See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody by Bob Mould and Michael Azerrad

This book is the autobiography of Bob Mould, singer/songwrighter and key member of Husker Du and Sugar.  I've been listening to his music since the age of 12 or 13.  He has created a solid body of passionate indie rock music.   Zen Arcade is one of the greatest punk albums ever and he has released several others that are nearly as good.

I think it is important to remember that you can like the music that a person creates without actually liking the person that much.  A classic example of this would be Pete Doherty of the Libertines who appears to be a repugnant human being despite having written one or two good songs.  Bob Mould has written a very open and honest autobiography and he does not always cast himself in a good light. 

Mould treats the former members of Husker Du with contempt although if his version of events is correct they certainly were not angels.  The description of Grant Hart trying to seduce the hetrosexual bass player from Sugar is fairly funny.  Mould also desribes how badly he dealt with the suicide of one of the administrative team for Husker Du.  He seems to have a tendency to walk away from difficult situations and end long term relationships abruptly and permanently.  At one point in the book he describes how he learned of the death of his former partner, a man he lived with for several years, on the internet eight years after the event.  I guess things like that happen but it is sad.

At times Mould seems to take strange turns in his life.  He spent almost a year working as a scriptwriter for a wrestling show that starred Hulk Hogan among others.  He also started abusing steroids during that period.  Mould was no stranger to substance misuse having abused alcohol from the age of 13 and amphetamines during the early years of Husker Du.  Despite this he managed to be unaware of the heroin abuse of Grant Hart despite sharing a room with him on tour for many years.

Towards the end of the book Mould appears to be more comfortable in his own skin as he comes to terms with his homosexuality and becomes more involved in gay culture.  He still plays the music of Husker Du and Sugar when he tours but he has moved on.  I  was lucky enough to see him play an acoustic show in Glasgow 5 years ago and I wouldn't mind seeing him with a live band.  I've made a mental note to check out some of his more recent music.

This book is an unflinching portrait of Bob Mould.  I don't think he wants us to like him but at least now we probably understand him a bit more.  I certainly learned a few things.