A surprisingly reflective debut solo album released in 1990, 'Workbook' showed a different side to Mould in comparison to his former band's output, with most tracks featuring acoustic guitars instead of the usual incendiary guitar maelstrom and howling vocals.
The same musicians helped him record the follow-up album in 1990 'Black Sheets of Rain', which saw a return to the pained, angst ridden guitar cacophony that he was previously known for, with lyrics reflecting on personal demons and depression. A few tracks, however, were lighter in mood, and recalled the jangly guitar pop of fellow US indie stalwarts R.E.M.. Amongst his band for this project were members of The Golden Palominos, and Mould returned the favour a year later, adding vocals to the track 'Dying From the Inside Out' on their 'Drunk With Passion' album, a title that could easily describe Mould's own unique musical style. Both of the solo albums were commercial failures however, and Mould was dropped by his label, Virgin, in 1991.
With Alan McGee of Creation Records looking to America for possible new signings, and Bob admiring My Bloody Valentine, who were arguably McGee's best talent to date, he returned in 1993 with newly formed trio Sugar. By this time, Mould had begun to be acknowledged as one of the forefathers of the emerging grunge scene, and the first Sugar release, 'Copper Blue', saw the intensity and melody of Husker Du updated for a new decade, achieving high rankings in the end of year polls in most music publications. Two further albums followed, but Mould split the band, not wanting to tarnish their image for quality pop-hardcore by treading water.
A self-titled solo album came next, continuing the usual fascinations with squalls of feedback and driving guitar riffs, and a further release 'The Last Dog and Pony Show' saw the pace slow up a little. Mould had gone on record at the time of it's release as stating that he would be lying low for a while, as the tinnitus that had affected him throughout his recent career was being worsened by live performances of his more explosive songs. He has since re-emerged with several new releases since 2000, most of which are available only via his official website, as well as being involved in the recording of the soundtrack to 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch'..
IF YOU LIKED THESE, YOU'LL LIKE BOB MOULD: Husker Du, The Pixies, My Bloody Valentine, Nirvana, Jesus & Mary Chain, Richard Thompson, Throwing Muses, The Replacements, Grant Hart, Dinosaur Jr, Buffalo Tom, Pearl Jam, Soul Asylum.