Surfer Rosa, Pixies, 1988, :34
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The debut of the original quietLOUDquiet band. Produced by Steve Albini, who no doubt helped with the visceral, raw sound that propelled it to the top of so many college radio lists. "Something Against You" seems like Nirvana came back in time to record (and name) it. Otherwise its inchoate but recognizable Pixies: pained yelps, inscrutable lyrics, buzzy guitar. This album was a nail in the coffin of 1980s era synth-pop, or at least I like to think so. Favorite tracks: "Gigantic" (the only song co-written with Kim Deal, sadly, because it's a real standout), the stuttering weirdness of "Tony's Theme," "Bone Machine."
