I have often told people that the Pixies saved my life. No, not the little fairies -- the band. Summer of 88 was long and hot in Provo, and summer term while working evenings in telesales was not exactly fulfilling. I did have a nice little t-shirt business going, however, which provided some additional income and a few good laughs. My top seller was a quote by Brigham Young -- "You can go to Provo, or you can go to Hell". But I digress.
As much free time as I could muster was spent at Reptile Records (I think that was the name) down on Main Street in downtown Provo. The owners were a young couple with a toddler, her name was Sue i think, can't remember his. But we shared some very similar tastes in music (we were the only three fans of Bob Mould west of the mississippi, I think). I was listening to a lot of Ultravox and rare techno stuff at the time, and was just languishing. I mean, I love that stuff, but I needed a change. Life lacked flavor.
After having the daily conversation with Sue on life, I told her I needed something new. "Have you listened to the Pixies?" she asked. Their second album, Surfer Rosa, was relatively new, and she told me to give it try. So I purchased a copy and took it home - and instantly became a lifelong fan of Frank Black.
I know, I know -- this story is not funny. But it was a musical conversion for me. But to go from Mr. New Wave to loving the heavy, guitar-based tunes was just a major shift for me.
Thanks Sue.
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