Frank Black Talks Box Sets

Seminal American alt rock group Pixies are due to release a career spanning box set later in the year, and in a new interview singer Frank Black has spoken of the band's legacy.

Formed in the mid 80s, Pixies quiet / loud template forged a new type of American rock song. Hugely influential, Kurt Cobain frequently paid tribute to the band saying that Nirvana borrowed massive chunks of their back catalogue.

The band reformed for a series of emotional shows in 2004, and have continued on an ad hoc basis ever since. Due to headline the Isle Of Wight festival this summer, Pixies' popularity shows not sign of fading as a new generation are introduced to their music.

However the musicians involved have always been keen to carry on their solo projects. Bassist Kim Deal also fronts The Breeders, themselves a legendary act. Frank Black meanwhile alternates between production duties (dig out the new Art Brut album for evidence) and his new group Grand Duchy.

Formed with his wife, Frank Black admits that the band's dynamic is "challenging".

Speaking to the NME the singer said: "We wish we could just throw money at the scenario, which is what we do, but unfortunately we're just not in the bracket of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt."

"It's really challenging touring with little people and making sure they're comfortable. You can't just throw them in the back of a van as we've found out. They have a lot of needs and touring is hard. We're trying to figure out how to accomplish Grand Duchy stuff without making it a bummer for the kids."

The singer was asked about changes in the music industry, reply "I think what has to happen is everyone has to get used to making less money and have to charge less money".

"I realise to some people I may sound like a hypocrite because the Pixies are getting ready to release a box set. I think the limited edition version retails for $450. But that art already exists - the demand for that particular product has been researched by the people putting it out. If people don't buy it, we'll all be fools."

"I think everyone should sell whatever product they want to sell for whatever price they want to sell it for, but ultimately the market will dictate what it is and people will have to charge less money for everything."

"Record companies have been overcharging people for way too long and now this is the trouble that they're in. They created this situation because they were just a little too greedy," he said.

Pixies are set to release their new box set later in the year.