Hüsker Dü '1985 The Miracle Year' Box Set Review / Bob Mould / Grant Hart / Greg Norton (VIDEO)

This week, I am reviewing the brand new box set from Hüsker Dü called "1985: The Miracle Year." This has been one of my most anticipated releases of the year ever since the folks at Numero Group began teasing its release a few months ago.

The box is a 4 LP/2 CD set that features live recordings from Hüsker Dü from throughout 1985. The first album is a full concert, professionally recorded, from January 30, 1985. Initially, the band intended to release a live album that year, but it never happened...until now.

The second album features live recordings from throughout 1985 from venues around the world. The biggest highlight, for me, is the previously unreleased song, "Misty Modern Days." This track has circulated among tape traders for years, but it was an instrumental. This live version is not. It's a full song, with lyrics and everything!

The booklet is amazing. Tons of great photos and memorabilia. The detailed liner notes were written by Bob Mehr, who you may know from his Replacements biography, "Trouble Boys."

It's Happening!! Hüsker Dü LP "Live 1985: The Miracle Year" Release Date November 2025 (VIDEO)

Today, the Numero Group answered all of my questions about their forthcoming Hüsker Dü project.

First off, it will be a 4LP box (CD version as well), plus a 36 page booklet with lots of photos. There is a t-shirt sold separately.  The box will be called "1985: The Miracle Year" and is scheduled to be released in November. Numero is taking pre-orders as of NOW on their website. I learned shortly after completing my video, that Bob Mehr is the one writing the 36 page book that accompanies the set. He confirmed this with postings on his social media.

I go over the track listing, the vinyl variants and much more in the video. This is amazing news!!

Even MORE NEW Hüsker Dü in 2025! Numero Group Drops New Tracks (VIDEO)

Today, the Numero Group dropped five more live tracks from Hüsker Dü in 1985. However, these recordings are not from the same show as last time. These songs are from November 3, 1985 in Salt Lake City. This soundboard recording has never been heard before.

There is still very little information as to what will ultimately be the actual, physical release (and whether or not there will be one). So, we'll be getting information piecemeal. Numero is selling another limited edition, 1985 tour t-shirt on their website. As with the previous one, they are only taking orders for a week, and that is all.

I'll keep you posted if I hear anything else.

Bob Mould & Mike Watt: Seeing Two Legends In the Same Week! LIVE Review (Clips, Photos) (VIDEO)

Friends, this video was a joy to make. I was able to see two of my musical idols in one week! I saw Bob Mould (Hüsker Dü, Sugar) and Mike Watt (Minutemen, fIREHOSE, The Stooges, Prono For Pyros).

I've been into the music of these two since I first heard them in the late 80s. I missed out on Hüsker Dü and Minutemen, but was absolutely there for Bob's solo career and for Sugar. With Watt, I saw fIREHOSE at least a dozen times, caught his first solo band with Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder back in 1995, saw him in Banyan, and probably ten other bands, as well. I've had the good fortune to chat with both of them a couple of times over the years.

With this video, I wanted to discuss the shared history of Mould and Watt. Their friendship dates back to 1981. I also wanted to discuss the newest albums featuring both men - Bob's 'Here We Go Crazy' and MSSV's 'On and On.'

I then review both shows: Bob Mould Band on April 14 and MSSV on April 21. Two legends, one week. I hope you dig this big crux!

Grant Hart (Finally) Plays Omaha June 30!

Rock legend Grant Hart (ex-Hüsker Dü and Nova Mob) will play what I believe to be his first ever show in Omaha on Thursday, June 30 at The Waiting Room. Hart, one of the two songwriters in legendary 80s band Hüsker Dü, has been recording sporadically since that band's demise in 1988.

Hart began as a solo artist releasing albums for SST Records. His solo debut, Intolerance, remains a high water mark in his lengthy career. By the early 90s, he had formed a new band called Nova Mob. Hart gave up the drums and picked up the guitar for that band. It released two full-length albums and a number of singles before breaking up in the mid 90s. Hart then returned as a solo artist with the album, Ecce Homo, released in 1996. This album was followed by Good News For the Modern Man and his most recent, Hot Wax, from 2009. Both Hart and Nova Mob have appeared on compilations and soundtracks, as well.

Though Grant Hart has not been in the spotlight as much as his former band mate, Bob Mould, his post Hüsker Dü material has always been met with critical acclaim. His music consistently challenges the listener, and continues to surprise and delight his many long-time fans.

Personally, I have not seen Grant Hart since Nova Mob broke up. On that final Nova tour, Grant went back to playing drums, and it was one the best shows I saw that year. On the tour that brings Hart to Omaha, he will performing "solo electric," and performing songs from his entire career - including Hüsker Dü.

Here is a video of a song called, "You're the Reflection of the Moon on the Water," from Hart's Hot Wax album.

Then, here is a video of Grant performing live at SXSW 2010:

Tickets for the show are on sale now for $10. Click here to buy: http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSearch.jsp?performance_id=1485491&cobrand=1percent

Grant Hart (ex-Hüsker Dü) Suffers House Fire

Former Hüsker Dü and Nova Mob member Grant Hart was the recent victim of a house fire. Two rooms in his home burned, and Hart was sent to the hospital. He is fine now, according to friend. His two cats survived, which he is very happy about, but he did lose his favorite guitar and some other equipment. According to the Star Tribune, "Reps from First Avenue and the Turf Club said they were interested in holding benefits for Hart if needed."

(Thanks to Dane O for alerting me to this news)