Bob Mould

Distortion: 2008-2019

DEMON Six vinyl reissues in one box set, plus a bonus disc, find the alt.rock legend at his solo best.

Bob Mould’s place in music history was already assured thanks to the pioneering ramalama of Hüsker Dü. Fusing the fury of punk rock with the melodic sensibilities of The Beatles, the trio paved the way for disciples Pixies and Nirvana without ever breaking out of their cult cul de sac. But it’s with his work following the band’s implosion that the singer-guitarist found his widest audience, first with Sugar and then forging out on his own.

What makes this third vinyl box set chronicling his career so satisfying is that it marks the point when Mould began his journey back to the blueprint he’d established and perfected. So while 2008’s District Line sees Mould still within the slipstream of electronic flourishes and milder acoustic moments, it’s with the fouralbum run from the superlative Silver Age through to the fizzing Sunshine Rock that he truly hits his latter-day stride.

Anchored by bassist Jason Narducy and drummer Jo Wurster, Mould’s return to the power-trio format reaped rich rewards in the shape of glorious overdriven pop. The inclusion of collaborations with Foo Fighters and Butch Walker seal the deal, while Mould’s cover of Buzzcocks’ I Don’t Mind reveals his roots. Essential. ■■■■■■■■■■