In 1988, when producer
Steve Albini produced the
Surfer Rosa's debut album
Pixies, he was already well aware that bassist and backing vocalist Kim Deal was a key weapon of this band. He mixed her second voice more forward than desired by frontman
Black Francis, but Deal's playful and sensual vocals gave much attractive sheen to this now indie-rock classic. With her initial hobby band
The Breeders… (with sister Kelley on guitar), Deal then grew to become the uncrowned queen of American indie rock. The late Albini and Kelley also return on her first solo album Nobody Loves You More. She dares to sound disarming on this, as in the country-tinged Are You Mine? (about her demented mother) or the show tune Summerland. However, fans of rougher work a la Pixies or The Breeders are also well catered for with indie rockers like Come Running and Crystal Breath. Above all, it's that syrupy warm American vocals again that Deal wraps you up with on this successful debut. (MR)more
