[Do You Remember?] -- Bob Mould recently released his 14th studio solo album, Beauty & Ruin (2014). In the 80s, however, he was the frontman for the seminal rockers out of St. Paul, MN, Hüsker Dü. Named after a popular 70s memory boardgame (the title of which meant, "Do You Remember?"), Hüsker Dü was largely known for being a hardcore band that crossed over to alternative. Or, rather, they were the band that pretty much created the so-called alternative genre. So, we'll celebrate Mould's new music by glancing back at his older material. Jump the break to read and hear what old tracks I picked for you this week.
Flashback #1: "Eight miles high. And when you touch down. You'll find that it's stranger than known."
Hüsker Dü released a cover of The Byrds' "Eight Miles High" just prior to releasing their second studio album, Zen Arcade (1984). This is not a polished performance; this is directly in your face and cathartic.
Flashback #2: "I'm curious to know exactly how you are | I keep my distance but that distance is too far."
One of the few Hüsker songs not written or sung by Mould, "Don't Want to Know if You are Lonely" still features Mould's distinctive guitar work. Written and sung by drummer Grant Hart for the 1986 studio album, Candy Apple Grey, "Don't Want to Know ..." has an excellent hook and should have been more popular. It's just the perfect blend of rock and post-breakup angst. It got some play on MTV after it was first released, and it met a wider audience when it was featured in the 2009 flick, Adventureland.
Flashback #3: "Is it only happiness you want? | Does wanting a feeling matter any more?"
"Could You Be The One?" was a single from Hüsker Dü's double album, Warehouse: Songs and Stories (1987). Warehouse was the band's sixth -- and unfortunately final -- studio album. The band dissolved while touring in support of the two-record set. When I listen to this record, I don't hear a band that is on the verge of breaking up. I hear a band that is coming into quite possibly their most melodic period. Hmmm. I guess maybe I should have seen the end coming after all.
Once again, I remind you that the rule of three applies when doing Flashbacks. As I've made my three offerings, that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the archives. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.
And if you are on Twitter, and feel so inclined, please +K my influence in Music on @klout.
I'll see you in seven!
And if you are on Twitter, and feel so inclined, please +K my influence in Music on @klout.
I'll see you in seven!
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