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Bob Mould

Body Of Song
2005
Yep Roc

Bob Mould - Body Of Song (Cover Artwork)

Review by: Anchors
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Published on August 2nd 2005

Bob Mould has been doing the whole music thing for quite some time now. From pioneers Hüsker Dü to Sugar to his more recent solo efforts, the man just keeps on making music. Always held in high regard for his prowess as a songwriter and guitarist alike, Mould more than impresses with Body Of Song .

Off the heels of the ambitious but overwhelmingly disappointing venture into electronic music known as Modulate, this album serves as Mould’s return to rock, and it would be in everyone’s best interests to pay attention.

Most engaging with this recent effort of Mould’s isn’t just the airtight songwriting, but also the level of versatility that the album presents. Mould has seemingly touched all bases with this release, and fans of a variety of styles will find things to like within the album. The electronic stylings of Modulate have not completely vanished, but this time around they’re used sparsely, and even then they come accompanied with the familiar sound of the electric guitar to balance out ambient echoes and processed vocals. “(Shine Your) Love Light Hope” is one such example, and though the variety is appreciated, Mould’s talents are clearly not best lent to that style of music. Mould shines the absolute brightest when he’s able to let loose on guitar, and really show some power.

Mould has always had an extremely strong voice, and this album makes no exceptions, as “Paralyzed” would attest to. Reminding a lot of Bad Religion’s Greg Graffin in parts, Mould is by no means copying his style, instead offering his own take on things, and he’s never sounded better. The powerful chorus accentuates everything that makes Mould such a solid songwriter. He knows how to play off his strength, and get all the sincerity and talent possible into everything that he’s doing. The rhythms are undeniably strong and fluid, as is the musicianship between the bassist and drummer that assist on the record. While he still knows how to let out his rocking side, some of the better moments can also be found in a very low-key manner.

”Days Of Rain” presents a much more somber, more airy vocal style than on the more rock-infused tunes, but there’s no underselling just how good the change of pace is. Mould’s unsettling desperation gives the lyrical content, dealing mostly with hope, confusion, and relationships gone awry, fortunately all dealt with in a very adult manner, some gravity. You can almost feel the bitterness and resentment in some of these songs, and unlike cheap angst, that’s not something that can be faked.

Everything done on this album exhibits strength. Strength in songwriting, strength in voice, and strength in the stories being told, all coupled with absolute top notch guitar work completing the package on this eclectic bunch of songs. Sure, there’s still bound to be some complaints about the song or two that still caters to fans of electronic music, but you’d be hard-pressed to tell me anything here is contrived. Mould’s unwavering and genuine sentiments carry through any type of music, transcending any pigeonholes and handing out one hell of an effort. Whether you liked Hüsker Dü or not, whether you liked Sugar or any of the solo efforts to follow, Body Of Song gives meaning to the adage about some things getting better with age. At any juncture in life, the guitar work that finishes out the album by way of “Beating Heart The Prize” is something to be remembered, and something to be appreciated. He hasn’t lost a step.

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Posted by lostandclowned on 2007-03-21 23:20:15

cant wait to hear a new album

Posted by aubin on 2005-08-17 21:17:26

I splurged and bought the limited edition, man is this thing nice. The bonus disc isn't just a bunch of throwaway crap either and the "dance" remixes are surprisingly fun.

One of the best albums I've heard this year, definitely.

Posted by TheMarc on 2005-08-08 00:54:59
My Score:

I just got this and am enjoying it immensely.

Posted by TheOneTrueBill on 2005-08-03 18:49:31

I was adding to the list of "post-punk people" having good records. Besterberg isn't totaly new, but it's still pretty damn awesome.

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 at 5:27 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Wow, I fucked up twice. That's one time more than Kid Dynamite and their lame debut!

-Chinatown

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 at 5:27 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Hello Bastards is a pretty average album. JBDis Lifetime's only truly good album.

-Chinatown

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 at 5:26 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Hello Bastards is a pretty average album. JBD only truly good album.

-Chinatown

Posted by Marlon on 2005-08-03 10:04:21

I don't like them, and you should see the shit I get for it...

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 5:58 PM (EDT)

"This idiot fucks up twice."

No one cares because he didn't mess up Kid Dynamite or Lifetime song and album titles. I'm convinced that those are the only bands people on this board like.

-BSD

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 2:59 PM (EDT)

Besterberg wasn't Bob Mould, it was Paul Westerberg.

Get it?

Posted by DickAround on 2005-08-02 14:41:36

This idiot fucks up twice.

"Modulated"
"Body of Sound"

Go back to listening to My Chemical Romance or whatever it is everyone's got a boner for this month.

Posted by TheOneTrueBill on 2005-08-02 14:37:46

Don't forget "Besterberg"

Posted by BrandonSideleau on 2005-08-02 14:31:22

oh wait....Brian is in charge of editing reviews....oh well- looks like we'll never see my reviews again lol. But yeah, this album is great.

Posted by BrandonSideleau on 2005-08-02 14:24:12
My Score:

Great album....what's with all the great 80's post-punk guys releasing excellent albums lately? I'm really digging it. Mike Watt's album was killer, this rocks and John Doe's latest (whcih I reviewed and should be up soon) is brilliant.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 1:42 PM (EDT)

BRING BACK THE LAME INTRODUCTIONS!!!!111ELEVEN11!!!

Don't worry, I'm kdding.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 12:05 PM (EDT)

the album you mention a couple times is actually called "modulate", and it was pretty terrible.

as a fan of husker du/sugar, i'm excited to hear this. i'm sure if i wait awhile, i might be able to get it from my library.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 9:46 AM (EDT)

Fair point. Kinda like Nick Cave in the fact that technically he's pretty poor, but it fits what he does well.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 8:36 AM (EDT)

Much as I like Bob Mould, there's no way whatsoever you'd describe him as having a strong voice.

Well, he is a tad nasal, and he's not gifted with an incredible range, but I would say he has a confident vocal style. He clearly is comfortable with his voice and uses it well.

Posted by theundergroundscene on 2005-08-02 07:35:58

i'm pretty convinced that brian has a grudge against me

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 7:27 AM (EDT)
My Score:

I meant to add that my only major complaint with this album is the weird vocal effects on Bobs voice for a few of the songs, which doesn't work so well.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 7:22 AM (EDT)
My Score:

It's Bob Mould, so it's gonna be great lets be honest, i don't think it's quite up their with Husker Du/Sugar or some of the early solo stuff, but it's certainly a step back in the right direction and i am truely thankfull he has returned back to the guitar, it's what he's best at. Oh yeah and the deluxe version of this album is amazing, plus it has a second disc.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 5:04 AM (EDT)

Much as I like Bob Mould, there's no way whatsoever you'd describe him as having a strong voice.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 2:22 AM (EDT)
My Score:

Score is for reviewer.

"Mould more than impresses with Body Of Sound . "

Please check again the title of the album, and stop writing reviews.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 2:17 AM (EDT)

Bob Mould is gay.

Posted by TheOneTrueBill on 2005-08-02 01:15:46

I definitly need to pick this album up. I've heard so much good stuff about it, and I want to be familiar with the material when I see him.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 12:42 AM (EDT)

This is actually pretty good compared to Mould's other solo stuff...

It gets lots of shit, but I love early speedcore Husker Du stuff as much as "Zen Arcade" era.

-BSD

Posted by inagreendase on 2005-08-02 00:35:58

do you now only post up reviews of "newer" stuff? I haven't seen old stuff in a while.

Definitely not, there's a ton of "old" stuff going up when we get a lull in the reviews queue.

Posted by fistchode on 2005-08-02 00:27:24

this isn't about this review.. but a review question;

do you now only post up reviews of "newer" stuff? I haven't seen old stuff in a while.

Posted by TenderBransonX on 2005-08-02 00:26:25

It's a strong album but could REALLY do without some of the production; repeated endings, digitally changed vocals, so on....

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