Despite being one of the few American Post-Punk / American Hardcore bands that had a succession of critically acclaimed albums to their name, as well as being a massive influence on other artists...Hüsker Dü, were never quite lucky enough to turn that considerable talent and ability into mainstream acceptance. And thus, although highly regarded in music circles, only really ever remained something of a cult band, with a devoted fanbase.
This EP, which would take the form of 7 songs, that would predate the release of their subsequent LP "Zen Arcade", which is a collection of visceral, confrontational, hostile & highly literate songs, that although aggressive in vocal delivery, express a level of articulation and intelligence, beneath the abrasive exterior. First track "Real World" is a unrelentingly concise social commentary, encapsulating public anarchy's, insistence on 'self-imposing justice', and is a scathingly hostile look at activism, as a negative form of expression, with the line: "You want to change the world, By breaking rules and laws, People don't do things like that, In the real world at all......You're not a cop, or a politician, You're a person too.....You can sing any song you want, But you're still the same!!!", and the red-raw guitar work here, prove to be as equally confrontational as the lyrics (no mean feat). "Deadly Skies" also takes a similar important look at controversial subject matters, which in this case questions the ultimately pointless task of demonstrating against Nuclear war, and subjectively asking "I like to protest, but I'm not sure what it's for, I guess I've got no control over the threat of nuclear war, I made a sign to carry to show that I really care...I've heard it does some good if the television people are there??", and although most will argue the fact that it's sometimes more important to voice your opinions, than to not have one, it's the lyrical expression and articulate way with words, that hugely impress on both tracks. Both carefully balance pounding, buzzsaw guitar, slashing rhythms, insistent drums, and a uncompromising aggression that confirms their American-punk aesthetic, yet..which, are tempered by an almost journalist's level of an eye for fine detail, with sharp wit, that shatter the argument that loud, aggressive & cathartic music can't compete with the more conventional forms of intelligent singer/songwriter lyrics.
"It's Not Funny Anymore", pairs down the explosive instrumentation somewhat, and although still a relatively quick sounding track, it doesn't feel as reckless or Bleak as the previous tracks, and although sounding distinctly more melodic, is actually a scathing dismissal of their contemporaries, and is unflinching in it's disinterest, in what other bands are attempting, with the lines: "Play what you want to play, Hear what you want to hear, Don't worry about the result.....Or the effect is has on your career", shows a level of biting lyric articulation, that was completely at odds with the simplistic aggressive rhetoric of their peers. And although some may argue that it takes a certain sort of arrogance to create a song such as this, Hüsker Dü really were ahead of most of the pack.
"Diane" as has been probably been mentioned before, is not only the most powerful song on the EP, but arguably one of the most disturbing, emotionally sensitive and affecting songs the band have ever written. Based on the murder of a friend of the band...it tells the chilling tale of a first person perspective from the eyes of a killer, and the mood is one that reflects this disturbing subject matter. Guitars become far more restrained, drums now longer bang furiously, and the whole song takes on a far more ballad-oriented structure, with the chilling lines of: "Hey little girl, do you need a ride??.... Well, I've got room in my wagon why don't you hop inside, We could cruise down Robert Street all night long....But I think I'll just rape you, and kill you instead!!", sending chills down the spine. It's obviously a deeply personal song for the band, and all the more amazing that the band are able to be openly express what is an unforgivable crime. But when they finish the song, with the lyrics: "We could lay in the weeds for a little while, I'll put your clothes in a nice, neat little pile.....You're the cutest girl I've ever seen in my life, It's all over now, and with my knife!!!", I guarantee that, those words will stay with you, long after you've ejected the Cd from the Cd tray.
For those that are new to Hüsker Dü, I would strongly recommend firstly, doing what I did, and starting your collection, with their seminal 3 album run of "Zen Arcade", "Flip your Wig" & "New Day Rising". Only the criminally insane would argue against picking up those albums, and it's extremely likely that it'll fuel a desire to pick up more of their work. And this is where, I believe this EP is perfectly suited. An extension of the fiery songs that made up "Zen Arcade", before gradually shifting into a more melodic transition throughout their albums, and will perfectly compliment the rest of your Hüsker Dü albums. Those that are already fully acquainted with Hüsker Dü's work, should already be making their investigations regarding this tremendous EP. Sublime stuff!!!
No Husker Du Collection is complete without this....!!!!
Pretty good for an introduction
