The Pixies loudQUIETloud

As it often happens when the Mrs. heads out of town for work I stack the Netflix queue with rock DVDs. I put the kid to sleep, slap on my headphones and fall off into another world in front of the television. Last night was no exception as loudQUIETloud arrived in the mail yesterday.

2006 saw a barrage of DVD's documenting the reformed Pixies on tour (not to mention the multi-disc live record Hey). There's one from a show at the Paradise in Boston. One from their acoustic show at the Newport Folk Festival and yet one more that centers on one of their dates in France. I have yet to see any of these though they in the aforementioned queue. I started with loudQUIETloud because it sold itself as a film, not a documentation of one single show, and I was generously rewarded.

This is not a performance film although the live performances featured are gorgeously shot with impeccably recorded audio. No, this is the story of four extraordinary people who view themselves as ordinary even though they are most likely the most influential band of the last 25 years. Twelve years removed from their acrimonious parting, they reluctantly get back together to tour the world.

The title of the film not only describes the dynamics of their songs (a style that has influenced...well, everyone) but the state of their relationship as a band. On stage, they rip through their catalog as if it's 1989 and they're playing the Middle East or 9:30 Club or Metro. Off stage, there is a complete lack of communication between members that left me saddened at times. The filmmakers do an excellent job of interweaving compelling off stage story lines with the live show - David's father dying of cancer while on tour leading him to substance abuse; Joey trying to maintain his balance between family and career; Charles finding out his girlfriend is pregnant while on the road. The interplay between Kim and her twin sister, Kelley, give the film its comic relief which is greatly needed at times.

In the end, the viewer is left with a sense of resolution as the four members hug on the stage at the Hammerstein Ballroom at the end of the tour. The fact that the band has continued to tour demonstrates they can still tolerate each and they are unapologetic about the funds derived by the reunion - why shouldn't they cash in on it. I highly recommend this film and encourage any fan to watch it a second time with the commentary track.

U-Mass (mp3)
Where is My Mind? (mp3)
Wave of Mutilation (mp3)