Farm

Dinosaur Jr.
Farm
8 out of 10

Many bands over the years have broken up for various reasons, some pleasantly, others acrimoniously. Dinosaur Jr. had one of indie rocks major bad breakups. Fronted by guitarist J. Mascis and supported by Lou Barlow on bass and Murph on drums, Dinosaur Jr.'s early releases were classics of the indie rock genre, channeling a potent mixture of Neil Young-like strong song writing and blistering Sonic Youth-like guitar squall, all topped with the laconically laid back vocals of Mascis. After two deservedly labeled masterpieces, You're Living All Over Me and Bug, Mascis and Barlow were barely speaking and Mascis told Barlow he was breaking the band up, then the following the day, reforming without Barlow. Dinosaur Jr.'s 90s output was respectable but lacked the spark that made its 80s releases so special.

Fast forward to 2005, and Mascis, in anticipation of the reissue of Dinosaur Jr.'s first three cds, announced the original lineup with Barlow, would reform and tour in support of the releases. Even more shocking was the announcement in 2007 that the original lineup would release a brand new release, the amazing Beyond. It was a natural progression from their early incarnation and stands toe to toe with those classic cds. Now their latest cd Farm has been released and amazingly there is no loss in quality and again is another classic.

First single "Over It" is classic Dinosaur Jr. Slacker melody over squonky guitars. The video is one of the most feel good videos you will see this year, showing a good amount of camaraderie between the band members:



Mascis' song writing and guitar playing is sturdy throughout. I have never been a huge fan of guitar solos, but Mascis uses them not as a way to show of his technique but more to add texture and emotion to the underlying mood of the song. This is really shown in two of the standout tracks, "Said The People" and "I Don't Wanna Go There." The latter song has an almost 4 minute solo at the end that is just achingly brilliant.



There is a nice mix of songs on the cd, from the pure rock of "Pieces" and "There's No Here," delightful pop of "Over It" and "See You" to moodier numbers like "Oceans in the Way" and one of my favorite songs, the Barlow penned number "Your Weather."

While Farm lacks Beyond's shock of being so brilliant, it really is a stronger release lyrically and musically. Time will tell if Mascis and Barlow will be able to maintain their friendship long enough to continue touring and making great music. I believe the next cd, should there be one, will not have the razor eyed view that Farm has been given, and will be taken on its merits as merely another great cd to put in the Dinosaur Jr. canon.