Hüsker Dü’s legendary frontman Bob Mould is still going strong all these decades later, and in September he’ll be releasing a new album called Blue Hearts. Following the charged lead single “American Crisis” he’s back with “Forecast of Rain”, which comes from an equally charged place, as he explains:
“As a child, my mother took me to Sunday Mass. I’ve written many songs around religion. In the 2000s, I went back to the Catholic Church for three years – but I did not find my place. I recognise the importance of religion for those who believe: the worship, the rituals, the community; loving thy neighbour, following commandments, doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. In short, be nice to people, help however you can, and don’t steal stuff.
“But right now, I’m having a hard time understanding how certain religious sectarians can support the behaviour of those who occupy the People’s House. How can you endorse their disregard for truth? How can you tolerate the incessant vindictiveness? How can you stand by your man while people are teargassed to clear a path to the Lord’s House? “I’m not good at quoting scripture, but I can manage two words: Jesus wept.”
That deep well of conflicted feelings comes spewing out in electrifying style on “Forecast of Rain”. Mould’s razor-edged guitars make the perfect counterpoint to his growling observations – as ever – and it turns what could be a pop anthem into one of something deeper and more powerful, full of foreboding, but also a spring of determination to fight back.
Bob Mould’s new album Blue Hearts comes out on September 25 via Merge. You can follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
