Zen Arcade

Even when this Minneapolis trio dabbled in familiar sounds, such as the strummed folk of "Never Talking to You Again" or the Bo Diddley-style R&B of "Hare Krsna", what came out on this swirling 1984 double album was clenched, emotional and intense. Over 23 short songs that helped define the still-thriving punk sub-genre known as hardcore, leaders Grant Hart and Bob Mould screamed their alienation in the fastest language they could possibly produce. Though Mould is the more personal songwriter, lashing out at liars and (presumably) lovers, both Hüsker heads come up with psycho-depression choruses like "What's going on inside my head?" --Steve Knopper

Label: Unknown
Studio: Sst
Released: 1995-12-19
Format: Audio CD