Lead songwriter and vocalist of the now reunited Pixies, Frank Black adopted a reversal of his former alias, Black Francis, and embarked on his solo career after the 1992 breakup of Pixies. He released his debut self-titled album, Frank Black in 1993. It contains his biggest rock radio hit, Los Angeles (#4 US Modern Rock). A year later came the critically acclaimed Teenager of the Year.
Frank Black's solo career covers a much more diverse range of styles and genres compared to his time with The Pixies. His works have feature a much more melodic touch, yet his lyrics are still often spiced with his quirky and inventive touch.
Frank Black regularly posts and responds to questions on the forums of his official fan site, frankblack.net, under the alias "frnck blck".
He began recording and touring as Black Francis in 2007, with the album Bluefinger, an album about the late Dutch musician and painter Herman Brood, and the mini album Svn Fngrs in 2008. On this tour he abandoned encores in favour of precores; a free mini gig at a public location earlier in the day. The gigs proper featured only current songs, the precores being more flexible.
Black Francis released NonStopErotik in March 2010.
The Pixies, minus original bassist Kim Deal, reunited for a United States and world tour in 2014 and have subsequently released three additional studio albums: Indie Cindy (2014), Head Carrier (2016) and Beneath the Eyrie (2019).
Two Reelers
Frank Black Lyrics
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Did you know he missed his comb?
All his life was in pain
Made us laugh he never did complain
Brother Sam was more than okay
Returned once more to save the day
Slicked-back hair he did keep
Making a heep, heep, heep, heep, heep
If all you see is violence
Then I make a plea in their defense
Don't you know they speak Vaudevillian?
And for what it is hear what my theory is
Some gibberish it is so serious
What we need is more silly men
Though underrated all the time
Louis was so very fine
Without him, imagine
Did you know he could play the violin?
Most important was brother Moe
He was the one who made it so
He got a Joe and another Joe
He would not quit, he would not quit
And Mr White heard bad report
And so it ends the two reeler short
'Cause you cannot do what you can't
And Mr White heard bad report
And so it ends the two reeler short
'Cause you cannot do what you can't
If all you see is violence
Then I make a plea in their defense
Don't you know they speak Vaudevillian?
The song "Two Reelers" by Frank Black is an homage to the comedic trio of brothers known as The Three Stooges, and specifically references their individual and collective talents while also acknowledging the behind-the-scenes drama that led to the group's eventual breakup. The opening lines mention Jerome, one of the Stooges who was notorious for his unkempt appearance and absent-mindedness. Despite his personal quirks, Jerome's contribution to the group was invaluable in terms of creating their trademark slapstick humor. The lines about Brother Sam refer to another Stooge, Sam "Shemp" Howard, who briefly left the group in the early 1930s only to return a few years later after a few failed attempts at solo work. His slicked-back hair and trademark laugh are referenced in the song.
The second verse makes a plea for understanding and appreciation of the Stooges' particular brand of comedy, which often involved exaggerated violence and absurdity. The line "Don't you know they speak Vaudevillian?" is a reference to the fact that the Stooges got their start in vaudeville, a type of variety show that was popular in the early 20th century. The chorus reinforces this plea for understanding, suggesting that the Stooges' antics were not meant to be taken seriously, and that what the world needs more of is "silly men".
The final verse of the song pays tribute to the remaining Stooges who continued to work together after Shemp's departure. Louis refers to Louis "Curly" Howard, the youngest of the three brothers, who was known for his high-pitched voice and childlike demeanor. The line about him playing the violin is a reference to a bit the Stooges did in the short film "Musical Moments from Chopin". The most important Stooge, according to the song, was brother Moe, who acted as the group's manager and driving force. His determination and shrewd business sense kept the group together even during their most difficult moments.
Line by Line Meaning
A lot of people love that Jerome
Jerome was well-liked by many people.
Did you know he missed his comb?
Jerome was forgetful and his grooming habits weren't perfect.
All his life was in pain
Despite experiencing constant pain, Jerome kept on entertaining people.
Made us laugh he never did complain
Jerome had a positive attitude and never let his struggles affect his performances.
Brother Sam was more than okay
Sam was not just good, but exceptional at what he did.
Returned once more to save the day
Sam came back from a hiatus to rescue the failing business.
Slicked-back hair he did keep
Sam had a distinctive personal style with his hair always slicked back.
Making a heep, heep, heep, heep, heep
Sam's laughter was iconic and recognizable.
If all you see is violence
The media and society only focus on the violent aspects of entertainment.
Then I make a plea in their defense
Frank defends Vaudeville as a form of entertainment to people who only see the violent side of things.
Don't you know they speak Vaudevillian?
Vaudeville performers use their own style of language to create humor.
And for what it is hear what my theory is
Frank provides his theory on why people don't appreciate Vaudeville anymore.
Some gibberish it is so serious
The humor in Vaudeville can seem absurd, but it's actually very serious business for the performers.
What we need is more silly men
Frank believes the world needs more comedians who don't take themselves too seriously.
Though underrated all the time
Louis, despite his talent, was never given enough credit.
Louis was so very fine
Louis was an exceptional performer.
Without him, imagine
Louis' absence would have drastically affected the success of the act.
Did you know he could play the violin?
Louis had hidden talents beyond what was required of him for the act.
Most important was brother Moe
Moe was the key member of the act who made everything possible.
He was the one who made it so
Moe was responsible for making the act a success.
He got a Joe and another Joe
Moe brought in other team members to make the act better.
He would not quit, he would not quit
Moe was determined and never gave up.
And Mr White heard bad report
An important figure in the entertainment industry received negative feedback about the act.
And so it ends the two reeler short
This incident led to the demise of the two-reelers, which were short comedy films popular at the time.
'Cause you cannot do what you can't
The act's decline was inevitable because they couldn't do any better than what they were already doing.
If all you see is violence
Frank reiterates the negative focus on violence in entertainment.
Then I make a plea in their defense
Frank is pleading with people to look beyond the violence and appreciate different forms of entertainment.
Don't you know they speak Vaudevillian?
Frank emphasizes that Vaudeville and similar acts have much more to offer than just violence.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHARLES THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Charles F Jurgus
on Repo Man
This is actually a cover of an Iggy Pop song.