The Pixies’ album Doolittle was released thirty years ago this month. It’s an album that’s bursting with arresting-yet-mysterious imagery, captivating-yet-cryptic lyrics, and breathtakingly unexpected musical dynamics and departures. It’s an almost unbelievably dense, compact artistic statement that fascinates at first blush, and heavily rewards repeated listening. There’s a whole world in there. A world we’ll explore with Ben Sisario, who’s the author the book Doolittle, part of the 33 1/3 series. For his book, Ben interviewed front man Black Francis at a pivotal time in the Pixies’ story – just as they were reuniting in the 21st Century after a fifteen-year breakup.

Doolittle was an underground sensation – bubbling just below the level of the hit parade. It left a lasting impression on generations of influential artists, and the rock genre as a whole.