Bob Mould

Although I'm guessing that the majority of people you might poll on the street have no idea who Bob Mould is, it's impossible to follow the development of indie and alternative music in the 80's and 90's without his name coming into the picture. At the turn of the 80's Mould was involved with what was then a hardcore punk band, Husker Du, which would later turn a little easier (don't most of us in old age?) and melodic as their art evolved. The band was one of the first underground band to sign on to a major label (beginning what now feels like that age old debate over selling out), although they never enjoyed any real commercial stardom. The band's influence has always belied record sales though.

When they band dissolved over internal issues, Mould went on to record some solo work, form the clearly alternative band Sugar, return to performing solo work, take a spin at electronica in the late 90's, and then return to solo work more reminiscent of his earlier material. Which brings us up to the present day. Or should I say the present day about a week ago, when Mould released his latest album, District Line, on February 5th.

The album cuts a clear path back to Mould's classic sound. Present, of course, is his distinctive voice - seemingly out of tone at points, yet still harmoniously flowing with the music. The album carries hints of that also just as distinctive 90's alternative sound, almost a reprise of sorts of his material from that period. I'll be honest with you - there's nothing really new here. What there is is an album of solid material which will prove Mould's experience, remind you of his craftsmanship, and show you one of the many stepping stones today's music has taken to get here.


Bob Mould - Again and Again : District Line

Bob Mould - The Silence Between Us : District Line

Visit his website, his label Anti-, and become his friend on MySpace.

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Bob Mould - Can't Fight It : No Alternative

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Tour Dates

5 March Minneapolis MN First Ave
6 March Milwaukee MN Shank Hall
7 March Chicago IL Metro
8 March Cleveland OH Grog
10 March Toronto ON Mod Club
12 March Boston MA Paradise
13 March New York City NY Fillmore
14 March Philadelphia PA Trocadero
15 March Washington DC 9:30 Club
17 March Charlotte, NC Visulite Theatre
18 March Atlanta GA Variety
20 March Austin TX Antone's
22 March Boulder CO Fox Theatre
24 March San Diego CA Belly Up
25 March Los Angeles CA El Rey
26 March San Francisco CA Great American Music Hall
28 March Portland OR Doug Fir
29 March Seattle WA Neumo's
30 March Vancouver BC Richard's