KIM DEAL Vinyl & CDs

Review: It's somewhat surprising to hear that this is Kim Deal's debut solo album, what with fellow college rock and grunge legends of the late 80s and 90s - such as her former Pixies bandmate Black Francis, Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. members - putting out solo albums like there's no tomorrow; Deal, who is a member of The Breeders, has held her band mentality for the most part. The arrival of this album with her as the star on the cover, however, is even more intriguing because of the wait. And the resulting material is as assured in its slacker cool feel and as anything she has put her name to in her career so far and full of weird and scuzzy sounds that make it a feast for the ears. Deal's great taste in production is part of her winning formula, with the likes of Josh Klinghoffer (former Red Hot Chilli Peppers), Raymond McGinley of Teenage Fanclub, Slint's Britt Walford and the late Steve Albini all credited on this astounding record.

Review: Kim Deal's debut album Nobody Loves You More is a long-awaited, sonically adventurous showcase of her iconic artistry. Though technically not her first solo releaseishe dropped a ten-song 7" vinyl series in 2013ithis album fully embraces her singular voice after decades with the Pixies and The Breeders. Tracked over years with collaborators old and new, including Breeders alumni and friends like Jack Lawrence and Fay Milton, it culminates in sessions helmed by Steve Albini. The first single, 'Coast', is playful and nostalgic, blending a Blondie-esque groove with memories of a Massachusetts vacation, setting the tone for the album's sharp turns. The title track, however, opens with lush strings and bossa-nova rhythms, revealing a more vulnerable side of Deal, while 'Crystal Breath' reintroduces the raw grit of her early work, yet with fresh, experimental touches like sub-aquatic synths and break-y drums. Tracks like 'Are You Mine?' and 'Summertime' evoke 1950s chamber pop, offering tender, heart-melting moments, while 'Disobedience' and 'Big Ben Beat' nod to Deal's indie rock roots. A standout interlude, 'Bats in the Afternoon Sky', is a serene dreamlike breather, affirming her timelessness. With this album, Deal reflects on her career and inner world with humor and grace, blending her past with a fresh, evolving sound. It's the ultimate solo statement from an artist who's always been ahead of her time.

Review: Kim Deal's debut album Nobody Loves You More is a masterful culmination of years of musical exploration and collaboration, though it's not her first venture under her own name. In 2013, she self-released a five-part, ten-song 7" vinyl series, with several of those tracks reappearing here, notably 'Are You Mine?' and 'Wish I Was,' both of which date back to 2011. These early compositions were crafted shortly after Deal wrapped up the Pixies' 'Lost Cities Tour' and made the move to Los Angeles. Over the ensuing years, the album gradually took shape, with contributions from a roster of long-time collaborators and new faces alike, including Breeders members past and present, Jack Lawrence, and Savages' Fay Milton and Ayse Hassan. The final touches were recorded with Steve Albini in 2022, solidifying the album's place as a celebration of Deal's profound impact on the alternative music scene. Musically, the album traverses a broad spectrum, from the infectious energy of 'Coast' and 'Crystal Breath' to the introspective depth of 'Disobedience' and 'A Good Time Pushed.' The result is an album that highlights Deal's undeniable talent as a pivotal figure in the indie rock world.