Hüsker Dü - New Day Rising
3 cool cats from Minnesota's twin cities area, making hardcore punk and going on to lay part of the foundation for what would become "alternative rock". New Day Rising was the band's 4th studio album, released in 1985 only six months after Zen Arcade. Although the majority of people I talk to would pick Zen Arcade for this list, I think NDR need's to have it's moment in the spotlight too. Both albums are excellent in my book.
Hüsker Dü was definitely not your typical hardcore band, and listening to this album is a perfect example of that. There was so much going on beneath the surface. Bits of blues, folk, and an overall poppier sound found it's way into the songs, while still retaining some of the thrashier elements that marked the earlier releases such as Land Speed Record (their first release, a live record) and the first 2 studio albums.
New Day Rising's cover does an excellent job of summing up the music found within. A great start to any day, on your way to work or a day with friends sitting around the grill. Not as noisy or angry/poltical as some of their previous work, many of the tracks on NDR are infectious and easily show that Hüsker Dü was one of the key bands (along with others such as the Replacements) that, intentionally or not, paved the way for "alternative" or "college" rock. The combination of Bob Mould's vocals with the faster tempo guitar and drum work really keep the songs moving and make for easy head bobbin' action. The distortion isn't as thick on this record, making the overall sound less gritty and angsty. Several tracks seem celebratory, almost inviting you to get up and out. To experience the world for yourself, and see what might be out there for you. Opportunities abound.
Hüsker Dü was also the first American indie band to sign to a major label which meant more listeners.Many bands have been and are influenced by Hüsker Dü's sound although sadly they broke up in 1987.
3 cool cats from Minnesota's twin cities area, making hardcore punk and going on to lay part of the foundation for what would become "alternative rock". New Day Rising was the band's 4th studio album, released in 1985 only six months after Zen Arcade. Although the majority of people I talk to would pick Zen Arcade for this list, I think NDR need's to have it's moment in the spotlight too. Both albums are excellent in my book.
Hüsker Dü was definitely not your typical hardcore band, and listening to this album is a perfect example of that. There was so much going on beneath the surface. Bits of blues, folk, and an overall poppier sound found it's way into the songs, while still retaining some of the thrashier elements that marked the earlier releases such as Land Speed Record (their first release, a live record) and the first 2 studio albums.
New Day Rising's cover does an excellent job of summing up the music found within. A great start to any day, on your way to work or a day with friends sitting around the grill. Not as noisy or angry/poltical as some of their previous work, many of the tracks on NDR are infectious and easily show that Hüsker Dü was one of the key bands (along with others such as the Replacements) that, intentionally or not, paved the way for "alternative" or "college" rock. The combination of Bob Mould's vocals with the faster tempo guitar and drum work really keep the songs moving and make for easy head bobbin' action. The distortion isn't as thick on this record, making the overall sound less gritty and angsty. Several tracks seem celebratory, almost inviting you to get up and out. To experience the world for yourself, and see what might be out there for you. Opportunities abound.
Hüsker Dü was also the first American indie band to sign to a major label which meant more listeners.Many bands have been and are influenced by Hüsker Dü's sound although sadly they broke up in 1987.
No comments:
Post a Comment