first heard them it was a genuine game changing moment. The sound is unique, and his voice was just a part of the whole experience. I never questioned or judged his vocal ability, I just enjoyed it for what it was at the time, a fusion of punk, rock, pop, and everything in between. I suppose I put him on a pedestal, as you do when you're young.
You are of course correct, he isn't the best singer in the world, not by a long way, but he's the singer in pixies, one of the most influential bands of the post punk period, and well, that's enough for me.
Not everyone's cup of tea, and I'd have them no other way if I'm honest.
Regards