No sooner was the Thanksgiving turkey consumed than Kerry and I were packing to head up to freezing Montréal for the weekend. The cold weather and short trip made for not seeing all of the city that we probably should have, but we were there for one reason and one reason only: to see the Pixies play live.

Second on a list of "I didn't think I'd get a chance to see that" (first being the Red Sox miracle of October 2004). Did that really happen? Did the Pixies reunite -- and more importantly -- did they sound great? Aside from the horrible acoustics of the venue (a hockey arena), the show was surreal -- and only would be for a fan that never thought they'd be able to witness it. Heck, Joey Santiago was possibly the largest influence on me, in my old music playing days.

A highlight was seeing bassist Kim Deal play the entire set with a permanent smile. Evidence that the band enjoyed playing together again. And without saying a single word to the audience the whole way though, all four members took a good five minutes at the end to pace the front of the stage, waving and smiling to the crowd that was going berzerk.

Was it worth the six-hour drive? You bet. And I hope to catch another show here in Boston, where I'm told there'll be many.