When I worked at the self-proclaimed “Last Authentic Music Store” in Minneapolis, Grant Hart, former drummer and co-songwriter of Hüsker Dü, would always come in and dig around in the old VHS cassettes until he found some awesome Boris Karloff or other classic horror movie. We would then talk at the counter for a while about surf guitar and other such awesome stuff.
A common subject was Bob Mould, who was releasing a new album about every six months back then, and Grant would always say, “So, Bob put out another record,” and then ask if it was good. They were good, so I replied in the affirmative. However, I was always building up the courage to ask, “Hey Grant, when are you going to put out a new album? Because I love Intolerance, and I totally thought that Nova Mob was dope, and I would love to hear more stuff by you.” But I never asked; I never wanted to pry.
Apparently Grant was listening in on my thoughts, because he's going to be putting out a new album! Said new album, Hot Wax, is set to be released by Con D’or/MVD Audio October 6 and will be available on both CD and vinyl. It will also be Grant’s sixth solo release, though his first since 1999’s Good News for Modern Man.
Besides Hart’s multiple musical talents -- and stunning hair -- the album will feature appearances by musicians from Godspeed You! Black Emperor, A Silver Mt. Zion, and Rank Strangers, and was recorded in both Minneapolis and Montreal. When queried about the album, Grant replied with a descriptive response: “The song 'Narcissus, Narcissus' is my first attempt at combining ancient Greek mythology and American rock-a-billy. By merging those influences with an ice cream truck atmosphere I think I have found a style that defines this period of my career.” I have no idea what that song sounds like, but now I don’t think I've ever been more interested in hearing it.
Hart continues: “‘You're the Reflection of the Moon on the Water' is one of the most organic rock-and-roll songs that I have ever written. Its style owes a lot to my devotion for Patti Smith. It was inspired by a comment made by a monk during the selection process to find the next Panchen Lhama, who said of one candidate, ‘He is the reflection of the moon on the water but he is not the moon.’"
Awesome.