just for 'Subbacultcha' alone Trompe le Monde is worth it.
idk, to me Trompe le Monde kinda reflects Frank was heading into a different Musical direction, you said it well Zero
"By the time of Trompe le Monde the band had pretty much become Black Francis’ band"
it's so weird, the Pixies peeked as an immature band. what i mean is, fans seemed to like their ealier stuff 'Come on pilgrim & Surfer Rosa' cause it was just Raw angst, don't get me wrong, the innovation and ambition of a Rock band is still apparent even in their earlier songs.. but frank's loud vocals and rebellious attitude overshadowed that, i have a personal theory that by time frank dared not take himself seriously as a singer. not only as singer as a musician too, songs seemed like a Parody of Rock 'n' roll almost trying to defy the structure and perception of what Rock 'n' roll is.. cause see they made Pop Rock but they purposely distorted it..