I have listened to some pixies and I like whatever I have heard. I want to be a fan, but I feel overwhelmed -- they have sooo many albums. Any advice on where to start? A beginners guide to the pixies is what I need.
I really like Frank Black's solo stuff too. Did you all get to see them on their reunion tour???
Surfer Rosa is the best starting point IMHO. Next I'd go with Doolittle.
In order of release (order of my favorite):
Come on Pilgrim (3)
Surfer Rosa (1)
Doolittle (2)
Bosanova (4)
Trompe Le Monde (5)
Most of the other stuff looks like repackaging, hits, etc.
Live they are pretty much identical to studio so I'd stick with the studio.