Song of The Week: “Voices in My Head” by Bob Mould
I was out and about the other day listening to a lot of Bob Mould—Hüsker Dü, Sugar, solo stuff—and doing my usually air drumming, singing along and totally nailing crucial backing vocals* when the “The Descent” (2012, Silver Age, stunning video) pops up on my playlist. Half way through I realized (once again) just how adept, dare I say masterful, Bob is at marrying ebullient music and sad/sometimes crushing subject matter. Bob has always worn his heart, his demons and his regrets on his sleeve. This new track off the forthcoming Patch The Sky is a slow burn, a somber sleepless reflection that, on one hand makes me proud to be his fan (mental health issues need to be discussed and shared) and on the other, makes me a little worried about his well being.
He’s been through a lot of dark periods and always seems to pull through, diligently chronicling his life and struggles in his music and sometimes offering a much-needed dash of hope and self-effacing humor. This song is powerful and beautiful and necessary. Wishing all the best to Bob and excited to see him again in Philly on April 26th.
Video: “Voices in My Head”
New Record: Patch The Sky (Preorder at Merge Records, Release Date March 25, 2016)
See Bob Live: Tour Dates
*the backing layers of “aahhhs” buoying “The Descent” in the latter half of the song remind me of the “Games” from Flip Your Wig. That is a good thing to be reminded of.
