For Hüsker Dü, 1985 is THE MIRACLE YEAR simply because with NEW DAY RISING and FLIP YOUR WIG two incredibly good albums were released. This band is on fire! The four-LP live set documents these twelve months in which Hüsker Dü discovered pop and invented alternative rock – all without straying one iota from their hardcore roots. Part 1 of the set is the complete recording of a show at the beginning of 1985, the second part includes recordings from other gigs of the year. It must have been an amazing feeling to be part of Hüsker Dü back then.
Editorial recommendations
Bob Mould, Grant Hart and Greg Norton were all hit with hits: “Celebrated Summer”, “Makes No Sense At All”, “The Girl Who Lives On Heaven Hill”, “Don’t Wanna Know If You Are Lonely” – these were all brand new songs at the time, but it was clear to everyone: these would become classics. Hüsker Dü play with the casualness of a band that knows exactly: What we are doing here and now is exactly right.
This also applies to the cover versions, including “Helter Skelter” and “Ticket To Ride” by the Beatles, just as important for Hüsker Dü as the Sex Pistols or the Dead Kennedys. Since the trio always sounds a bit generic on the studio records (especially when it comes to mixing the drums), this live set offers the opportunity to hear Hüsker Dü completely unadulterated. Which means: explosive crash cymbals, the guitar is bratty, the bass is driving – but always a touch too quiet. And the singing? Essentially pop, with super harmonies, impressively influenced by the blind understanding that characterized Bob Mold and Grant Hart at the time.
This review first appeared in Musikexpress 12/2025.