The Breeders – Pod LP

Description

On their 1990 debut albumPod,the Breeders— led bythe Pixies‘Kim DealandThrowing Muses‘Tanya Donelly— prove that they have more potential, and more fun, than the average side project. In fact, thanks to the album’s creative songwriting, immediate production (courtesy ofSurfer RosaproducerSteve Albini), and clever arrangements,Podis a fresher and more successful work thanthe Pixies‘Bossanovaandthe Muses‘Hunkpapa, their main projects’ releases from around that time. Though the album doesn’t feature as many ofDonelly‘s contributions as was originally planned — which was part of the reason she formedBellya few years later — songs like “Iris” and “Lime House” blend the best ofthe Pixies‘ elliptical punk andthe Muses‘ angular pop.Podreaffirms what a distinctive songwriterDealis, and how muchthe Pixiesmissed out on by not including more of her material on their albums. With their unusual subjects — “Hellbound” is about a living abortion — and quirky-but-direct sound, songs like “Opened” and “When I Was a Painter” could have easily fit onDoolittleorBossanova. But the spare, sensual “Doe,” “Fortunately Gone,” and “Only in Threes” are more lighthearted and good-natured than the work ofDeal‘s other band, pointing the way to the sexy, clever alternative pop she’d craft onLast Splash. A vibrantly creative debut,Podremainsthe Breeders‘ most genuine moment. -All Music Guide