Bob Mould's "Workbook," his first
solo effort after the breakup of the

epic
Minneapolis
slash-pop
threesome,
Husker Du,
was a
personal,
cathartic
assessment of      

The band's disintegration and his
falling out with former drummer-
songwriter Grant Hart.  Mould
played acoustic versions of Husker
classics on the accompanying tour.
With the follow up, "Black Sheets
of Rain," Mould appears to be
returning to the Huskers' thematic
roots:  a gray view of a senseless
world set against tight, ripping
guitar play and brilliant hooks.  At
times, as Hart has alleged, Mould
is a little soft ("It's Too Late" and
"Out of Your Life"), but there is
more than enough grit to keep
even the most hardcore satisfied,
including the grinding title track
and some vintage, brooding Mould
on "One Good Reason."  Unlike
Hart, whose solo efforts have been
uneven, Mould continues to tighten
his work without sacrificing its
emotion.  It's at least a good
substitute for those still mourning
the loss of a great band that folded
at the height of its powers.
                            — Steve Fainaru