I was a little hesitant to review a new album from Bob Mould; it’s been four years since his last release, which I didn’t have as much of feeling for as previous releases; five years since the world changed and now I’m 60 years old and – quite frankly – feel that I can’t relate like I used to. I don’t have the ability to sit and consciously listen to loud, angry “punk”-ish sounds anymore. My hearing can’t take it and my perspectives have changed.
But it is work from an artist who I’ve loved and respected for a very long time – 42 years, to be as precise as possible – and perhaps, after this hiatus, I can go back and listen with fresh ears and an even-keeled point of view. He’s ably-joined by the flawless rhythm section of bassist Jason Narducy and drummer Jon Wurster as has been the case since 2012 or so; needless to say, I automatically presumed it would be as tight as one could immagine after a dozen years. As per the press release, the trio will be heading out on the road in support of the album as of April 1st – I have seen them in the past and they do justice in serving a healthy portion of Mr. Mould’s back catalog.
(*side note of interest: Narducy and Wurster are currently wrapping up a tour with actor Michael Shannon – they go out and play an entire R.E.M. album, with Mr. Shannon as lead singer. These shows have been wildly successful and this year’s replication is the 40th anniversary performances of Fables Of The Reconstruction, which saw the ex-members of R.E.M. join them onstage for two consecutive nights at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia.)
So onto the songs themselves: the title track opens the album and is not what I expected; it’s a little more subdued and a thoughtful, introspective sounding piece – melodic yet heavy and not instantly in your face, which I can appreciate. “Neanderthal” does, indeed, immediately harken back to Zen Arcade – instantly chaotic but controlled in its structure; “Hard To Get” is (unsurprisingly, in a good way) very Sugar-like – a thrashing pop tune wrapped in sonic blasts, but tuneful and catchy (one of Mr. Mould’s greatest trademarks).
“Lost Or Stolen” is a slightly dark acoustic piece, which again is a Bob Mould standard – introspective; slightly pained and a lyric that seems to look for answers in the questions. “You Need To Shine” is another Mould “standard” – short, sharp sonic blasts and “Your Side” closes the albums in a semi-lower-voltage fashion (until the chorus!) – a narrative about hope in uncertain times.
Here We Go Crazy is definitely more digestable for me as we’re all getting older and (hopefully) wiser. And knowing Bob Mould is still able to provide melody and perspective is just as comforting as one could wish for.
Here We Go Crazy is currently available