Hot Wax

After Husker Du exploded 22 years ago, Bob Mould went on to solo work and Sugar, both of which were well received by critic and fan alike. Grant Hart, the other singer and songwriter of Du, stayed in the shadows of the underground, releasing the cathartic Intolerance , then forming Nova Mob. Though his recording career has been infrequent, Hart's solo work has shown an impressive consistency throughout...he has a high standard of songwriting excellence, varies his tempos and instrumentation, and truly, his solo releases remind us why Husker Du was so much more than just Bob Mould, even if Mould had more overall influence on the band's sound. And so, Grant Hart returns after an extended hiatus from recording with Hot Wax, a record that could have been released in...wait for it...1968. This is by no means a bad thing...Hart keeps the organ and piano front and center, giving songs like the opening "You're the Reflection of the Moon on the Water" a fat, San Francisco sound even as his lyrics cut sharply into the essence of his subject. ("You're the reflection of the moon on the water/But you're not the moon"). Wow. Throughout the record, Hart takes in both social issues ("Charles Hollis Jones," "School Buses are for Children") as well as personal ones ("Narcissus, Narcissus," "My Regrets"), all the while maintaining the album as a low-tech, high energy affair. Oh, it's true that the guitars are higher in the mix sometimes than they would have been 40 years ago...this is a modern album, after all. But the spirit of Hot Wax seems to have roots in that San Francisco past. It's as if he found a stack of Airplane LPs and a couple of early Bowie or T-Rex imports, played them incessantly for a month, and then recorded this album. However, at no time does the LP sound derivative in any way. This isn't an echo of another time, or a celebration of the past, but rather a way to catch the feelings that he wants to get across to us, the listener. Hart remains a true American original, and has released an album that's more fun than Bob Mould's ever been, but just as insightful. Recommended for fans of Husker Du, fans of the 60s, and just plain fans of good music. Wonderful stuff.

Never mind the old admonition about not judging a book by its cover - in this case, yeah: the cover tells us a lot about what to expect from Hot Wax. For background, I remain a Husker fan, enjoy some of Bob Mould's solo work, and still listen to Good News for Modern Man. From that perspective, I was initially disappointed in Hot Wax. I mean, I felt cheated: where Good News was a calliope of sounds and well-written lyrics - Hot Wax seemed almost a collection of pencil sketches. I waited 10 years for this??? The songs - for the most part - either have strong lyrics or good musical grooves, but seldom both. Initially, I thought that Hart had lost interest, and shoved the disc out just to be done with it. Fast-forward a week or two, and frankly - I reach for this disc often. There's something about the songs that just strike me as having just enough to them: not over-produced by any stretch. Weirdness and adventure are present (30-second fade-in for Charles Hollis Jones?), but overall the songs won me over. Favorites include...oh, heck - I start at track 5 (Narcissus, Narcissus), and ride through the rest of the disc, returning to the front for the rest of the tracks.

Grant Hart was one of the most important figures of indie rock in the 1980's with Husker Du. After that group's breakup, he continued the high quality of his work with his band, Nova Mob, and as a solo artist. "Hot Wax" is the first album of new material from Hart in almost a decade. The wait was worth it. Every song on "Hot Wax" is good to great. Hart explores new territory with the chamber pop of "Barbara", and the ballad, "I Knew All About You Since Then". He has never sounded more whimsical than on the rollicking tale of "Sailor Jack". Other highlights include the zen-like "You're The Reflection Of The Moon On The Water", the politically charged "School Buses Are For Children" and the very catchy "Charles Hollis Jones" and "California Zephyr". The album concludes with the defiant, triumphant, "My Regrets". Unlike so many of his peers, Grant Hart has never compromised his artistic integrity. While most of his oontemporaries have released albums to diminishing returns over the years,what is abundantly clear after listening to "Hot Wax" is that Grant Hart is still in top form as a songwriter,vocalist,and musician. If you are a Grant Hart fan, you will love this album. If you are unfamiliar with his music and like melodic rock 'n' roll, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of "Hot Wax". You won't be disappointed because "Hot Wax" is easily one of the best releases of 2009.

Great album but I came on black vinyl not the blue/white Swirl as is states in the description. Not a game changer for me but still a little disappointing.

Well, I'm not overwhelmed by this latest album, but still quite pleased. This album turned out to be a grower, one that took many listenings to absorb, but one with sustaining power. Grant Hart has always been a talented songwriter. In fact, I used to prefer his songs to Bob Mould's back in the Husker Du days. Grant's recording output since the Husker days has been sporadic, but when he's on a roll he can produce some stunning songs. Beauty and chaos, sadness and ecstasy. He's experienced it all, and we can feel it in his songs. The guitar and organ mix does indeed remind me a bit of 1960s rock, with a shimmering pop foundation. I'm very happy Grant Hart is still out there making music, and recording albums this good. More please!

good opus , vraiment un album accompli, belle production , les amateurs et fans apprécieront. super univers

... non sbaglia un colpo Grant, tra Bowie e l'indie rock anni '80 ... Hart vs Mould 5 - 0

Fast unbemerkt hat Grant Hart endlich wieder eine neue CD veröffentlicht. Was erwartet einen? Ein wilder Höllenritt durch den Garagenrock der 60'er, gepaart mit ein bißchen Bowie der 70'er und einfach nur Spass. Eine wilde Platte, die die unbändige Spielfreude am Rock'n'Roll zeigt und unmittelbar auch vermittelt. Die CD hätte so auch vor 40 Jahren erscheinen können, was als Kompliment gemeint ist. Denn eine glattpolierte CD möchte vom früheren Hüsker Dü Mitglied doch wirklich niemand hören. Einziges "Manko" wenn man denn will: Die sehr kurze Laufzeit (knapp 30 Minuten).

Hot Wax by Grant Hart ex member of husker du has put out this excellent album. Alternative rock with edge. some of the songs reminded me of the bands of the 70's. good mix of guitar, horns, keyboards and superb percussion. vocals are strong. Catchy songs that remain in your mind and ear, i'm still humming them. This album has potential, you should check it out. one of favorites for 09.