Hüsker Dü broke with the anti-traditionalist ethos of most early hardcore bands. Their early songwriting shows the influence of folk, 1960s pop music, blues, and other forms (although often buried under a thick layer of angst and aggression), and has a strong melodic sense. The lyrics made astute, sharp, personal and social commentary, showing a great deal of vulnerability and sympathy for their subjects. Hüsker Dü's songwriting was widely admired, and their live shows were often a venue for brilliant improvisational playing. (A feedback-laden solo guitar performance from an early-'80s soundcheck tape merited release via the avant-garde Telus Magazine.) Hüsker Dü were also, however, widely regarded as somewhat unusual-sounding in their early prime, due to the instruments' non-standard tones: Mould's guitar is described below, while Hart's drums were considered 'thumpy' (and he consistently played slightly behind the beat); Norton played bass fairly laconically even at fast tempos, using his fingers rather than a pick. The band's sound can be considered an organic synthesis of these elements -- a unit that was quite powerful in combination, yet perhaps difficult to parse singly.
A particular strength of the group was the two powerhouse singer/songwriters, Mould and Hart. The tension between their musical styles (Mould was generally the angrier songwriter, Hart the more melodic one), and their willingness to collaborate, made the sum of their contributions greater than their parts. Another strength was Mould's unique, resonant guitar sound, described by a critic at the time as "molten metal pouring from the speakers." Mid-period Hüsker Dü songs are immediately recognizable via Mould's incandescent guitar tone, achieved by splitting the signal in the studio between amplified and direct tones and adding a light stereo chorus effect. Mould's technique involved playing resonant drone notes on the high strings. Although a trio, Hüsker Dü generally sounded extremely large on record and live.
The group is also notable as one of the first 1980s American underground rock bands to contract with a major record label, a move that blazed the trail for the rise of alternative rock a few years later. Another key Minneapolis band who served as an alternative rock icebreaker was The Replacements, who had a friendly rivalry with Hüsker Dü.
Mould has gone on to release other albums, including a recent solo double album release called Body of Song. Prior to that he took a stint as a writer for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) scripting scenarios and fights.
Grant Hart died from cancer on September 14, 2017.
Powerline
Hüsker Dü Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Was it something that someone said
It's connecting us with them
Electric wires turned on again
It aggravates, and it pacifies
Hear the power in the lines
How can this power be bought and sold?
Trying to harness solar rays
Making minutes seem like days
It captivates, and it hypnotizes
Hear the power in the lines
Powerline
The lyrics of Husker Du's song Powerline speaks of the connection between humans and the power that electricity provides. The first line speaks of a humming sound in the singer's head, most likely a reference to the buzzing sounds that we sometimes hear when we're around electrical wires. The second line suggests that this sound was triggered by something someone said, probably about the convenience that electricity provides in everyday life. The third and fourth lines describe how electric wires connect us with each other, and how the power that those wires convey can be both irritating and comforting.
The fifth and sixth lines question the nature of electricity, how it can be both a commodity to be bought and sold, and yet a force of nature that makes us feel small and vulnerable. The last verse talks about the efforts to capture and harness the power of the sun, but notes that despite our best efforts, we are still beholden to the power that electric wires provide. The chorus reinforces the theme of the song, emphasizing the power inherent in these lines.
Overall, Powerline is a commentary on our modern society's dependence on electricity, and how this reliance on technology influences our daily lives.
Line by Line Meaning
What's this humming in my head
Feeling a strong sensation in my mind
Was it something that someone said
Wondering if the sensation is a result of someone's words
It's connecting us with them
Recognizing that the sensation is connecting us to others
Electric wires turned on again
Realizing that the electric power lines are responsible for the sensation
It aggravates, and it pacifies
Acknowledging that the sensation has both negative and positive effects
Hear the power in the lines
Recognizing the strength of the electric power lines
Strung high on every pole
Noting that power lines are present everywhere and are elevated on poles
How can this power be bought and sold?
Questioning the commodification of electricity
Trying to harness solar rays
Attempting to find alternative sources of energy
Making minutes seem like days
Implying that the process of finding alternative energy sources is slow and frustrating
It captivates, and it hypnotizes
Acknowledging that electricity has a strong hold on our attention
Hear the power in the lines
Reiterating the strength and impact of electric power lines
Powerline
Essentially summarizing the theme of the song, emphasizing the impact of electric power lines
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BOB MOULD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind