Bluefinger [Marbled Blue Vinyl]

After nearly 15 years of recording as Frank Black, alternative-rock icon Charles Thompson returned to his Pixies-fronting moniker, Black Francis, with 2007's BLUEFINGER. Despite the apparent step back towards Pixies territory, none of Francis's former bandmates are found on the album, which largely steers clear of the country/jazz leanings of latter-day Black outings. Instead, BLUEFINGER sticks to the no-frills approach of early solo releases such as TEENAGER OF THE YEAR, as evinced on the rumbling "Captain Pasty" and the gently melodic "Lolita." Although many fans may be bewildered (and, in some cases, frustrated) by the return of "Francis" without a new Pixies record in sight, BLUEFINGER reinforces Thompson's remarkably consistent and prolific vision, no matter what name he is operating under.