Frank Black & The Catholics
Dog in the Sand

For those sitting around and waiting for Frank Black (a.k.a. Black Francis) to reform The Pixies -- get over it. While it’s true that Black’s subsequent solo albums have generally failed to match the power of those by his former band, they also are far from terrible. Black needed to move on, and that he did, though he also has never put The Pixies all that far behind him.

Black’s latest effort Dog in the Sand finds him embracing the sound and style of his former band as well those of his peers, followers, and influences. The result has the feel of a tribute album -- albeit one consisting entirely of original material. The quirky, edgy Hermaphroditos Is My Name is delivered like Black covering Pearl Jam covering The Rolling Stones covering The Pixies. Blast Off sounds like a collaboration among T-Rex, Lou Reed, and David Bowie. I’ll Be Blue melds Reed with Neil Young. I’ve Seen Your Picture bridges the gap between The Stones and Tom Petty. Robert Onion mixes the Stones with Neil Young and The Yardbirds. The Swimmer wades between The Stones and Led Zeppelin, and Stupid Me drifts along like a breezy, latter day Zeppelin ballad.

You get the picture: Black likes his classic rock, and he isn’t afraid to show it. On Dog in the Sand, he offers a rich stew comprised of the bands that have played a big role in his life. He shows each a tremendous amount of respect, while making them entirely his own. Whether you’re a Black fan, a Pixies fan, or just a classic rock fan, this one’s for you. ½

1 Star:   Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!