How do you remember Hüsker Dü? As pioneers of gauzy alternative rock? As prolific SST weirdos that record double-albums in single takes, spawning a friendly Sergeant Peppers-Pet Sounds style competition with the Minutemen? Or as the thrashing maniacs who laid down some of the fastest early hardcore on the aptly-titled Land Speed Record?I’ve always been put off by the band's pretentious experimentations, from the unlistenable jam on side 4 of Zen Arcade, to the dreary post-punk of their second single, to their major label washout. But here are two incredible thrashers: "Turn on the News" and "In a Free Land.""Turn on the News" is sung by drummer Grant Hart, the secret pop heart of the band, perhaps the most 60s soul in all of 80s hardcore. For me, Bob Mould has always been alienating—a bit aloof, a terrible singer, a complicated and unpleasant personality—and Hart's songs are warmer. This is some serious arena hardcore, bombastic and over-stuffed, a "rave-up" that doesn't know when to stop. And Hart's Otis Redding-style "ya got ta… ya got ta" is a career highlight."In a Free Land" is more straight hardcore, but then nothing else really sounds like it. Again, Hart provides the tuneful punctuation and harmonies, while Mould barrels ahead with hoarse cynicism. The main riff is so shimmering and propulsive, many have lost their sanity trying to replicate its aggressive beauty. But the idea that "everybody's in authority in a free land"--tell that to bassist Greg Norton!@misfitsfanPreviously - Hate The Police