Song of the Day: Pixies - Um Chagga Lagga

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJ’s think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Morning Show with John Richards, is “Um Chagga Lagga” by Pixies from their forthcoming album, Head Carrier, out September 30th on [PIAS].

Pixies - Um Chagga Lagga (MP3)

"But I’ll keep on driving / Don’t get mixed up in shit," sings Black Francis on today's Song of the Day. "You could get used to it." The alt-rock icons have been back on the road since their 2004 reunion, and with new full-time bassist Paz Lenchantin (who was still in "temporary" mode when the band visited KEXP back in 2014), it looks like they're in it for the long haul.

The track will appear on the Pixies' forthcoming full-length, Head Carrier, their sixth album overall, and their second since getting back together. Via a press release, Lenchantin speaks to her new role in the band since the 2013 departure of founding member Kim Deal, admitting, "There were these shoes I felt I had to fill and I tried to do the best I could for the fans, to make the live performances sound true to the originals. I spent three years learning to understand what being a Pixie meant, and now, my heart, spirit, and love for their music is embedded in me and I feel like I have become a Pixie. We had been more about the history of the Pixies, but now, we are about going forward."

And, while they're moving forward, it's clear Black Francis is still behind the wheel: his signature yelps and rapid-speed delivery continue to punctuate Joey Santiago's fuzzed out surf-punk guitar. The forthcoming full-length was recorded in London’s Rak Studios with producer Tom Dalgety (Killing Joke, Royal Blood), who manages to capture the intensity and urgency that the band have become known for in their 30 year career. In another nod to the past, longtime collaborator Vaughan Oliver provides the album artwork.

Pixies are heading out on a European tour this Fall, with many dates already sold out. No news yet on U.S. tour dates, but you know they can't be far behind. (Keep watching Twitter and Facebook for an announce.) In the meantime, watch live footage of the band from earlier this year, playing today's featured track at the Les Vieilles Charrues festival in Carhaix, France.