Head Carrier
by Pixies
  • Record Label: PIAS
  • Release Date: Sep 30, 2016
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 46
  3. Negative: 2 out of 46

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  1. antmolly1995
    Oct 12, 2016
    4
    Head Carrier is hands down the worst Pixies album in this fans humble opinion. Even after repeated listenings it fails to make any lasting impression.

    I think Kim Deal jumped ship knowing that the band had nothing left to offer. If Pixies continue to make music like his it will be nothing but a doomed Black Francis vanity project / money spinner.
  2. nuggetman
    Oct 12, 2016
    4
    There's really nothing much I can add to the other mixed reviews. This album is by far the worst in their discography {Indy Cindy was a lot better}, and I'd rate it lower if it wasn't for the fact that I'm a long standing fan.
  3. allisonjane65
    Oct 8, 2016
    4
    Forgettable, by the numbers offering from a once great band. Tenement Song is the only track worth a damn, and that's not exactly great.

    Time to call it a day guys.
  4. ourtimehascome
    Feb 12, 2017
    5
    Since Kim Deal's departure from Pixies, I can't compare Head Carrier to anything other than Indie Cindy, their previous effort also without Deal's input. It lacks the immediacy of IC, and is incredibly safe with no boundaries pushed whatsoever. Frank Black's songwriting is incredibly simple, and the music is often terribly reminiscent of their previous (better) albums like Surfer Rosa.Since Kim Deal's departure from Pixies, I can't compare Head Carrier to anything other than Indie Cindy, their previous effort also without Deal's input. It lacks the immediacy of IC, and is incredibly safe with no boundaries pushed whatsoever. Frank Black's songwriting is incredibly simple, and the music is often terribly reminiscent of their previous (better) albums like Surfer Rosa. Clearly they are trying to remake their previous albums, but with a lackluster effort.… Expand
  5. lennycliff123
    Sep 30, 2016
    4
    Some bands really should know when to call it a day and stick with the decision. REM come to mind. When they realised they had nothing left in the tank they quit.

    Pixies should have left it at Trompe Le Monde which was not a bad album at all. Indy Cindy was good in places but Head Carrier is just bland. It doesn't even feel like a Pixies album, more of a mediocre at best Black    Some bands really should know when to call it a day and stick with the decision. REM come to mind. When they realised they had nothing left in the tank they quit.

    Pixies should have left it at Trompe Le Monde which was not a bad album at all. Indy Cindy was good in places but Head Carrier is just bland. It doesn't even feel like a Pixies album, more of a mediocre at best Black Francis/Frank Black offering.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Most Discussed Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Oct 19, 2016
    30
    Musically, there are too many things going on and too few things going on. Every track sounds more or less the same, and every track sounds like a poor heyday tribute.
    Read full review
  2. Magnet
    Oct 18, 2016
    75
    A pleasant surprise. [No. 136, p.56]
  3. Kerrang!
    Oct 6, 2016
    60
    Two albums into their 21st century reunion, and the unhinged genius of early albums Surfer Rosa and Doolittle is largely lacking, replaced by the not unpleasant sound of old friends having a blast. [8 Oct 2016, p.52]
See all critic reviews »