Copper Blue (Remastered)

Hüsker Dü was a brilliant underground band in the '80s, but its early recordings were buried in productions that didn't always bring out the full sonic crunch of live Hüsker Dü shows. Guitarist Bob Mould is nearly impossible to capture in his full glory, since his concert sound depends upon being loud and louder. His solo albums were dour, as if he needed a band to balance the sadness. So, with his post-Hüsker band Sugar, he re-found his footing as the leader of another power trio. The discipline of leading a group rallied him to write some of the finest songs of his career. The sound is the closest one can get to being there in person, and Copper Blue deserves every bit of its acclaim. The guitars are gorgeous in tone and turn songs like "Helpless," "The Act We Act," and the stellar single "If I Can't Change Your Mind" into sublime rockers where the harmonics are breathtaking. "Hoover Dam" adds subtler hues without losing its steel-armed grip. The deluxe edition includes the b-side "Needle Hits E," a solo mix of Mould and acoustic guitar for "If I Can't Change Your Mind," and a live concert where things get mighty loud.