Bob Mould

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 effectively 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: 2008’s District Line was vintage Mould (“Stupid Now” is the song fans wanted for years), albeit sprinkled with the now-characteristic electronic flourishes. His latest release, 2009’s Life And Times, is his most rock-oriented album since 1998’s The Last Dog And Pony Show, though Mould’s current string of solo acoustic gigs will likely keep the volume well below traditional rock levels.

Updated 10/04/2010