What makes Gigantic by Pixies notable?

This album is significant for its impact on the alternative rock scene, with the standout track 'Gigantic' becoming a defining song for the genre. The release also helped Pixies gain a substantial following, leading to critical acclaim and influencing countless bands that emerged in the early 1990s. Following the release of their groundbreaking debut 'Surfer Rosa' in 1988, Pixies were solidifying their reputation as pioneers of alternative rock. 'Gigantic' showcases the band's unique sound while capturing their increasing popularity just before they gained mainstream success.

How many songs are on Gigantic?

Gigantic has 4 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

Gigantic

Pixies · 1988

11 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A raw blend of dynamic guitar riffs and haunting melodies that foreshadowed the alt-rock explosion of the 1990s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Gigantic (new version) — This track features bold bass lines and provocative lyrics that encapsulate the band's distinctive sound, making it an anthem of the burgeoning alt-rock movement.
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River Euphrates (new version) — The atmospheric build-up and contrasting dynamics highlight Pixies' ability to fuse melody with intensity, showcasing their innovative approach to songwriting.
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Vamos (live) — This live rendition captures the raw energy of Pixies' performances, emphasizing their punk roots and connection with audiences during their early years.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

This single captures Pixies' unique sound with strong compositions but lacks cohesion due to its mix of studio and live tracks.

What we noticed

The title track 'Gigantic' features a prominent bass line that drives the song, while the guitar riffs create a dynamic contrast.
The live tracks 'Vamos' and 'In Heaven' showcase the band's raw energy and improvisational style, differing significantly from the studio versions.
The first two tracks are studio recordings, while the last two are live performances, creating a noticeable shift in production quality and atmosphere.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Gigantic (new version) 3:14
2 River Euphrates (new version) 3:23
3 Vamos (live) 3:29
4 In Heaven (Lady in the Radiator Song) (live) 1:49

What to play next

Listen next

Doolittle

1989

Go back to

Surfer Rosa

1988

Full Pixies discography Where to start with Pixies Artists like Pixies

alternative rock indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata