Husker Du: Zen Arcade Vinyl 2LP

Third album from Husker Du. Originally released in 1984, Zen Arcade was still hardcore punk at its core, but hinted at the sounds of things to come. With the introduction of more melodic guitar work, plus subtle influence from psychedelia and folk music, Husker Du expanded their sonic horizon and would ultimately plant the seed for post-hardcore and alternative rock. Check “Never Talking To You Again,” “Hare Krsna,” “The Tooth Fairy,” and “One Step At A Time” and you’ll see they were already thinking outside the box. Double LP version with gatefold sleeve, 23 tracks.

• black vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• music label: SST Records 1984

reviewed by Backpack Mosher 06/2015