What makes Pigpile by Big Black notable?

This album is significant for its unapologetic exploration of dark themes, including violence and societal commentary, which resonated with the emerging noise rock movement of the late '80s. Pigpile received critical acclaim from publications such as Rolling Stone and was influential in shaping the sound of subsequent bands in the alternative rock genre. Pigpile is the third studio album by Big Black, released after their 1986 breakthrough album, Atomizer. By this point in their career, the band had solidified their reputation for abrasive sound and provocative themes, pushing boundaries within the alternative rock scene. The album marks a continuation of their raw energy and sonic experimentation.

How many songs are on Pigpile?

Pigpile has 12 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Pigpile

Big Black · 1987

46 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A harsh blend of noise rock and post-hardcore, filled with dissonant guitars and unrelenting rhythms that challenge the listener.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fists of Love — Opening with a barrage of distorted guitars, this track encapsulates the band's aggressive aesthetic while addressing themes of love through a confrontational lens, setting the tone for the album.
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Jordan, Minnesota — This nearly eight-minute closer combines atmospheric tension with stark lyrics about violence and disconnection, showcasing Big Black's ability to blend narrative depth with their sonic ferocity.
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Kerosene — With its relentless tempo and searing riffs, this track exemplifies Big Black's unique approach to punk energy, capturing the essence of frustration and rebellion that permeates the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Pigpile's abrasive sound and provocative themes mark it as a significant entry in the noise rock genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that features a relentless drumbeat and heavily distorted guitars, setting a harsh tone that persists throughout.
The lyrics often tackle dark themes, with vocal delivery that ranges from shouted to almost spoken word, enhancing the confrontational nature of the music.

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

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Jordan, Minnesota

The perspective shifts from a personal narrative to a broader commentary on life in a troubled community.

This transition emphasizes a collective experience of alienation rather than individual struggle, deepening the song's impact.

Tracklist

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

1 Fists of Love 4:14
2 L Dopa 1:49
3 Passing Complexion 3:06
4 Dead Billy 5:12
5 Cables 3:18
6 Bad Penny 3:03
7 Pavement Saw 2:56
8 Kerosene 6:38
9 Steelworker 4:52
10 Pigeon Kill 2:24
11 Fish Fry 1:55
12 Jordan, Minnesota 7:05

What to play next

Listen next

The Rich Man's Eight Track Tape

1987

Go back to

The Hammer Party

1986

Full Big Black discography Artists like Big Black

alternative rock post-hardcore post-punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata