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Following their early work, which included the acclaimed album Zen Arcade in 1984 under SST Records, Husker Du made the leap to Warner Brothers in 1986, where they released their last two albums. After the group disbanded, Mould founded Sugar while Hart established Nova Mob, though both bands dissolved in the 90s, leading Mould and Hart to pursue solo endeavors. Hart passed away in 2017. Norton initially stepped away from music to run a restaurant but re-entered the music scene in 2006, bringing his bass talents back to the industry.
# 10 – Everything Falls Apart
Even though they were a thrash hardcore band at the time of the release of their debut album in 1983 of which this is the title track, on this song they showcased some unique melodic elements that broadened Mould’s potential for what would later come. During the early hardcore years, the band, who could be seen as a kind of alternative power trio, went for a new kind of speed and aggression. However, as far as songwriting went, they were not limited by genre. Even though this song is fast and aggressive, the lyrics about chaos and pain are very deep.
This album was released on CD in 1993 as Everything Falls Apart and More
with bonus tracks including the band’s first two singles, the full version of “Statues” and an unreleased track called “Do You Remember?” (which is Husker Du translated into English). A remastered version was released in 2017.
# 9 – Pink Turns to Blue
Zen Arcade stands as a milestone album for the band, showcasing numerous instances where Hart’s songwriting prowess truly shone. Tracks like “Never Talking To You Again” and the dynamic “Turn on The News” feature lyrics that continue to be impactful. Among these, “Pink Turns to Blue” especially stands out as a testament to Hart’s compositional skill, marked by its heavenly chorus.
While not achieving vast commercial success, Zen Arcade is hailed as one of the most seminal and influential albums in the alternative rock genre. The album received widespread critical acclaim, sold over 200,000 copies, and reached the eleventh position on the UK Indie charts, solidifying its place in music history.
# 8 – Statues
Released in 1981, “Statues” marked the band’s debut single, a period during which their distinctive sound was still in development. This track reveals an experimental aspect of the band, hinting at the more polished direction they would later embrace. Bearing a resemblance to Public Image Ltd, “Statues” diverges significantly from the gritty hardcore style that would later define the band. Characterized as post-punk, the song showcases Hart’s early affinity for the scratchy guitar tones typical of the genre, a stylistic element that would become a fundamental aspect of the band’s signature sound, albeit in a transformed manner.
# 7 – The Girl Who Lives on Heaven Hill
Hailing from their 1985 album New Day Rising, this particular track stands out as one of the band’s numerous powerful songs, complete with an infectious sing-along chorus. Hart takes the lead on vocals, showcasing his distinctively high-pitched wail to great effect. This album marks a notable shift from their hardcore origins towards a more melody-infused style. Following the release of Zen Arcade, SST Records, their label, pressed for another album. The band expressed a desire to self-produce, yet the label insisted on continuing with Spot, who had produced their earlier works, leading to a tense recording environment.
During this period, the band’s musicianship had evolved significantly, sparking some claims of “selling out,” which the band refuted, asserting that their music was simply evolving naturally. The album achieved notable success, reaching number ten on the UK independent charts, reflecting its warm reception and the band’s continued growth.
# 6 – Standing by the Sea
Originating from their acclaimed album Zen Arcade, this track presents a unique departure from the band’s typical style. Norton’s bass lays down an impeccable foundation, creating a suspenseful buildup that leads into Hart’s explosive entrance on the chorus. The incorporation of ocean sound effects, though somewhat unconventional, aptly enhances the song’s atmospheric quality. True to the thematic essence of Zen Arcade, the lyrics contribute to the overarching narrative of the album, detailing the journey of a young boy who flees from a troubled home only to encounter a harsher reality in the outside world. This track, like others on the album, weaves a piece of the conceptual tale, highlighting the band’s adeptness at storytelling through music.
# 5 – Celebrated Summer
Featured on the album New Day Rising, this track showcases a formidable guitar performance by Mould, standing out as one of the standout moments in American underground music. While Mould’s playing occasionally takes on a somewhat mechanical quality, his prowess as a songwriter shines through, infusing the song with authentic emotion. The melding of these two elements—Mould’s vigorous guitar work and his ability to convey genuine feeling—creates a compelling and dynamic listening experience.
# 4 – Diane
Originating from the 1983 EP Metal Circus, this track gained additional recognition when it was covered by Therapy? in 1995. Their rendition achieved commercial success, reaching number twenty-six on the charts, surpassing the original in terms of chart performance. Known for its prominence on early college radio, the song captivated many with its dark, melancholic ambiance, a direct reflection of its stark lyrical narrative. The song is named after Diane Edwards, a waitress from Minnesota, and delves into the harrowing tale of her murder, lending the track a profound and somber tone.
# 3 – Never Talking to You Again
Featured on Zen Arcade, this track stands out as potentially the band’s most fervent expression of anger, an irony considering it is their first entirely acoustic piece. Despite the lyrics not directly addressing internal conflicts, the growing strains between Mould and Hart, which would persist throughout their careers, seem to subtly manifest within this song. This tension was notably sparked by Mould’s insistence on having individual songwriting credits for each member on the album, diverging from their usual practice of joint credit for all songs. This shift marked a significant moment in the band’s dynamic, hinting at the complexities of their collaborative relationship.
# 2 – Sorry Somehow
This song, from the 1986 album Candy Apple Grey, marked a shift towards a more accessible, radio-friendly sound for the band. Released as an EP, it was the album’s inaugural single, showcasing Hart’s potential to craft a commercial hit. The song’s broader appeal might have been further amplified with a more polished production. By this time, the band had transitioned from SST Records to Warner Brothers, taking the reins in producing their albums, a move that reflected their evolving musical direction and growing autonomy in the creative process.
# 1 – Could You Be The One?
This track from the band’s final album, 1987’s Warehouse: Songs and Stories, poignantly reflects the band’s internal turmoil at the time, encapsulated in Mould’s introspective lyrics like “I don’t even know what I’m fighting for.” Serving as a fitting farewell, the album underscored the band’s significant, albeit brief, influence on the music scene. The song’s melodies also offer a glimpse into Mould’s future musical direction with Sugar.
During this period, Hart’s heavy drug use emerged as a primary source of tension between him and Mould. Additionally, dissatisfaction with several of Norton’s bass tracks led Mould and Hart to re-record them, underscoring the strained dynamics within the band. Despite these challenges, the album achieved commercial recognition, peaking at number 117 on the Billboard 200 and reaching number 72 in the UK album charts for a week.
Top 10 Husker Du Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
