Most of the best music of Bob Mould’s 30-year career—in the seminal Hüsker Dü, solo, and in the alternarock outfit Sugar—was practically fueled by despair. After all, the best art comes from the worst situations, right? So what happens now that Mould is at last happy? Strangely enough, a return to form: Last year’s District Line was vintage Mould (“Stupid Now” is the song fans have wanted for years), albeit sprinkled with the now-characteristic electronic flourishes. The new Life And Times is his most rock-oriented album since 1998’s The Last Dog And Pony Show, but seems a little light on hooks. Still, it should sound great live, especially when Mould mixes in fan favorites from his entire career and plays them acoustically.
Updated 09/10/2009