Hüsker Dü
Metal Circus
Album · Alternative · 1983
Hüsker Dü's 1983 EP Metal Circus continues the band's progression toward accessibility. While several tunes ("Deadly Skies," "Lifeline") are clearly rooted in the furious pace of '80s hardcore punk, others—such as "Real World," "It's Not Funny Anymore," and especially "Diane"—feature the kind of melodies that would be further expanded with each new release. "Real World" looks at punk rock's infatuation with anarchy and other slogans with skepticism. "Diane" recounts the murder of a West St. Paul waitress named Diane Edwards with an unflinching eye. The playing throughout is tight and assured, with drummer Grant Hart providing a supple backbeat to Bob Mould's harmonic-infused, over-distorted guitars. The majesty of sound on the brutally intense "First of the Last Calls" is overwhelming; it's worth turning up and breaking a few windows over.
Metal Circus
Hüsker Dü
Hüsker Dü's 1983 EP Metal Circus continues the band's progression toward accessibility. While several tunes ("Deadly Skies," "Lifeline") are clearly rooted in the furious pace of '80s hardcore punk, others—such as "Real World," "It's Not Funny Anymore," and especially "Diane"—feature the kind of melodies that would be further expanded with each new release. "Real World" looks at punk rock's infatuation with anarchy and other slogans with skepticism. "Diane" recounts the murder of a West St. Paul waitress named Diane Edwards with an unflinching eye. The playing throughout is tight and assured, with drummer Grant Hart providing a supple backbeat to Bob Mould's harmonic-infused, over-distorted guitars. The majesty of sound on the brutally intense "First of the Last Calls" is overwhelming; it's worth turning up and breaking a few windows over.
