Pod in Bloomington, MN

On their 1990 debut album
Pod
,
the Breeders
-- led by
the Pixies
'
Kim Deal
and
Throwing Muses
Tanya Donelly
-- prove that they have more potential, and more fun, than the average side project. In fact, thanks to the album's creative songwriting, immediate production (courtesy of
Surfer Rosa
producer
Steve Albini
), and clever arrangements,
is a fresher and more successful work than
Bossanova
the Muses
Hunkpapa
, their main projects' releases from around that time. Though the album doesn't feature as many of
Donelly
's contributions as was originally planned -- which was part of the reason she formed
Belly
a few years later -- songs like
"Iris"
"Lime House"
blend the best of
' elliptical punk and
' angular pop.
reaffirms what a distinctive songwriter
Deal
is, and how much
missed out on by not including more of her material on their albums. With their unusual subjects --
"Hellbound"
is about a living abortion -- and quirky-but-direct sound, songs like
"Opened"
"When I Was a Painter"
could have easily fit on
Doolittle
or
. But the spare, sensual
"Doe,"
"Fortunately Gone,"
"Only in Threes"
are more lighthearted and good-natured than the work of
's other band, pointing the way to the sexy, clever alternative pop she'd craft on
Last Splash
. A vibrantly creative debut,
remains
' most genuine moment. ~ Heather Phares