I was lent this album by a friend in the mid 1990s, I’d never heard of Bob Mould, and was only vaguely aware of Husker Du. The album’s been a favourite since then, and I was lucky enough (small venue, sold out immediately, got on the reserve list) to see Bob in Ramsgate earlier this year.
Given the high-decibel approach of Husker Du, the opening acoustic instrumental Sunspots was a very definite statement of intent, leading into the more familiar electric territory on Wishing Well. The minor hit single See A Little Light (wait, are those cellos?) shines (sorry) before the altogether darker Poison Years, aimed at former Husker Du bandmate, Grant Hart, and the darker mood continues on Sinners And Their Repentances, and Brasilia Crossed With Trenton. Compositions For The Young And Old is a lovely, wistful yearning for simpler times, and after the nondescript Lonely Afternoon, Dreaming I Am livens the pace up, before Whichever Way The Wind Blows ends the album in a loud electric wail, like a slow Husker Du, contrasting with the gentle opening to the album.
4* - an old favourite, with many great songs.
Opmerkingen