Life and Times
Bob Mould · 2009
36 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A raw blend of power pop and punk energy, layered with introspective lyrics and a dynamic sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Life and Times Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of personal reflection and nostalgia, featuring a catchy melody that resonates with listeners.
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Wasted World — This track stands out for its driving rhythm and poignant lyrics about disillusionment, perfectly embodying Mould's knack for merging emotion with powerful instrumentation.
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I'm Sorry, Baby, but You Can't Stand in My Light Any More — This song showcases Mould's lyrical wit and confrontational style, making it a standout moment on the album that delivers both intensity and clarity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic instrumentation with introspective lyrics, creating a compelling yet familiar sound.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a driving mid-tempo energy, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued tone with its slower pace.
- Several songs feature layered guitar riffs that create a dense soundscape, particularly in 'Wasted World' and 'Lifetime'.
- The album's lyrics often reflect personal struggles and introspection, contrasting with the upbeat instrumentation in many tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- urgent melodies for personal introspection
- short sessions of emotional release
- cohesive flow through personal struggle
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat dance tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases Mould's blend of power pop and punk, but not widely recognized as essential.
- Themes
- personal reflection· disillusioned nostalgia· confrontational wit
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Life and Times marked Bob Mould's first album in four years, following his 2005 release, Body of Song. At this point in his career, Mould was transitioning back into solo work after a period spent exploring collaborations and other musical directions. This album represents a return to his roots, showcasing his signature sound while reflecting personal themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hüsker Dü· Sugar· Jawbreaker
Tracklist
- 1 Life and Times Start here 4:11
- 2 The Breach 3:45
- 3 City Lights (Days Go By) 3:45
- 4 MM 17 3:39
- 5 Argos 2:03
- 6 Bad Blood Better 3:46
- 7 Wasted World 4:00
- 8 Spiraling Down 3:08
- 9 I'm Sorry, Baby, but You Can't Stand in My Light Any More 3:11
- 10 Lifetime 4:46
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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