Bob Mould Reflects on His 'Life and Times'

Posted on Feb 3rd 2009 10:00AM by Benjy Eisen
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It's been 20 years since Bob Mould released his first solo album, 'Workbook,' and you can add another 10 years on top of that since he first formed Husker Du. Despite Husker Du's enormous influence on post-punk in the '80s and, by turn, the alternative movement of the '90s (of which his other famous band, Sugar, was on the front lines), Mould has little time to revisit his former glory days.

"I don't listen to my early work unless I am preparing for a tour and need to refresh my memory," Mould tells Spinner. "I spend most of my time writing new music and words."

The second part of that statement leads back around to the first, as Mould will release his latest solo album on April 7, accompanied by a brief two week tour. He's also been hard at work on an autobiography, which means that, while he isn't one to get stuck in the past, he has been forced to reflect on it as of late.

"Husker Du was a good learning experience," Mould says. His accomplishments with them "in the '80s created an environment where bands like Nirvana could both be heard and succeed; Sugar was there to enjoy the rewards."

As for his new solo release, the appropriately titled 'Life and Times,' Mould tells Spinner that "I'm not as angry as I was 25 years ago. Life moves forward and we all learn so much. Emotions change and the work reflects those changes."

So instead of being a pissed off, in-the-closet, punk-rock kid, he's a successful, well-traveled, seasoned artist who writes songs of love, loss and -- ultimately -- liberation. We'll take it.

Bob Mould Live on the Interface