Not a career highpoint, but a respectable finale
sixtymilesmile | 09/03/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"From his work in alternative rock innovators Husker Du, through the more radio-friendly Sugar, and four solo albums, Bob Mould has touched on the best of punk, folk, power-pop and modern rock, influencing countless artists in the process. Dave Grohl is one of his most famous fans, and its hard to imagine the Foos without Husker Du having existed. This 1998 album was his last fully-electric one before a long hiatus, recently ended with soem electronic dabblings.Its a respectable but unspectacular signoff. It starts quite well with New #1, a strangely addictive acoustic number which lacks a chorus in the traditional sense, but packs some punch as it builds. Taking Everything is the highpoint, an obvious single with a catchy refrain. Skintrade also stands out, as does Classifieds, with its cynical analysis of looking for a partner in classified columns. Like all Bob's songs about relationships, the lyrics aren't gender-specific, due undoubtedly to Bob being perhaps punk's first openly gay star. There is a more sensitive string-laden Along the Way to close, but less impressive are by-the-numbers tracks like Moving Trucks and Vaporub.Although not bad, and worth ahivng in the collection, it can't be recommended as a starting point. Try Sugar's Copper Blue for a poopier sound, or Bob's self titled solo album, but for the real Husker Du deal, it has to be New Day Rising."
Hopefully it Isn't the Last of His Kind
jacktheidiotdunce | Racine,WI | 07/20/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Supposedly this is the last rocking electric buzzsaw guitar styling Mould release...which is sad, "If it ain't broken...why fix it". So far he hasn't made a traditional Mould album since this album(well a live album from this tour). So, this may be the last true Mould album. It's admirable that the guy is as good as his word. But in a way it's sad there will never be a decent Bob Mould album for us rockers to enjoy. Don't get me wrong, I like his acoustic stuff but the dance stuff on "Modulate"(which I haven't heard yet) isn't my cup of tea.
Well this record turned out pretty awesome...about as good as the last "hebcap" album, except less depressing and more uprising. A good thing about this is the absence of a drum machine and the attendence of a real drummer. Standout cuts are"New#1" "Moving Truck", "Classifieds", "Skintrade", and "Reflecting Pool". The track "Megamanic" is good for laughs."
Enjoyed to the fullest!!!
P. Chen | Palo Alto, CA United States | 10/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bob Mould is a songwriting genius. This album has a certain vibe to it. It really starts to grow on you."