ENCORE OF THE MONTH
May, 2019
Hüsker Dü
It always makes me smile when I hear the name Hüsker Dü. If the Swedish Chef from the Muppets was in a band I am sure it would be called Hüsker Dü.
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Hüsker Dü is Danish and it means 'Do you remember?'. Hüsker Dü? Yes we do.
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Hüsker Dü were the first band outside of California to sign to iconic west coast indie label SST Records. Hailing from Minnesota, the three piece outfit started out as your typical hardcore punk band. Their music was hard and fast. Have a listen to 'Everything falls apart' and you'll know what we mean.
What makes Hüsker Dü really interesting is when they crossed over into alternative rock and became what many still regard as pioneers at the vanguard of the indie rock scene. Arcane Fire was the band's second album. When most influential album lists are put together you will often see Arcade Fire make an appearance. Although the overall album had a hardcore focus several songs like 'Never talking to you again' marked a shift towards a more melodic pace. This song was the first time the band introduced an acoustic guitar into their sound.
Hüsker Dü were one of the first bands to show the world that college rock had commercial appeal. 'Celebrated Summer' from New Day Rising highlights the energy of their music as it veered towards the mainstream.
Candy Apple Grey marks the band's complete transition to a musical style that we know today as alternative rock. The irony is the album was released by Warner Brothers but hey it is all about the music for us. "Don't want to know if you are lonely" is a song from the album that has stood the test of time. It is not surprising it has been covered by a bunch of bands including Green Day.
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