Setting down the path of indie rock fandom can be like deciding to learn about wine — every kernel of knowledge you acquire also reveals several things you don’t know, making every step toward enlightenment feel like two steps back. There’s a lot to wrap your ears around, and though the endless back roads and byways make every fan’s experience unique, they can also lead to a fragmented lack of community.

Nevertheless, there are certain bands that indie fans of all stripes will always have in common — ones that transcend the trends and are so undeniably great that just about everybody likes them. For an example of such a band, you need look no further than The Pixies. Continued reading…