Minotaur (Pixies album)

Minotaur is a compilation album by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 2009. The album is notable for its unconventional and elaborate packaging, designed by Vaughan Oliver, who had designed the artwork for all of Pixies' previous studio albums.

The release was available in several formats, the most limited of which was a deluxe edition packaged in a custom-designed box, featuring various artifacts and collectibles related to the band's history and visual aesthetic. This included a DVD featuring music videos and a documentary, as well as a double LP of the album's tracks.

Minotaur isn't a collection of previously unreleased material. Instead, it presents a selection of songs drawn from the band's studio albums, B-sides, and EPs, carefully curated to represent their overall musical output. The compilation aimed to present a retrospective overview of Pixies' career, emphasizing their artistic vision and innovative sound. The tracklist varies slightly depending on the edition.

The album's name, Minotaur, and the associated artwork evoke themes of mythology, darkness, and the labyrinthine nature of the creative process, reflecting the enigmatic and often surreal character of Pixies' music. While not featuring any new recordings, Minotaur served as a comprehensive and visually striking tribute to the band's legacy.