Dinosaur Jr: Farm
Dinosaur Jr release the incredible Farm
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Tuesday, 16, Jun 2009 12:41
P.I.A.S, out June 22nd.
In a nutshell...
Absolutely incredible.
What's it all about?
Following a less than pleasant break-up many years ago, which saw lead singer/guitarist J Mascis take to making records largely on his own Dinosaur Jr follow up 2007 album Beyond with Farm.
Who's it by?
Lou Barlow, J Masics and Murph made up their 'differences' (by 'differences' we of course mean 'publicly announcing they wanted to kill each other') in 2005, and essentially picked up where they left off.
As an example...
"I got nothing left to be , do you have some plans for me."- Plans
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
Given the fact Dinosaur Jr must be amongst the least photogenic band of all time (witness J Mascis and his slow transformation into a crazy old woman), so chances of the red carpet treatment seem slim, sadly.
What the others say
"Only current fans will find anything exciting in this new album." - Clash Music
"This album sounds as alive as ever with the guitars demanding the loudest possible setting on your stereo." - Under the Radar
So is it any good?
In an ideal world, nothing need be said in a review of a new album by Dinosaur Jr. The general public would just go and buy it in droves, you'd hear it pumping out of every car window and shop, and the country would grow long hair and kick living hell out of the hordes of crappy Topshop styled bands that have been allowed to exist for far too long.
Sadly, we don't live in an ideal world, and the new record from Dinosaur Jr will be largely brushed past, in favour of something in the right clothes.
Given Dinosaur Jr and their chequered past, the fact they still continue to make music as tight, controlled and peerless as this is nothing short of thrilling. The magic of old is still very present in moments such as I Don't Wanna Go There, and the fully justified nine minutes of speaker bothering racket that it throws up.
Where Dinosaur Jr have always succeeded is there sense of mystery. Seemingly press and publicity shy, lead singer and guitarist J Mascis adds to his cracked and damaged vocal style by unveiling hints of serious heartbreak and depression that can't be confirmed with reference to tatty interviews. Witness Plans for evidence of this, J offering up his best vocals in years over arguably, Dinosaur Jr's best tune in years. It's an album highlight, and one of the best tracks you'll hear all year.
Credit, however should not be laid completly at the feet of Mascis, when put alongside bassist/singer Lou Barlow and drummer Murph, both of whom are talents at the top of their respective games. When Barlow takes vocals on album closer Imagination Blind for instance, Dinosaur Jr take on a further dimension, Barlow's voice adding a new dimension to the band.
Whilst the temptation to wax lyrical about the band and their latest record for thousands of words seems almost overwhelming, all that really can be said is that proof of the pudding really should be in the eating. A purchase of this album is essential, if only to keep boring little men such as myself from talking your ear off about the reasons you should.
9/10
Tom Williams