Doolittle
(34/100 Greatest Albums Ever)

The Pixies' sound was always special – the aural equivalent of being punched in the face by a beautiful, shrieking alien woman dressed like a prostitute – and Doolittle was probably the tightest, sharpest take on it.
The opening salvo of ‘Debaser’, ‘Tame’ and ‘Wave Of Mutilation’ is one of the most astonishing in rock history, a thrilling volley of chaotic noise – Frank Black’s bonkers wordplay matched by the twisted beauty of Joey Santiago’s guitar playing. The sweet surf-pop of ‘Here Comes Your Man’, and haunting ballad ‘Monkey Gone To Heaven’ also showcased a softer side to the Pixies, making this their most complete work.