The album kicks off with “Stupid Now,” a catchy, classic Mould tune. “Who Needs to Dream” follows, with more of what you’d expect from Mould. “Again and Again” slows it down a bit and showcases Moulds range, both vocally and verbally, straddling the line between literal storytelling and music.
One of my favorite tracks, the techno "Old Highs New Lows," has the kind of Mould sound I especially like, creating a techno-alternative ballad that you can sing along with. The danceable techno "Shelter Me" will most likely find its way to the club scene quickly. “Return to Dust” takes the techno a step further, adding crashing symbols and loud lyrics and guitar, as well as containing the very last lyric that was written for the album: "Growing old it's hard to be an angry young man."
The first single released on the album, “The Silence Between Us,” just so happens to be my other favorite track on the album and reminds me of Sugar’s “If I Can’t Change Your Mind.”
Rounding out the album are the rock and roll “Very Temporary,” the acoustic guitar and slight techno of "Miniature Parade," and “Walls in Time,” which, although it’s almost two decades old, seems to fit well with this album’s sound.
While some may say that Mould has crossed over into mainstream territory, with his occasional techno tune and dance club sound, I say the man is playing to his strengths—strong guitar and meaningful lyrics, with a nod to the club scene thrown in for good measure.
Article comments
1 - Andrew
Found a leaked copy. Non-stop listening for a week. I'd have waited since 1989 to hear "walls in time" for sure.
This is up there with anything he's ever done.
2 - Tom Johnson
Bob linked to your review - congrats!