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Copper Blue

Sugar

1992

Buy At Rough Trade
Copper Blue
Album Summary

Copper Blue is the debut studio album by American alternative rock band Sugar. It was voted 1992 Album of the Year by the NME. All of the songs were written by guitarist/vocalist Bob Mould, who also co-produced with Lou Giordano. Musically, the band continues the thick punk guitar of Mould's previous band, Hüsker Dü, while slowing the tempo and emphasizing melody even more.

Wikipedia

Rating

2.97

Votes

12397

Genres

  • Rock
  • Indie

Reviews

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Sep 12 2021
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3

This album sounds like what an AI would output if you fed it a bunch of 90s alt-rock and told it to provide a representative sample. It's not bad, but I don't understand why it's on the list. Best track: Hoover Dam

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Mar 18 2021
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1

“Copper Blue” by Sugar (1992) Never heard this album or artist. This is a Mould joint. Musically, he wants to be (as successful as) Curt Kobain, but the chops aren’t there. This ‘group’ is basically a guy on vocals & guitar with a hired rhythm section. It’s not a band. Lyrically, Mould can’t put two words together without doing it again doing it again. It’s actually fun to watch to watch. Most of these songs are first person frustrations expressed to the one he loves the one he loves. I can’t stop giggling stop giggling. Sugar is to Nirvana what Jamiroquai is to Stevie Wonder. Overall, meh. 1/5

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Nov 11 2021
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1

This album tries so hard to sound like so many of the other great bands of the time. You then wonder why you are wasting time listening to this when you could just listen those other bands who know their own identity. This album was like a three-course meal of nothing but dry white toast.

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Mar 14 2021
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4

How ironic that after years fronting the hugely influential but desperately overlooked Hüsker Dü, Bob Mould's first project with new band Sugar, 1992's Copper Blue, would become the most commercially successful project of his career. Of course, it was released just as the seeds sown by his former band were bearing bountiful fruits in the post-Nirvana alternative nation, which provided ample explanation for its phenomenal success. But Sugar were well deserving of their success, regardless of time and place. A more aggressive, contemporary guitar attack aside, stunning power punk masterpieces like "The Act We Act," "The Slim," and "Fortune Teller" bear all of the vintage Mould musical traits: tell-tale lyrics, great hooks, and snappy melodies. It's all underpinned by that unexplainable, chilling tension between innocent beauty and dark melancholy that fans came to expect from Mould, and topped by his somewhat nasal, almost timid vocal harmonies. Other highlights include the '60s-style "If I Can't Change Your Mind," the loud, beautiful guitars of "Man on the Moon" and "Helpless," and the tongue-in-cheek Pixies tribute "A Good Idea."

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Nov 05 2020
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3

This album is SO 90s alt-rock. It's got that shimmery chorus over doubled vocals and the thick, grungy guitar riffs that make up that iconic sound. It immediately transports me back to my youth in a (mostly) good way. Sure, the sound is totally dated but it's still grunge, man. That said, I'm not sure why it's on the list. It's not exactly a shining beacon of alt-rock/grunge. In fact, one could argue that it's kind of riding the coat tails of much better bands and albums. It was enjoyable in a nostalgic way, though. I need to go find a flannel to tie around my waist now...

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Mar 16 2023
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1

Score: 20 Album art: 20 This album is completely pointless. It's mixed like shit, sounds like shit, nothing is interesting the entire runtime. The vocals are not good either, and that's when you can even hear them. The drums sound godawful. The lyrics are the definition of vapid and lazy. By the end of it i was getting pissed at how inane and repetitive it was.The number of better albums in the 90s goes into the 1000s. Take this shit off the list

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Jun 15 2021
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5

Yeah, great! The first track sounds like REM were they to ever find an overdrive pedal, and the second sounds like Dogs D'Amour being plagued by a mosquito. But overall, this sounds like really punchy, melodic, beefy power pop. Not a million miles from the Wildhearts. Too young to have caught this the first time around, glad to be acquainted now.

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May 27 2021
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5

Right off the bat, album is filled with malignant ear worms that bore these permanent holes into your brain. I’ve never heard this before and I am completely blown away by how much I enjoy this record. The guitar sounds are so wonderful - yes, there’s the typical Bob Mould-aggressive tones, but the tracks vary from straight up Husker Dü-ish bangers to more quiet keyboard acoustic-based songs. Quite refreshing! A great driving around in the summer with the windows down album. This entire album sounds like the opening credits to your favorite movies from 93-97.

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Jun 26 2021
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4

Husker Du frontman Bob Mould had always married hardcore to a pop sensibility, but when he established Sugar, he reversed the emphasis and focused on pure pop with the energy of hardcore. My awareness of this album at the time was focused on the three hits from the album, A Good Idea, If I Can Change Your Mind, and Changes, so I wasn't overly impressed. Fortunately, these are probably the three weakest tracks, tending towards heavy handed and obvious pop tropes. As for the rest of the album, it's remarkably consistent. The songcraft, arrangements and performances range from very good to excellent, but what really makes Sugar and Copper Blue stand out is the hypnotic, trance inducing quality of the overall sound. Whenever possible, Bob Mould uses drones, pedal points, and moderate levels of distortion to create an appealing meditative quality, even on the hardest rocking tunes. I'll subtract a half point for the hits (which actually work better in the context of the album than as stand alone tunes) and the misguided synthy prologue of Hoover Dam, but this is really good stuff.

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Jan 24 2021
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3

Nice little lesser known gem from the era. Cool that it's on the list. Sounds like some thing between Nirvana, The Pixies, and Dinosaur Jr., with a dash of XTC thrown in for that pop element/vocal delivery that almost gets gleefully overdone at points? I feel like "A Good Idea" (which sounds like a Pixies outtake) is the standout track here by far and nothing else can quite touch it on the rest of the album. Definitely some unexpected/interesting sonic touches throughout that I didn't expect. 3.5 rounded down to 3.

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Jan 29 2024
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5

Man, maybe I just am too much of a sucker for the 90s, but this really brought me back to high school and college, and makes me mad I didn't know about Sugar back then. Awesome wall of sound, and just general groove to these songs. Probably being a little generous with the 5, but since there is no 4.5, we are rounding up.

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Oct 12 2022
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5

Sentimentality has arrived! I had a friend whose roommate was blasting random songs on his stereo, he was all bummed about a breakup, and "A Good Idea" came on, and I was like what is this who is this omg omg. He let me borrow the cd and I wore this thing out. This album is so emblematic of the best of the alt rock sound of the early 90's, it's got some serious rockin' tracks, some grooves, some bizarre lyrics that maybe are stupid nonsense or maybe I'm just stupid and don't get it, and of course I would assume the latter.

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Nov 18 2021
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5

This album is for a big part responsible for the fact there is always a slight annoying buzz in my ears nowadays (together with that one time I saw Mogwai and I'd forgotten my earplugs). I played this album so much on my Walkman when it came out and so loud. And despite its negative effects all those years later I don't really regret doing it. This is an album best experienced loud. You need to feel that big wall of guitars, it makes those brilliant, catchy melodies even more impactful. This album is the perfect combination of aggression/speed/volume/punk and sweet/melody/harmony/pop. (A bit strange but, at the time, it didn't really make me want to seek out Hüsker Dü and I still vastly prefer this version of Bob Mould). 10/10

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Mar 01 2021
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5

I still can play "If I can't change Your mind" on guitar.

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Apr 19 2021
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3

A very dated sounding album and not in a good way

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Feb 10 2023
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5

Fantastic album, the genius of Bob Mould

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Jan 09 2023
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5

Brilliant return from Bob Mould -a great songwriter Loved Husker Dü always melodic These songs pull that forward plus plus Every song is a cracker Some great break up songs … beautifully dark in places Solid album - I played and played it - 30 years ago 😳

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Dec 29 2022
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5

No, Bob Mould didn't rip off The Pixies or Nirvana. In fact both of those bands have copped to being influenced by Mould's previous band Hüsker Dü. Sugar was Mould's return to the power trio format after a couple of pretty great solo albums. Perfect loud power pop, If I Can't Change Your Mind is an all timer, Changes, Helpless and Hoover Dam are also highlights.

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Oct 13 2022
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5

Sounds like Pearl Jam, but like with a heavy pop-rock sound. I can definitely see the appeal of a band like this. This definitely is pop-punk and grunge put together, and is like a heavier version of what Green Day was doing at the same time. OK, fine, I think I love this album, it has like the jingle-jangle sound with the pop punk and the grunge, and that's pretty good; I'm a sucker for a melodic rock record, especially ones that can be McCartney-esque at times.

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Jul 31 2022
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5

What a great rock album! The dynamics are there, diversity of songs, some more folk and pop while the others more grunge, a very cool guitar song, vocals similar to REM, and all in a great run time. Nirvana is the gold standard for 90s rock, but these guys bring a fantastic rock album to the list.

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Aug 23 2021
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5

Played the shit out of this and still go back to every two years or so for a full listen

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Aug 24 2021
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5

Haiku Tuesday: ### Minneapolis Sound alt punk rock tones of home It ain’t Seattle ### Another album I remember buying (CD) back at the Electric Fetus. Little Tommy Dyke probably heard this at least once while getting his diaper changed in 1994😃. Great album that dropped out of my rotation over 20 years ago - great to hear again, because I think this is the quintessential “Minneapolis sound”. Well orchestrated angst permeated hooks. You feel like you’re accomplishing something good for humanity just by listening…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Mar 24 2021
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5

Best album ever. Seriously getting some weeper vibes and Dave grohl sounding vocals. I listened to this twice.

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Jul 04 2021
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5

I didn't need to listen to rate, but I did because I love this album so much. I had it in constant rotation when it was released. These are my favorite kind of songs. Dark lyrics, happy music. And so much personal storytelling. These songs make me so happy. And I have always love his guitar playing.

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May 10 2024
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4

a lot of bands had this sound at this time, but to be fair, the music was catchy. i was not familiar with bob mould’s work… not this band nor his previous band hüsker dü, although i have heard both of those bands name checked before. i may need to do a deep dive into his other work. great album. highlights: “a good idea” “the slim” “slick”

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Mar 16 2023
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4

Hi! It's me! Lover of 90's alt and grunge! This album fits right in to my likes - a blast from the past! The sound is a mix of many of the bands I enjoy from that time, especially REM, The Barenaked Ladies and Gin Blossoms. Liked some of the heavier sound with the lighter melodies. Album is consistent all the way through, second half even better. Great lyrics throughout. Definitely a product of it's time, maybe a little generic sounding, but it's my happy place. I will listen to more of Bob Mould's stuff. Fave Songs: Hoover Dam, The Slim, Slick

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Jan 17 2022
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4

If you're of a certain age - either a teenager going through heartbreak, or an *cough* older person just being nostalgic for early alt rock - then this album is great. It has the heaviness of Husker Du but also great lyrics and melodies. If you like guitar and heartbreak, you'll love this album. If you don't probably not so much. Best Tracks: The Act We Act; Good Idea; If I Can't Change Your Mind

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Jan 26 2024
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3

I wanted this to be a little better than it was, but still it was pretty good. Felt like classic American rock, in a sort of Wilco vein, if Wilco had drunk a lot of coffee and taken an enormous shit before playing and so felt lighter and a bit happier, or maybe just more satisfied. I admire their way of teasing a rhythm out of a long string of words, just wish it was all slightly more memorable.

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Dec 24 2023
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3

No. 76/1001 The Act We Act 4/5 A Good Idea 3/5 Changes 3/5 Helpless 3/5 Hoover Dam 3/5 The Slim 3/5 If I Can't Change Your Mind 3/5 Fortune Teller 3/5 Slick 2/5 Man on the Moon 2/5 Average: 2,8 Average 90s rock album. There was nothing special here.

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Jun 23 2021
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3

90s Alt Rock. It was okay. Nothing special.

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Apr 13 2021
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3

It's like the Pixies, but not. 1992 so that's about right. I'll give it a three.

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Jul 23 2023
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2

Like R.E.M.'s Document, only smothered in shitty production

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Dec 14 2024
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5

For the thirty-plus years since it's release, "Copper Blue" has been in my "Top Three" must-have albums. I wouldn't last more than a few days on a desert island without it. The listening experience gets even better when "Copper Blue" is paired with its "evil twin" EP, "Beaster", which was released about six months later. Infinite stars for this one. An excellent choice, Mr. Dimery.

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Nov 17 2024
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5

Feels like one of those 90s alternative rock bands I always like so much. More of a poppy feel with the vocals. Not really a dull spot on here and I enjoyed it from start to finish.

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Nov 15 2024
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5

I loved this album. Great rock music from the 90s from a band I’ve never heard of. Alt rock at it’s peak

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Nov 06 2024
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5

1992. Copper Blue is the debut studio album by American alternative rock band Sugar

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Oct 16 2024
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5

Honestly really good. Like a heavy distorition REM

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Oct 07 2024
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5

This site determined to give me grungey vibes the whole way through October at this rate, and I am not opposed!! The opening tracks helped me imagine I was in some coming of age movie credits instead of just sitting at a desk at work

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Sep 20 2024
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5

A perfect time capsule of the mid 90’s. I wasn’t expecting this to be so familiar to me. It’s got a real “soundtrack to summer” vibe.

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Sep 04 2024
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5

Not sure how this one slipped through. I was listening to tons of stuff like this back then. But I'm hearing it now.Thoroughly enjoyable album. I might check out Husker Du while I'm at it.

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Sep 03 2024
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5

Favourite tracks: the act we act; a good idea; changes; helpless; man on the moon

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Jul 15 2024
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5

A surprisingly fun journey of the expanded universe of Bob Mould

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Jul 04 2024
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5

My vote would have gone to another Husker Du album on the list, but all three Sugar albums are great. This one got Hoover Dam, the best Sugar song, and is a proper 5 star album.

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May 03 2024
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5

Heck yeah! Other than Hoover Dam this album is nearly perfect. Hooks galore, loud guitars and that Bob Mould voice. If I Can't Change Your Mind was on so many of my mixtapes back in the day.

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Apr 18 2024
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5

five stars, fantastic album. More bob mould!

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Apr 15 2024
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5

I didn't expect to see this here. This is a phenomenal album. It mustve been hard to follow up Husker Du but Bob Mould knocked it out of the park. If I can't Change Your Mind hits so damn hard if you've ever been in that position and is just insanely catchy too. This ALMOST makes up for the bizarre choice of Warehouse: Songs and Stories while ignoring the true classic Husker Du albums. Almost.

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Mar 12 2024
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5

Is it blasphemous to say that I prefer this album to anything from Husker Du? Well I do! I always that Bob Mould was the punky noisy side of the theam Husker Du team and that Grant Hart was the softer melodious, pop sensibility side. This album calls that into question. Copper Blue is amazing from beginiing to end. Tough but with melodies and hooks and up the wazoo. Side 1 is an absolute tour de force and side 2 offers little let p to the song writing greatness. One of my favorite albums of the 90s. 5 stars

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Mar 08 2024
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5

I love this album, I’ve listened to it sooo many times. Top-to-bottom, play right through every track. It’s a classic as far as I’m concerned.

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Feb 08 2024
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5

I forgot about this record! Brings me back to good times while listening to it. This album and band is the best incarnation of Bob Mould.

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Feb 01 2024
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5

Woah. OK. This is an awful lot poppier than I expected, and that's not a bad thing. I grew up through the birth of grunge, and I knew who Bob Mould was but never listened to either Sugar or Husker Du. I think I missed out.

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Dec 13 2023
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5

Preceded by Black Sheets of Rain and then this which also knocked out Beaster, a remarkable run and fine tuning of THE sound. 👏👏👏

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Dec 03 2023
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5

9/10 love this shit — so catchy I need to hear the deluxe remaster sometime

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Dec 02 2023
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5

Taking me right back to teenager.

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Nov 10 2023
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5

I’ve panned a lot of albums on this list for being all one tone. I concede that Sugar is guilty of this, but I really like this album. I never pieced it together before, but I think the reason I don’t like Smashing Pumpkins is because they aren’t Sugar. Four stars +1 bonus star for the most aggressive tambourine playing ever recorded on a couple of those tracks.

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Oct 29 2023
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5

Brilliantly fills the gap between grunge and britpop, hinting at the sound of Nirvana and oasis, foo fighters and biffy, Pearl jam and stereophonics. A great album I would never have otherwise heard, and exactly the point of doing this (in my opinion)

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Sep 14 2023
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5

The description read like a perfect recipe for what I want to listen to, and the album did not disappoint in the slightest. The marriage of punk power chords and the alternative vocals really works well for me. The album itself feels like it transitions from punk to alternative as it goes on, and I love it. The instrumentation is simply fantastic--I hear REM in here very strongly. Favorite track: Changes

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Aug 07 2023
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5

I really enjoyed this, it had some elements of grunge but also 90s rock - kind of like the Breeders. There were also some moments that reminded me of 70s/80s art rock I.e. XTC which I really liked. I hadn’t heard of this band and was really surprised to see this was Bob Mould’s project. Husked Du came up on this on a previous day and I really didn’t like it, but I found this album to be way better produced, with more variety in the songs. I decided when I started doing this album challenge that I wouldn’t be too shy to give a 5 star rating and considering how much I enjoyed it on the first listen and how there didn’t seem to be any low points I think it qualifies as 5 star album. I will definitely come back to it.

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Jul 02 2023
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5

Excellent next step for Bob Mould post Husker Du. Powerful album

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Jun 30 2023
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5

The best, or at least my favourite post-Husker Du album from Bob Mould's power trio, Sugar. Mould's first couple solo records after Husker Du broke up were subdued and softer, but Mould turns up the volume again with his new band and Copper Blue is a return to melodic, catchy power-pop rock that was evident on the last Du record, Warehouse. Grant Hart and Mould released some decent albums in the 90's, but Copper Blue stands out and is there a better side one, especially the first four songs that open the album, in the 90's? Solid album and I still play it often!

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Jun 28 2023
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5

Perhaps it sounds similar to other alt-rock albums at the time and not as original as his previous work but damn I love this album. Loud fuzzy guitar and I really like the way his vocals were recorded on this.

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Jun 28 2023
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5

Mould is one of my favorite singer/songwriter/guitarists of all time. I can’t even recall how many times I’ve seen him from Hüsker Dü to solo to Sugar to solo again… This record has everything I love about his work. Full of hooks and also hard edged, moody or dark. Signature electric guitar growl but sometimes with jangly 12 string behind it, multi tracked harmonized vocals and such a full soundstage. This a super easy 5⭐️.

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Jun 28 2023
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5

This is a great record. It captures the energy of the early Husker Du records and blends them with the 90s sound. Its surprising to see how well this works compared to the last Husker Du record.

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Jun 28 2023
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5

It's very good. There are certain singers/artists that are just special and Mould is one of them. Sure, it's early 90s alt distilled into a single album, but there's nothing wrong with that, that sound the crunchy then jangly guitars, the severe overdubs, etc, are all part of the charm. Also I hear a lot of influences for more popular music (espcially early Foo Fighters) on this album. Sort of how you can tell how much The Pixies influenced Nirvana, I feel Grohl must have had this album on repeat when he was creating writing.

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Jun 10 2023
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5

Zalige ontdekking! Beetje Foo Fighters avant la lettre. Enorm van genoten

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Feb 23 2023
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5

Loved this album! A true fusion of the top rock bands of the 90s. Reminded me a mix of Manic Street Preachers, a bit of REM with some slightly heavier surprises added in. Great stuff.

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Sep 20 2022
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5

Good old rock, a vintage classic sound. Very satisfying find

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Jan 13 2022
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5

Uno de los mejores discos de los 90.

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Dec 19 2024
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4

Sometimes you feel like a real dummy. When I was in sixth grade, “dark side of the moon” was probably my favorite album. Did I explore any more of Pink Floyd’s catalog? No, I did not. I probably did not know a single other song they did—except the “teachers leave those kids alone” song that got radio play—until college. This has proven to be a mistake. (If you, dear reader, have not heard of this obscure art-rock band called “Pink Floyd,” you should change that.) So it is here. I love Bob Mould’s solo stuff (especially the sunshine rock album). I don’t love Husker Du, exactly, but it’s fine enough. Did I ever ask, “hey did Bob Mould do anything for the, like, 20 years in between those projects?” Nope! Stupid. Dumb. [insert saved by the bell gif]. “Did Bob Mould, grunge grandfather, play music in the 90s, the grunge golden age?” What an obvious question to ask, he said, wondering why he never asked it. Anyway, I loved this from the first minute, obviously. I was singing along to helpless the first time I heard it; that’s undeniably catchy. This is like pure nostalgia for an experience I never had in the 90s but, at the same time, kinda did listening to Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, etc.

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Dec 15 2024
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4

I thought I had never heard of these guys, but I had heard "Helpless" and "If I Can't Change Your Mind" before. This project is turning me into a Bob Mould appreciator, I'll definitely throw this on next time I'm in a pop punk kinda mood.

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Dec 05 2024
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4

## In-Depth Review of *Copper Blue* by Sugar Released on September 4, 1992, *Copper Blue* marks the debut studio album of the alternative rock band Sugar, led by former Hüsker Dü frontman Bob Mould. The album is widely acclaimed for its powerful blend of melodic rock and punk energy, showcasing Mould's evolution as a songwriter and musician. This review will delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence while also discussing its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrics of *Copper Blue* are characterized by their emotional depth and complexity. Mould's writing often juxtaposes upbeat melodies with darker themes, creating a sense of irony that resonates throughout the album. - **Emotional Resonance**: Songs like "The Slim" tackle heavy subjects such as loss and grief, reflecting the impact of the AIDS crisis on personal relationships. The lyric "when you left with your death I felt empty" encapsulates profound sorrow and helplessness, making it one of the most poignant tracks on the album. - **Universal Themes**: Many lyrics are gender-neutral, allowing listeners to connect with the emotions regardless of their backgrounds. This approach is evident in "If I Can't Change Your Mind," which explores themes of love and longing while maintaining a relatable perspective. - **Irony and Contrast**: Tracks such as "Hoover Dam" feature upbeat instrumentals that contrast sharply with darker lyrical content. Lines like "if you've made a deal with the guy with the horns and the cape I'll see you later, babe" suggest themes of despair masked by a seemingly celebratory sound. Overall, Mould's ability to weave intricate narratives within his songs contributes significantly to the album's lasting impact. ### Music Musically, *Copper Blue* is marked by its rich textures and dynamic arrangements. The album showcases a blend of power pop and alternative rock that was influential in shaping the sound of early '90s music. - **Instrumentation**: The interplay between Mould's guitar work, David Barbe's bass lines, and Malcolm Travis's drumming creates a full-bodied sound that is both punchy and melodic. Tracks like "Changes" feature chiming guitars and glockenspiel that evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining an edge. - **Production Quality**: Produced by Bob Mould and Lou Giordano, the album benefits from meticulous production that enhances its sonic depth. The use of multi-tracking for vocals adds layers to Mould's singing, allowing for a more robust sound compared to his previous work with Hüsker Dü. - **Variety in Sound**: Each track offers something unique, from the driving rhythms of "Helpless" to the expansive soundscapes in "Hoover Dam." The diversity in musical styles keeps listeners engaged throughout the album. ### Production The production of *Copper Blue* is one of its standout features. Mould’s collaboration with Giordano resulted in an album that sounds polished yet retains an organic feel. - **Layered Soundscapes**: The production employs various techniques to create depth. For instance, reverse sounds and different guitar textures add complexity to tracks without overwhelming them. - **Balanced Dynamics**: The album successfully balances loud and soft passages, allowing for moments of introspection amidst energetic bursts. This dynamic range is exemplified in songs like "Slick," which starts with a quirky sound before transitioning into more aggressive sections. - **Influence of Grunge**: The production style reflects the emerging grunge sound of the early '90s, influenced by albums like Nirvana's *Nevermind*. Mould himself acknowledged this influence, stating that it opened up new avenues for his songwriting[4]. ### Themes Thematically, *Copper Blue* navigates a landscape filled with heartbreak, loss, and introspection while simultaneously celebrating resilience and hope. - **Heartbreak and Loss**: Many songs explore personal relationships strained by deception or loss. The recurring motif of emotional struggle resonates deeply throughout tracks like "The Act We Act" and "Helpless." - **Existential Reflection**: Songs such as "Hoover Dam" delve into feelings of insignificance against larger existential questions. The lyrics invite listeners to ponder their place in the world while grappling with personal demons. - **Resilience**: Despite its darker themes, there is an underlying current of resilience in tracks like "If I Can't Change Your Mind." This duality—between despair and hope—creates a rich listening experience that invites reflection. ### Influence *Coper Blue* has had a significant impact on both contemporary music and subsequent generations of artists. - **Pioneering Sound**: The album helped define the alternative rock sound that would dominate the '90s. Its blend of punk energy with melodic sensibilities influenced bands like Foo Fighters and Weezer. - **Critical Acclaim**: It has been included in numerous lists celebrating essential albums, such as *NME*’s Album of the Year in 1992. Its recognition speaks to its enduring quality and relevance in music history[4]. - **Cultural Legacy**: Mould’s work with Sugar paved the way for more introspective songwriting within rock music, encouraging artists to explore vulnerability through their lyrics. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Emotional Depth**: The lyrics resonate on multiple levels, inviting listeners to engage deeply with their themes. - **Musical Diversity**: Each track offers something unique musically while maintaining cohesion as an album. - **High Production Quality**: The polished yet organic production enhances the listening experience without detracting from raw emotion. - **Influential Sound**: Helped shape alternative rock music in the '90s; its legacy continues to inspire new artists today. #### Cons - **Niche Appeal**: While critically acclaimed, some listeners may find its themes too dark or specific to resonate fully. - **Comparative Lack of Hits**: Unlike some contemporaries who produced multiple chart-topping singles, *Copper Blue* has fewer standout radio hits. - **Potential Overproduction**: Some purists might argue that certain tracks are overly polished compared to Mould’s earlier work with Hüsker Dü. ### Conclusion In conclusion, *Copper Blue* stands as a landmark achievement in Bob Mould's career and alternative rock as a whole. Its masterful blend of poignant lyrics, diverse musical styles, high production quality, and thematic richness has cemented its place in music history. While it may not appeal universally due to its darker themes or niche sound, its influence on subsequent generations remains undeniable. As both a product of its time and a timeless piece of art, *Copper Blue* continues to resonate with listeners who appreciate emotional honesty wrapped in compelling melodies.

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Dec 01 2024
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4

I thought I was in for a long listen after first track, the rest I loved.

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Nov 20 2024
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4

another alt rock album from a forgotten band... it's always fascinating to listen to bands that i've never heard of till now, and i was pleasantly surprised with what i heard. a very melodic and somewhat muddy rock album, when the album first started i didn't think it was anything special, but the more i listened the more i ended up tapping my foot to some of the tunes. some diamonds in the rough here.

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Nov 11 2024
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4

Sugar just so happened to be what Bob Mould needed. After developing the land that future alternative rock acts would settle on with his band Hüsker Dü, Mould knew he needed a change of pace. The success of Nirvana's Nevermind and the construction of Bob's new band's Copper Blue was what resulted. Copper Blue is, perhaps, more intense and heartfelt and earnest than what the Dü had done before, which sounds like a high bar that could not be cleared but alas. The songs that make up Copper Blue, and the performances by the members involved, is a good enough indicator of what was now possible in the mainstream rock world and it was the prior efforts of the frontman that made it happen in the first place. Favorites: The Act We Act, A Good Idea, Changes, Hoover Dam, The Slim, If I Can't Change Your Mind, Fortune Teller, Slick.

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Nov 08 2024
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4

I'm a big fan of Hüsker Dü, so it's no shock I liked this. It's so sonically close, it feels like an extension of HD. I really like albums like this, where you can draw a straight line from hardcore punk into this softer, gentler sound. It keeps punk sensibilities while exploring a more accessible sound. The clavichord and organ on Hoover Dam give the song a huge boost. Anyone claiming these songs all sound the same probably just didn't listen close enough.

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Nov 07 2024
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4

Pretty cool. Some obvious Husker vibes since Mould sang and wrote all the songs. More melodic than a lot of Husker Du songs but the songs still have hard edges. Quite enjoyable although maybe a bit dated now as it sounds very early 90s. That is a plus for me but might not work for others. Whatever, it’s all subjective.

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Oct 31 2024
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4

ez actually sokkal jobban tetszik mint az előző, de azért csak majdnem ötös. :D ezt fogom még hallgatni tho 😎

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Oct 24 2024
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4

good album, enjoyable Alternative rock inspired by Nevermind, but takes it in an indie direction.

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Oct 24 2024
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4

A good, surprising discovery. I knew Bob Mould continued on after Hüsker Dü, but I didn't realize he had put together something that echoed his old band as much as this. The result is a nice collection of heavy power pop songs, although a bit overproduced, that bring to mind the likes of Knapsack/The Jealous Sound, Archers of Loaf, Superchunk, and Pavement. Mould has an odd knack for melody, unique tectures, and, at times, the unusual chord changes which can make the listener feel a bit uneasy. I'm here for it. Copper Blue is a bit of the forgotten gem.

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Sep 30 2024
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4

Cool, wel beetje te poppy voor mij

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Sep 27 2024
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4

Pop punk before there was pop punk.

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Sep 25 2024
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4

Solid stuff from the former Husker Du frontman. Nice slice of 90s alt rock with some grunge and a dash of post punk thrown in. I still wish Zen Arcade was in this book but I have no problem with this and I will listen again.

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Sep 25 2024
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4

Hey look, it's Smashmouth before Smashmouth! Haha, because I know Smashmouth so much more, this felt derivative, but I think Smashmouth is the derivative one. Anyway, this was an enjoyable listen.

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