That a song like “You Think I’m Scared” was left off Hüsker Dü’s 1983 EP Metal Circus says a lot about the sheer quality and output of the St. Paul, Minnesota band at the time.
In under a minute, the three-piece spit a caustic shot at the thuggish violence rising in the hardcore scene as guitarist Bob Mould screams, “You just want to smash my face, You just want to kick my head”. But it’s the matter-of-fact way he says, “You bet I’m scared” that makes the song. As it distances the band from other, less sensitive acts of the time, it also hints at a nuanced ear for melody that came to define Hüsker Dü’s later work.
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Recorded at Total Access studios in Redondo Beach, California in January 1982, the Metal Circus sessions included some of drummer Grant Hart’s, who sadly, recently passed away, best tracks such as “It’s Not Funny Anymore” and “Diane”.
But “You Think I’m Scared”, along with “Heavy Handed,” “Won’t Change,” “Is Today The Day?” and “Standing At The Sea” were left on the cutting room floor.
Though several would leak out on bootlegs over the years, a previously thought-to-be-lost safety master turned up in the process of making Savage Young Dü, a new compilation of early Hüsker Dü material. Now the five tracks has been released digitally as Extra Circus.
Initially announced as a limited bonus 7″ available with pre-orders of the Savage Young Dü box set. Following Hart’s death it has been made available digitally through Bandcamp.
Listen to them below and be reminded of why Hüsker Dü’ remain one of the most powerful and influential punk bands ever.
‘Extra Circus’ is available now from Bandcamp.
