Description

Frank Black – Teenager Of The Year – Cassette

Teenager of the Year is the second solo album by Frank Black, released in 1994 after his departure from the influential alternative rock band Pixies, where he was known as Black Francis. This album is often considered one of his best solo works, showcasing his eclectic style and songwriting prowess across a wide range of musical styles.

Teenager of the Year is expansive, featuring 22 tracks that explore various genres, from rock and surf to punk and abstract pop. The album was well-received for its inventive approach and clever lyrics, displaying Frank Black’s unique talent for blending unconventional song structures with catchy melodies. It builds on the sound established in his debut solo album, ‘Frank Black,’ but with greater musical range and lyrical depth.

Key Tracks
‘Los Angeles’ – Known for its energetic pace and catchy chorus, this song reflects Frank Black’s affection for the city with a mix of admiration and cryptic commentary.
‘Speedy Marie’ – This track stands out for its lyrical inventiveness and emotional depth, considered by many fans and critics as one of his best solo songs.
‘Headache’ – Later released as a single, ‘Headache’ is more accessible and pop-oriented, showcasing Frank Black’s ability to craft songs that combine mainstream appeal with his idiosyncratic style.
‘Freedom Rock’ – Characterized by its dynamic shifts and compelling lyrics, this song exemplifies the album’s broader experimental edge.

The production on Teenager of the Year is crisp and allows the diversity of musical styles to shine through. Each track maintains its identity within the album’s broader experimental framework, making it a dynamic listen from start to finish. Frank Black’s vocals are a focal point throughout, delivering his characteristic blend of melody and spoken word with intensity and wit.

Teenager of the Year was critically acclaimed upon its release. It was praised for its ambitious scope and the quality of its songwriting, though it did not achieve significant mainstream success. Over the years, the album has grown in stature, regarded by many fans and critics as a high point in Frank Black’s post-Pixies career.

The album’s influence is noted in the way it managed to combine a vast array of ideas into a cohesive whole, inspiring many musicians interested in genre blending and lyrical sophistication. It remains a seminal work for those exploring the evolution of alternative rock in the 1990s.

Brand new, never played but not sealed in the factory plastic seal

4AD Records

Australia Import

Frank Black a.k.a. Black Francis a.k.a. Charles Michael Kitteridge Thompson IV was the lead singer and main songwriter behind the seminal Pixies

Track Listing
Whatever Happen To Pong
Thaslassocracy
abstract Plain
Calistan
Vanishing Spies
Speedy Marie
Headache
Sir Rockaby
Freedom Rock
Two Reelers
Fiddle Riddle
Ole Mulholland
Fazer Eyes
I Could Stay Here Forever
Hostest with The Mostest
superabound
big red
space is gonna do me good
white noise maker
pure denisen
bad wicked world
Pie In The Sky