Songs About Writers, Opinions on Bob Mould & Sneaks

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This week, Jim and Greg explore literature's influence on popular music and how famous scribes like Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, Sylvia Plath, and more get name drops. They'll share some of their favorite songs about writers. They'll also review the latest from rocker Bob Mould and techno-indie artist Sneaks.

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Sunshine Rock Bob Mould

Bob Mould Sunshine Rock

On his 13th solo album, Sunshine Rock, Hüsker Dü frontman and serious rocker Bob Mould threw longtime fans for a bit of a loop with four song titles referencing the sun and cover art resembling a lollipop. Greg calls it Mould's attempt at bubblegum pop, while Jim compares it to The Kinks' "Waterloo Sunset." He says since Mould formed a power trio with Superchunk drummer Jon Wurster and bassist Jason Narducy (formerly of Verbow) in 2012, he's been at a career high. The most recent albums recorded by that trio (Beauty & Ruin and Patch The Sky) have focused on the deaths of Mould's parents and now Jim says he's emerged in a happier place. It reminds him of Hüsker Dü covering Donovan's "Sunshine Superman." Greg points out the melodies are at the forefront and there's a lyrical theme of reconciliation. "The Final Years" is a wistful look back at time with his parents, while "I Fought" is like a message to his late songwriting partner Grant Hart, moving past bitterness to appreciation. Greg and Jim both appreciate Mould's honesty about who he is now.

Highway Hypnosis Sneaks

Sneaks Highway Hypnosis

Sneaks's third album, Highway Hypnosis, is twice as long as her debut release and it still comes in under half an hour. Sneaks, aka Washington, D.C. artist Eva Moolchan, works with producers Carlos Hernandez and Tony Seltzer on this project and Greg says she's broadened her musical horizons. The avant garde  minimalism is still there with a punk ethos, but with a wider variety of rhythmic feels- from reggae to Chicago footwork on "Hong Kong to Amsterdam." Greg wishes she would stretch out on more traditional-styled songs, but appreciates the variety on the album. He's most interested in how she takes avant garde music and works it into a pop setting, so he's looking forward to what she does next. Jim, an avowed Sneaks superfan, was let down by the album. As bizarre as it sounds, he says the album is bloated and fears Moolchan is stuck in a rut. But he hasn't given up and looks forward to her future output!

Songs About Writers

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It's common for artists to shout out other musicians they admire in their songs, but how about name-dropping prominent literary figures? From Hemingway to Plath, Metallica to Bobby Womack, Jim and Greg explore literature's influence on music with songs about writers.

Greg

  • "Across 110th Street," Bobby Womack
  • "For Whom The Bell Tolls," Metallica
  • "The Dark is Rising," Mercury Rev
  • "White Rabbit," Jefferson Airplane

Jim

  • "Raymond Chandler Evening," Robyn Hitchcock
  • "Sylvia Plath," Peter Laughner
  • "Hey Jack Kerouac," 10,000 Maniacs
  • "Behind the Wall of Sleep," Black Sabbath

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