Artist Black Francis

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Black Francis

Charles Thompson left behind the pseudonym Black Francis in favor of Frank Black when he broke up his hugely influential alt-rock band Pixies in 1993, but picked it back up again after Pixies’ welcome but ultimately low-key 2004 reunion. As a solo artist under either name, his music has trended toward pretty standard rock with less emphasis on the weirder, wilder side that made his first band so magical—but though he’s mellowed with age, he hasn’t run out of off-kilter lyrics and crunchy riffs. Francis also performs with his wife, Violet Clark, as the duo Grand Duchy. Pixies, meanwhile, are still active; Francis has publicly cast doubt on a new album anytime soon, though says he’d be up for a film.

Updated 07/01/2009