It almost seems pointless to review this CD in the wake of the news the Pixies (Frank Black’s previous and significantly more influential project) are reuniting. Black’s work with the Pixies has always overshadowed his solo efforts, and Show Me Your Tears won’t do anything to slake the thirst of parched Pixies fans.
The songs are standard alt-country fare, generally lacking the panache of the late Johnny Cash. However, Show Me Your Tears isn’t completely without merit. "Massif Centrale" stands out as reminiscent of Black’s best work, although he might have been better off saving it for the next Pixies disc.
In all honesty, this release pales in comparison even to Black’s last albums with the Catholics, the simultaneously released Black Letter Days and Devil’s Workshop. While those albums were somewhat spotty, they demonstrated more talent and concern for quality than this offering does.