o, I guess most of the reviews for this album will start off with some nostalgic reflection of days past- comments regarding the demise of the Pixies and the idea of heroin addicts who ruined their lives rising above addiction to attempt to right their lives through music. Yes, I guess I could mention these things, but honestly it gets depressing to think of how much time has passed between the last Breeder’s album and the new one. I really don’t know about anyone else, but I was hoping the band would be a mainstay especially after Last Splash and Frank Black’s wretched attempts as a solo artist. But life isn’t always what we hope.


Perhaps it was a big advance from 4AD in the wake of Last Splash, perhaps it was the idea of a triumphant return to the greatness that once was, or perhaps it was to make their parents proud of them. Perhaps any of those reasons or a combination of these and others are why this album was made. But, let me lay it out for you in one sentence: the album is a big disappointment. The Breeders disappeared 8 years ago, seeminlgy without a trace. Now they're back and expectations are high. Unfortunately, they don't deliver. It's, as stated before, something their parents might be proud of. I even read somewhere the Deal sisters’ had their parents introduce them at a recent concert. I assume this was an attempt to say, "Even our parents are still proud of us." But, it’s still pretty sad if you need your parents’ approval at that age.


This album is a far cry from Pod and Last Splash, which is what one would hope. However, you really didn’t expect it to suck. And actually it doesn’t start out that way. The first track, "Little Fury" starts off with a slow little bass and drum tune with the electric backing up. One sister is repeating the other’s lyrics throughout, and they even use the lyric "fucking". Not too shabby. But then you are forced to move to the next; the next; and then ten more. By the end of it you are questioning whether to put in Frank Black’s newest blunder to take the bad taste out of your mouth. "Huffer", the recently (ironically) repealed single begins off with many “ba-ba-ba’s—la-la-la’s” before delving into minimal lyrics and then coming back to the same chorus of “ba-la’s”. It has a nice little beat, but nothing that hooks you in for another listen. "The She" has the undertones of an “Egyptian street orchestra” with pausing lyrics and off key choruses. Nothing even stands out after repeated listens.


I suppose my expectations for this album were considerable, due to the layoff. There is really nothing that is catchy or outstanding. I don’t even think I would burn any of these songs for a compilation. Regrettably, when The Breeders begin their supporting tour, most of the songs that the crowd will request will be from years past. Is The Breeders time past? Has the world moved on? Perhaps. But I'd still rather listen to them than Frank Black.