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b. 16 October 1960, Malone, New York, USA. The former guitarist,
vocalist and co-composer in Hüsker Dü, Mould surprised many of that leading hardcore act's aficionados
with his reflective solo debut, Workbook.  Only one track, 'Whichever Way The Wind Blows', offered the maelstrom
of guitars customary in his former group's work and instead the
set was marked by a predominantly acoustic atmosphere. Cellist
Jane Scarpantoni contributed to its air of melancholy, while two
members of Pere Ubu, Tony Maimone (bass) and Anton Fier (drums;
also Golden Palominos), added sympathetic support, helping to
emphasize the gift for melody always apparent in Mould's work.
Maimone and Fier also provided notable support on Black Sheets Of Rain, which marked a return to the uncompromising power of the guitarist's
erstwhile unit. The set included the harrowing 'Hanging Tree'
and apocalyptical 'Sacrifice Sacrifice/Let There Be Peace', but
contrasted such doom-laden material with a brace of sprightly
pop songs in 'It's Too Late' and 'Hear Me Calling', both of which
echoed R.E.M.Mould also formed his own record company, SOL (Singles
Only Label), which has issued material by, among others, William
Burroughs. The artist abandoned his solo career in 1993, reverting
to the melodic hardcore trio format with Sugar. By 1995, following the apparent demise of Sugar, he had reverted
once again to his solo career. Bob Mould was an excellent album,
even though he refused to promote it. Not surprisingly, it sounded
like a cross between Hüsker Dü and Sugar, with sparkling tracks
such as the venomous 'I Hate Alternative Rock' and the Tom Petty-esque
'Fort Knox, King Solomon'.
Encyclopedia of Popular Music Copyright Muze UK Ltd. 1989 - 1998
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