Hüsker Dü, New Day Rising (side A)

While Hüsker Dü are widely admired for their impact on young rock fans, their albums can also attract negative attention.  While Spot's mixes of their classic albums translate impressively well across stereo systems, they sound a bit dated today.  On 1985's New Day Rising, the drums, in particular, sound a bit disembodied, without the fullness that's common and popular in contemporary mixes.  Offsetting the drum sounds are some really impressive guitar textures that fill the field with both thickness and energy — it can often be hard to tell how this massive roar was created or captured.  These big guitar sounds nicely complement Bob Mould's guitar playing, as its precision and energy is always preserved through the din.  The songwriting of Mould's songs fits nicely with this mix and arrangement approach, but Grant Hart's simpler pop songs sometimes feel oddly juxtaposed.  Hart's anthemic choruses want to stand out from the drone that's in the foreground here.  I was also surprised how much of the angst and energy is drawn from Mould's guitar — it makes sense to feature the guitar in the foreground, as these performances give Hüsker Dü their passionate impact.  While the cover design has little clear relationship with the music, its distinctive and iconic nature fits the band's personality well.