| |
|
Just picked up the new CD ‘Modulate’ from the man who, to those who’re unfamiliar, is the songwriter behind 80s pulverising guitar noise purveyors Husker Du and also Sugar in the early 90s. He’s also been frequently mentioned as an influence by those doing loud/punky but melodic guitar music, including Cobain and Frank Black.
I haven’t read any reviews as yet. Just thought I’d rack up a few of my immediate thoughts.
Would also be interesting to know how others see the man’s work- spotted a few references to him on the board in times gone by (j’accuse Jade, Plums, Ray Fengsforthememory).
He’s definitely earned a place in the pantheon of greats for me, although probably a less accessible listen for most than stuff like Pixies and Nirvana.
But anyway- his new album- in places sounds to me for all the world like …Japan – the same early 80s synth foppsters with the oriental bent. There’s a couple of songs that have classic Sugar guitar hooks (Semper fi and comeonstrong), which power along quite nicely, but with loads of interesting electronic bits in the background.
There’s also his trademark moany/emotive voice throughout.
All in all pretty good, after a couple of listens- I know there’s at least 2 songs that I’m going to listen to about 60 times over the next couple of weeks. And it’s quite a radical direction, considering contemporaries like Paul Westerberg are still peddling the familiar guitar n drums based stuff (which I think is good as well) |
|
|
