(Fear PR) Pixies further preview their forthcoming album, Doggerel", by sharing the new track 'Dregs of the Wine', which also offers something new - a first writing credit for guitarist Joey Santiago.
Given Black Francis' prolific songwriting, Joey's contributions would usually be to build his distinctive style into his bandmate's songs. But this time around it was the reverse approach, with Joey's instrumental - a mix of explosive power chords that recall Pete Townshend and a pummelling punk attack - completed by Black's decadent, surrealist lyrics, which reference Van Halen and Black Foxx while drinking under the iconic Hollywood sign.
Black says the song is about, "Living in Los Angeles in the '90s with my then-wife, hanging out with Joey and his ex-wife, lots of trips to Las Vegas, a lot of drinking, little bit drug taking, some genuine good times."
Flashforward to the present day. Joey was jamming at home on his guitar and the initial idea behind the song may well have been lost to the moment. He recalls, "I guess I was in kind of a zombie state, just playing. After I stopped playing I put it down and went, 'Well, that was a f***ing waste of time, what a piece of sh*t I am.' I beat myself up a lot, but my girlfriend, unbeknownst to me, was recording me. She played it back to me and I go, 'F***! Hold on a second here! This stuff is good!'"
'Dregs of the Wine' emerges after Pixies have spent the summer headlining large outdoor shows in the UK and Europe, hitting Hyde Parkas special guests to Pearl Jam, and playing a tiny Manchester show at Band On the Wall. Their legendary status has been heightened by the recent 'Doggerel' singles 'There's A Moon On' and 'Vault of Heaven', leading to an A-list and a Steve Lamacq premiere at 6 Music, as well as coverage stretching from NME to The Guardian to Spin.
Pixies Open 'Vault Of Heaven' With New Video
Pixies Return With New Song and Video Called 'Human Crime'
Pixies Announce Limited Edition Vinyl Release
Pixies Tribute Late Friend With 'Long Rider' Video
Quick Flicks: Creature From Black Lake
Bloodsucking Zombies from Outer Space - 2 Decades of Decay
GETSOME! - Nothing Personal of Course
Heroes & Monsters - Heroes and Monsters
Jared James Nichols - Jared James Nichols
Motley Crue Star Shares First Photo Of New Lineup
Rock Hall CEO Thrilled Iron Maiden Are Nominated
Zakk Wylde Reacts To Ozzy Osbourne's Retirement News
Dierks Bentley Teams Up With Ashley McBryde For 'Cowboy Boots'
Queen Revisit Magic Tour Rehearsals On The Greatest
From Ashes To New Deliver 'Nightmare' Video
Redlight King Premiere 'Eye Of A Hurricane' Video
Singled Out: Perfect Strangers' A Song For You