What makes “Monkey Gone to Heaven” particularly fascinating is its thematic exploration, revolving around a monkey that ventures to break the Kármán line, a boundary marking the edge of space. Bono described it as “untouchable” and “incomparable,” representing a “big bang” that ignited a new wave of creativity in music. This recognition comes at a fitting moment, as Pixies celebrate the 35th anniversary of their groundbreaking second studio album, Doolittle, released in 1989, alongside the launch of their new record, The Night the Zombies Came.
When British singer Nilüfer Yanya first heard Pixies at age 15, she felt an undeniable shift in her musical landscape. "It changed my life a little bit," she shared with The Independent. The distinctive arrangements and unconventional guitar lines resonated with her in ways that other music simply hadn’t before. “The way he uses his voice; I connected to all of it in a different way,” she recalled, highlighting the profound influence Pixies had on her artistic development.
Adding to this chorus of admiration, The Wombats' frontman Matthew Murphy expressed his gratitude for Pixies’ creativity. “What a blessing to be alive at the same time as Pixies; they’re one of those truly unique bands that are few and far between,” he remarked. Reflecting on his experiences, he recounted how touring the U.S. with them was a highlight, sharing backstage moments where the members would drop by their dressing room for chats and even perform magic tricks. Such anecdotes illustrate the camaraderie and warmth that Pixies have cultivated over the years, further endearing them to their fellow musicians and fans alike.
Paul Banks, the frontman of Interpol, also weighed in on Pixies' significance, declaring them "one of the great rock bands." He emphasized that each member contributes uniquely to their collective sound. Banks acknowledged that the influence of Pixies on subsequent generations of bands cannot be overstated. “I personally owe them a huge debt of inspiration,” he declared, affirming that "Pixies forever!" is a sentiment shared by many who have found their musical voice inspired by the band.
Musician Chelsea Wolfe shared a memorable anecdote about discovering Pixies’ debut album, Surfer Rosa, when she was just 18. Drawn to the album despite knowing nothing about the band, she found herself compelled to connect with their sound. "Not long after listening to and loving that album, I answered a flyer about a ‘Pixies-style band looking for a female bass player,’” Wolfe reminisced. Even though she didn’t initially play the bass, she quickly picked up a cheap one and learned, motivated by Pixies’ unconventional and enchanting approach to songwriting. “They remain one of the coolest, most unique bands out there,” she affirmed, pointing to their enduring influence on her work.
British singer and producer King Krule reminisced about his first encounter with Doolittle at the young age of ten. “I was doing little, the bass emerged in my head like steel worms stretched across the blue sky,” he recounted, illustrating the imaginative impact that Pixies’ music had on him. He further connected with the band through live performances, where friends would play songs like "Velouria." The lyric "How does lemur skin reflect the sea?" etched itself into his memory, showcasing how Pixies’ poetic and enigmatic lyrics invite listeners to ponder deep questions and wander through the labyrinth of the universe.
When Doolittle celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019, The Independent’s Mark Beaumont penned a vivid critique, describing the album as a collection of songs exploring themes like suicide, psychopaths, ecological disasters, and even mutilated eyeballs, all delivered through a cacophony of unholy screams, hisses, and growls. He painted a striking picture of the album’s visuals: “Sleeve images seemingly found in a serial killer’s scrapbook,” including disturbing images like human teeth, dissected crabs, and horsehair curled around a spoon resting on a naked torso. Beaumont asserted that the album’s iconic cover, featuring a halo-clad monkey surrounded by quasi-religious symbols, felt like a snapshot from the cell of a sacrifice, emphasizing its dark and surreal aesthetics.
The critic went on to proclaim that Doolittle was no ordinary indie rock record; rather, it was the seed from which decades of vibrant rock brilliance would flourish. Black Francis, the frontman of Pixies, reflected on this time in a candid interview with the Associated Press. “I think we knew we were doing good work at the time,” he said, expressing satisfaction that their music resonated with audiences. However, he also shared a sense of humility, stating, “At the risk of sounding faux-humble, it’s not really my position to kind of go, ‘Here’s how my music sits in the pantheon of records and what it means.’”
It’s fascinating to see how Pixies have left an indelible mark on the music landscape, not just through their recordings but also through the shared experiences they foster with fellow musicians. Their innovative spirit continues to inspire a new generation of artists, demonstrating the band’s timeless relevance. The excitement surrounding their recent work, including The Night the Zombies Came, invites both longtime fans and newcomers to dive into the unique sound that has defined their legacy.
In conclusion, as the world celebrates 35 years of Doolittle and the new musical offerings from Pixies, it’s essential to recognize their extraordinary contribution to rock music. They’ve inspired countless artists and created a vibrant community that cherishes the quirky, the unusual, and the thought-provoking. With every note they play, they remind us of the beauty and complexity that music can offer, making them a true cornerstone of the rock era.
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