I took you out to the new dead mall
To see the horror show
I only sucked one sourball
When you say that we got to blow
Pixies, a legendary band summoned into existence in 1986 in Boston, are renowned for their dynamic sound and surreal lyrics. The original lineup boasted Black Francis (vocals, guitar), Joey Santiago (guitar), Kim Deal (bass, vocals), and David Lovering (drums). Their early work laid the very foundation for ’90s alternative rock. After a dramatic disbandment in 1993, the Pixies made a triumphant return in 2004, with Paz Lenchantin stepping in for Kim Deal. Now, Pixies have returned once again with a surprise double A-side 7-inch single, coinciding with the launch of their North American co-headlining tour with Modest Mouse and Cat Power. This marks their first recording with new bassist Emma Richardson, formerly of Band of Skulls, who has stepped into Paz Lenchantin’s shoes earlier this year. It’s a delightful mix of old magic and new beginnings.
You’re So Impatient is an original number that the band describes as “an explosive two-minute, nine-second zombie attack at the mall.” There’s also a lot of disappointments mentioned, but Black Francis ain’t one of them. He still has it, his trademark shriek slightly toned down here, but still packing a punch. It’s a brilliant play on the concept of a dead mall, a nod to Dawn of the Dead, and the ideal soundtrack for when the zombies simply can’t wait for their retail serotonin boost. Blast this when you need a pick-me-up that’s more potent than slurping down a frosty Orange Julius with an Auntie Anne pretzel. (Mead’s overrated, anyway.)
Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be) first waltzed into the world via Alfred Hitchcock’s 1956 film The Man Who Knew Too Much, starring Doris Day and James Stewart. Warbled by Day, the tune swiftly became a hit and one of her signature songs. Penned by the dynamic duo of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, it even snagged a 1956 Oscar for Best Original Song.
The lyrics, with their whimsical embrace of future uncertainties, gave us the catchy chorus, “Que sera sera, whatever will be, will be,” which became an enduring cultural catchphrase. Its charm didn’t fade with time, finding its way into numerous films and TV shows, cementing its status as a classic. Now, Pixies (known to turn a Spanish phrase or two throughout their discography) offer their take on this timeless tune, originally recorded for the soundtrack of From. Doris Day’s carefree croon has been replaced with a more resigned, even eerie, minor chord melancholy.
Both tracks will also be available on limited-edition 7-inch vinyl on July 19th.
The Pixies’ tour, featuring Modest Mouse and Cat Power, kicked off last week in Charleston, South Carolina, with dates running through the end of June. After that, the band will hop across the pond to tour the UK and Europe, and then head down to New Zealand and Australia later in 2024. Check out their full tour itinerary below.
Pixies Upcoming Tour Dates:
- 06/05 – Cincinnati, OH @ The Andrew J Brady Music Center *
- 06/08 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage*
- 06/09 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell *
- 06/11 – Gilford, NH @ Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion *
- 06/12 – Philadelphia, PA @ TD Pavilion at The Mann *
- 06/14 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion *
- 06/15 – Queens, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium *
- 06/16 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center *
- 06/18 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill *
- 06/19 – Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island *
- 06/20 – Minneapolis, MN @ Surly Brewing Company *
- 06/22 – Madison, WI @ Breese Stevens Field *
- 06/23 – Waukee, IA @ Vibrant Music Hall *
- 06/24 – Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre *
- 06/26 – Austin, TX @ Germania Insurance Amphitheater *
- 06/27 – Irving, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory *
- 06/28 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP *
- 06/30 – Denver, CO @ Fiddler’s Green *
- 07/24 – Barcelona, Spain @ Razzmatazz
- 07/26 – Benidorm, Spain @ Low Festival
- 07/28 – Madrid, Spain @ Noches Del Botánico
- 07/30 – Provence, France @ Lété Au Chateau
- 08/01 – Nijmegen, Netherlands @ OpenLucht Theater Goffert
- 08/02 – Nijmegen, Netherlands @ OpenLucht Theater Goffert
- 08/04 – Braine-le-Comte, Belgium @ Ronquieres Festival
- 08/05 – Lokeren, Belgium @ Lokerse Feesten
- 08/07 – Luxembourg @ Den Atelier
- 08/08 – Schwetzingen, Germany @ Musik Im Park
- 08/10 – Prague, Czech Republic @ Forum Karlin
- 08/13 – Helsinki, Finland @ House of Culture
- 08/14 – Helsinki, Finland @ House of Culture
- 08/16 – Bodø, Norway @ Parkenfestivalen
- 08/17 – Trondheim, Norway @ Stereo Festival
- 08/20 – Glasgow, UK @ Academy
- 08/21 – Halifax, UK @ Piece Hall
- 08/23 – London, UK @ All Points East
- 08/24 – Portsmouth, UK @ Victorious Festival
- 08/27 – Galway, Ireland @ Galway Airport
- 08/28 – Belfast, UK @ Custom House Square
- 08/29 – Dublin, Ireland @ RDS Simmonscourt
- 11/08 – Auckland, New Zealand @ Go Media Stadium Mt Smart
- 11/10 – Auckland, New Zealand @ Go Media Stadium Mt Smart
- 11/13 – Gold Coast, Australia @ Heritage Bank Stadium
- 11/16 – Melbourne, Australia @ Marvel Stadium
- 11/18 – Melbourne, Australia @ Marvel Stadium
- 11/21 – Sydney, Australia @ Giants Stadium
- 11/23 – Sydney, Australia @ Giants Stadium
* = w/ Modest Mouse and Cat Power
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