Bob Mould has tried for years to reconcile his love for melodic and noisy rock music with his interest in dance-based music. Both 2002's Modulate and 2005's Body of Song teamed Mould's signature vocals and taste for mini-a... more »nthems with percolating electronics, but both had structural failings as albums. They had some great songs, but weren?t records that most of us would want to listen to from end to end (assuming people still care to do this in the iPod age). Teamed here with dance-remix heavy and onetime Deep Dish collaborator Richard Morel (a.k.a. Pink Noise), the results are often excellent. There are more guitars here than you might expect; only the most rabidly rockist Sugar/Husker Du fan will be disappointed. Mould has clearly found the best writing partner he's had since Grant Hart; they even seem to be able to write songs together. From the campy, wrestling-inspired cover image to the way the tunes artfully marry elements of house and indie rock, Blowoff's debut is Mould's most honest, happy, and syncretic release in at least a decade. --Mike McGonigal« less
Bob Mould has tried for years to reconcile his love for melodic and noisy rock music with his interest in dance-based music. Both 2002's Modulate and 2005's Body of Song teamed Mould's signature vocals and taste for mini-anthems with percolating electronics, but both had structural failings as albums. They had some great songs, but weren?t records that most of us would want to listen to from end to end (assuming people still care to do this in the iPod age). Teamed here with dance-remix heavy and onetime Deep Dish collaborator Richard Morel (a.k.a. Pink Noise), the results are often excellent. There are more guitars here than you might expect; only the most rabidly rockist Sugar/Husker Du fan will be disappointed. Mould has clearly found the best writing partner he's had since Grant Hart; they even seem to be able to write songs together. From the campy, wrestling-inspired cover image to the way the tunes artfully marry elements of house and indie rock, Blowoff's debut is Mould's most honest, happy, and syncretic release in at least a decade. --Mike McGonigal
"I own every album that Bob Mould has ever released (in Husker Du, Sugar, or solo incarnations). When Workbook was released, I purchased the entire Husker Du back catalog, and I've followed his work closely ever since then.
Unlike some hardcore Bob Mould fans, I have actually been very excited and receptive to the new electronic direction that Mould's work has taken since the release of Modulate. I liked the possibilities that the electronic world opened up with his signature sound, but, at the same time, I've realized that the electronic direction that Mould has taken since Modulate has been very much a public "work in progress." I listened to "Modulate" and "Body of Song" when they were released, but these albums haven't really had much staying power for me.
But this Blowoff record is an entirely different matter. Upon hearing this album, I quickly realized that the electronica Mould has fully arrived.
This is the most enjoyable and revitalizing album that Bob Mould has released this decade--and Rich Morel obviously should get half the credit. Mould's vocals on "Here and Now" and "Get Inside With Me" have not sounded this fresh and sharp for many years.
This also is not a full-out electronic album; Mould and Morel find the middle ground between rock and electronica. And many listeners might be surprised that Mould's guitar sound on this album is an absolute monster. You just cannot crank this album loud enough.
Let us hope that this Mould/Morel collaboration produces many more records. It would also be great if they could also release one of their DJ sets from the 9:30 Club in D.C--where they spin a set monthly.
"
A near classic!
D.L. Hiroshi | unauthorized absence | 11/28/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Have been a long-time fan ever since I saw the Husker Du video "could you be the one" on 120 Minutes ages ago. Followed Bob through various stages of his solo career and although I didn't like everything he did (2nd Sugar release, Black Sheets of Rain, or Modulate) he is still one of my favorite singer/songwriters and just an impressive overall musician. I did enjoy the positive vibe and pop/punk/dance groove of this record and would have given it 5 stars, but I did not care for the last 2 slower songs. Hope there is more to come from this duo."
Amazing album!!!!!
Fausto E. Cevallos | Seattle Wa USA | 12/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Such and amazing album. When I heard that Bob Mould was a collaborator who had worked with Richard Morel, who btw I love, I knew it was going to rock!!!! I wasn't disappointed!!! From the first track on to the last, it tells a great story of love lost and found, bitter and sweet, the way sometimes, life throws those curve balls and we just get overwhelmed. We have all felt this way one time or another, and have grown from the experience!!!! This album inspires you and makes your heart smile. Buy it and support a fantastic artist!!!!!"
Try this and see
J Hamster | Seattle, WA USA | 02/29/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album never ceases to please me with its driving rythms and its sad finale. It's this great hybrid of rock and pop and electronic elements which sound fresh, crisp, intense and different from anything else out there. These two artists compliment each other exceptionally well."