#428 Hüsker Dü, 'New Day Rising' (1985)

Previously #488

A rare rise in places, the third album Minnesota trio, sees a jump 60 spots. A band rooted in punk rock, this record maintains the sparse, albeit more advanced production of their earlier records, while shifting the sound to more melodic songs. At the time, the band was even accused of “selling out.”

From the very first time we hear Bob Mould’s voice at the start of the record, it’s obvious what an influence Hüsker Dü had on later alternative bands. I heard Foo Fighters immediately (Mould would go on to record vocals on their album, ‘Wasting Light’). The harmonies in ‘I Apologize’ reminded me of R.E.M. This album strikes a good balance between filthy, noisy rock and melodic songs. It’s an uncompromising, important record.

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