Come On Pilgrim kind of sucks, in my opinion. It’s like Surfer Rosa without any riffs or hooks. It’s skeletal, but it ain’t no “Bone Machine.” Just unbridled counterculture energy that’s dime a dozen in ’80s alternative rock. But what made the Pixies distinct, if anything, was when they decided to tether that energy around pop in a voice with further reach. Without that balance, they’re either bland on a commercial level, or bland for an indie band. Come On Pilgrim is the latter. “The Holiday Song” is enough of a keeper, though. Must’ve been a fluke.

Also, out of any of their pre-break up material, Come On Pilgrim sounds the closest to the despised “reunion” albums. Go figure.