Using the "backing band" from his 1996 solo album, The Cult of Ray, Thompson dubbed his new band "Frank Black and the Catholics", and recorded their eponymous first album in 1997. His band consisted of Lyle Workman on lead guitar, bassist David McCaffrey and Scott Boutier on drums.
Frank Black and the Catholics became the first album to be posted to the eMusic service; they claim it is "the first album ever made legally available for commercial download". Having eschewed multi-track recording for his later solo material, Thompson continued the live-to-two-track technique for all subsequent releases under the Catholics. Live-to-two-track recording precludes the use of overdubs to correct errors or add texture; all takes are recorded continuously, and mixing is done "on the fly". On later albums, he incorporated more musicians into the sessions to allow for more varied instrumental textures. Explaining his rationale behind the method, he commented:
"Well, it's real. It's a recording of a performance, of a real performance between a group of people, an entourage, a band, as opposed to a facsimile of that, which is frequently what people do with multi-track recording ... I prefer it. It's a little more real. It's got a little more heart."
Workman left the Catholics in 1998 to pursue session work with Rich Gilbert replacing him. Frank Black and the Catholics released Pistolero in 1999 and Dog in the Sand in 2001. Dog in the Sand added Dave Philips on pedal steel guitar and lead guitar, with Joey Santiago and Eric Drew Feldman making appearances with the group live and on record.
By this time, while dismissing the possibility of a Pixies reunion, Thompson had begun to incorporate an increasing number of the band's songs into Catholics concerts, as well as including Santiago in his solo work again. Black and the Catholics continued to release records; two separate albums, Black Letter Days and Devil's Workshop, were released simultaneously in 2002. Devil's Workshop included the song "Velvety", a version of the Pixies' song "Velvety Instrumental Version" (written by Black as a teenager) with lyrics. The song was one of the first signs that he had acknowledged his past work with the Pixies in his solo output. A sixth album with the Catholics, Show Me Your Tears, was released in 2003. Show Me Your Tears' title and many of the songs in it were inspired by Thompson's recent divorce and entry into therapy.
Coastline
Frank Black and the Catholics Lyrics
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As soon as I find out I'll let you know
And if it's any consolation well, your horse is going to win
'Cause mine and all the others are just too slow
There's a coastline I'd like to go back
And if you don't mind I'm going to turn 'round in my tracks
It's good to be back down on the coastline
I was trying to save us both some time
There's a coastline I'd like to go back
And if you don't mind I'm going to turn 'round in my tracks
It's good to be back down on the coastline
We lost contact and I hope that you don't mind
I was trying to save us both some time
In the song, "Coastline" by Frank Black and the Catholics, the singer is reflecting on his life and struggles. He acknowledges that there is a "perfect explanation for the shit" that he has been through, but he has yet to figure it out. He promises to let others know when he finds out. The singer then tries to console someone, saying that their horse is going to win. He then explains that his own horse is just too slow, implying that he is lagging behind or struggling to keep up with the pace of life.
The song then shifts to the coastline, a place where the singer would like to go back. He is asking for permission to turn around in his tracks and go back there. He then expresses his joy at being back on the coastline, but acknowledges that he has lost contact with someone. He hopes that the person does not mind, as he was trying to save them both some time.
Overall, the song seems to be about the struggles and challenges of life, while also acknowledging the beauty and comfort of certain places and relationships. The singer is reflecting on his journey in life, and is hoping to find answers to the difficulties he has faced.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a perfect explanation for the shit that I've been in
I know there's a reason for all the bad things that happened to me.
As soon as I find out I'll let you know
I'll tell you the reason once I figure it out.
And if it's any consolation well, your horse is going to win
Don't worry, you'll come out on top in the end.
'Cause mine and all the others are just too slow
I can't keep up with the competition.
There's a coastline I'd like to go back
I want to return to a familiar place.
And if you don't mind I'm going to turn 'round in my tracks
I'm going to retrace my steps.
It's good to be back down on the coastline
I feel comfortable and happy to be here.
We lost contact and I hope that you don't mind
I'm sorry we lost touch, I hope it's okay with you.
I was trying to save us both some time
I was trying to make things easier and more efficient for both of us.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHARLES THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind