There's really no way to gauge the influence The Pixies have had on the last two decades of guitar-based music. Kurt Cobain said he was consciously trying to mimic the band's "loud-soft-loud" approach when he wrote the industry-shifting hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit," and countless other bands have owed them a similar debt.
Indie bands such as British Sea Power, the Rosebuds, OK Go to create Dig for Fire Pixies tribute compilation, which went on sale earlier this week and can be streamed for free here.
My favorite by far is Mogwai's contribution, a cover of "Gouge Away" that doesn't really sound like Mogwai or The Pixies due to the intense production -- booming bass, crashing drums, and a wash of distorted guitar. Excellent.
--- Warning: This music sounds better at high volume. ---
MP3: Mogwai - "Gouge Away" (128 Kbps, 2:30)
(via mfr)
(Watch out for the surprise ending.)
