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Dinosaur Jr.

From Alfawiki
Dinosaur Jr.
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1984
FounderJ Mascis, Lou Barlow, Murph
Headquarters
Amherst
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, singles

Dinosaur Jr. is a rock group originating from Amherst, Massachusetts, established in 1984 by J Mascis (guitar, vocals, chief songwriter), Lou Barlow (bass, vocals), and Murph (drums). Following three releases on independent labels, the band emerged as a significant force in American alternative rock. Due to internal creative conflicts, Mascis dismissed Barlow, who went on to create Sebadoh and Folk Implosion. Mike Johnson succeeded Barlow for three albums under major labels. After Murph's departure, Mascis took over drumming duties until the band's dissolution in 1997. The original members reunited in 2005 and have since produced five additional albums.

Mascis’s unique guitar tone and relaxed vocal style—deeply influenced by classic rock from the 1960s and 1970s and characterized by extensive use of feedback and distortion—played a crucial role in shaping the alternative rock soundscape of the 1990s.

Origins

In 1982, Mascis and Barlow were members of the hardcore punk outfit Deep Wound, with Mascis on drums and Barlow on guitar; the band formed while they were still in high school in western Massachusetts. After graduation, their musical direction shifted toward slower yet still intense sounds inspired by acts like Black Sabbath, the Replacements, and Neil Young. Mascis's college acquaintance Gerard Cosloy introduced him to psychedelic pop groups such as Dream Syndicate, which he shared with Barlow. Reflecting on their influences, Barlow said, "We loved speed metal... and we loved wimpy-jangly stuff."

Deep Wound dissolved by mid-1984. Cosloy, who had left the University of Massachusetts Amherst to manage his label Homestead Records, promised Mascis that he would release his album if one was recorded. Mascis composed several tracks independently before inviting Barlow to join as bassist. Barlow described the songs as "...incredibly brilliant... They were on an entirely different level. I was still focused on simple two-chord songs and basic themes like 'I'm so sad.' While I was wrapped up in my own little drama, J was exploring a much broader musical landscape." To complete the lineup, Mascis brought in vocalist Charlie Nakajima (also formerly of Deep Wound) and drummer Emmett Patrick Murphy (Murph), describing their style as "ear-bleeding country."

Initially performing under the name Mogo, their debut concert took place at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in September 1984. After Nakajima launched into a lengthy anti-police rant during this show, Mascis disbanded the group immediately. He then invited Barlow and Murph to form a new band without Nakajima. This trio adopted the name Dinosaur, sharing lead vocal duties between Mascis and Barlow.

Dinosaur

Dinosaur quickly became known for their extremely loud performances around Amherst; however, this intensity alienated many listeners and upset venue owners, leading to bans from all but one local establishment. Consequently, they began performing outside their hometown, including shows at New York’s CBGB and Boston’s the Channel, which increased their visibility. While opening for Big Black at Hoboken’s Maxwell's, they crossed paths with Sonic Youth.

Accepting Cosloy’s proposal, Dinosaur recorded their first album for $500 at a home studio near Northampton, Massachusetts. Released in 1985 by Homestead Records, Dinosaur consisted entirely of Mascis-penned tracks with his distinct nasal vocal delivery often likened to Neil Young’s style. Despite this unique sound, the album sold roughly 1,500 copies during its initial year and attracted minimal critical notice.

Although Sonic Youth were initially unimpressed by Dinosaur's earliest live show they witnessed, repeated exposure over several months converted them into fans. They subsequently invited Dinosaur to join their tour across the American Northeast and northern Midwest in September 1986.

Template:Proper name and the band's renaming

Dinosaur recorded the majority of their sophomore album, [[Template:Proper name]], in New York with Sonic Youth's engineer Wharton Tiers. Creative friction emerged between Mascis and Murph, primarily because Mascis tightly controlled the drum arrangements. Barlow remembered, "J micromanaged every drumbeat from Murph... and Murph couldn't cope with that." Although Gerard Cosloy was enthusiastic about the album, he was disappointed when Mascis opted to release it through California-based SST Records, turning down a two-album offer from Homestead. After finishing the record, Mascis relocated to New York, which left the rest of the band feeling somewhat isolated.

Released in 1987, Template:Proper name garnered more recognition within the indie-rock scene than their debut. Early copies from the Boston area included the Weed Forestin' cassette, which was Barlow's debut with his side project Sebadoh. Barlow contributed two tracks to the album: the hardcore-inspired "Lose" and the acoustic number "Poledo," both hinting at his future work with Sebadoh.

After the album's release, a supergroup called Dinosaurs, consisting of former members from Country Joe and the Fish, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Hot Tuna, the Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane, filed a lawsuit over the band's name. This legal challenge led to the addition of "Jr." to Dinosaur's name.

Bug and Barlow's exit

Dinosaur Jr. found considerable success in the UK market with their 1988 single "Freak Scene", which climbed to number 4 on the UK independent chart and remained there for 12 weeks. Their third studio album, Bug, followed shortly after, dominating the UK indie chart for 38 weeks. The band made their first appearance on the UK singles chart in 1989 with a cover of the Cure's "Just Like Heaven."

While Bug maintained a sound reminiscent of Template:Proper name, it introduced more melodic and traditional song structures. Barlow provided lead vocals only on the final track, which incorporated noise-rock influences and featured his shouted line "Why don't you like me?" Mascis took over lead vocals on all other songs and exercised tighter creative control by composing parts for both Murph and Barlow. Despite its acclaim, Mascis later described Bug as his least favorite album.

Rising tensions between Mascis and Barlow began to hinder progress. Following the Bug tour in 1989, Barlow was dismissed and concentrated on his work with Sebadoh. His 1991 release Sebadoh III contains "The Freed Pig," a track expressing his grievances toward Mascis.

During an Australian tour, Donna Dresch stepped in for Barlow. In 1990, Dinosaur Jr. issued "The Wagon" via Sub Pop, marking their first release without Barlow. For a brief period, guitarist Don Fleming and drummer Jay Spiegel from Gumball joined Mascis and Murph in the lineup.

Major label era

Despite internal changes, Dinosaur Jr. secured a contract with Sire Records in 1990 and debuted on a major label with Green Mind in 1991. The album was predominantly Mascis's effort; he overdubbed many drum parts himself since Murph and others had limited involvement and departed before its release. For live performances supporting Green Mind, Mascis enlisted Van Conner and Mike Johnson on bass, touring alongside notable bands such as Nirvana.

In 1991, Sire put out the EP Whatever's Cool with Me, which included B-sides along with one new track. The following year, Dinosaur Jr. participated in the Rollercoaster Tour, sharing the stage with the Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine, and Blur. Their live sets were well-received amid the shifting musical landscape of the early ’90s.

Recording sessions for Where You Been saw full contributions from Murph and Johnson, who provided drums, bass lines, vocals, and guitar solos. This album represented a commercial high point for Dinosaur Jr.: its single Start Choppin reached the UK top 20; meanwhile, the album itself hit top 10 in the UK and top 50 in the US charts. The song "Out There" gained rotation on MTV’s 120 Minutes. Musically, it fused accessible elements with a return to their original power-trio style.

Following the tour supporting Where You Been, Murph departed and George Berz replaced him for live performances; at this stage, Mascis remained as the only founding member. Subsequent albums were largely recorded solo by Mascis, who handled most instruments alongside Mike Johnson contributing bass and some vocals. The band continued to find commercial success with 1994’s Without a Sound, which performed well on US and UK charts. Its lead single "Feel the Pain" became their highest-charting track (No. 4 on Alternative Airplay, No. 25 in UK). However, 1997’s Hand It Over suffered from inadequate label support; Mascis acknowledged it lacked a standout "hit single," although "Take a Run at the Sun" achieved modest UK chart placement. Due to poor promotion and low attendance during tours, Mascis retired Dinosaur Jr.’s name after one final televised performance before launching solo projects under J Mascis + The Fog.

2005 reunion and subsequent activities

In the early 2000s, Mascis and Barlow began mending their relationship, which led to joint performances in London in 2002 alongside members of The Stooges. By 2004, Mascis had reacquired the master rights to their first three albums from SST Records and reissued them through Merge Records in 2005. That same year, Mascis and Barlow reunited for a benefit concert, reviving their initial project, Deep Wound.

The original lineup appeared together on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson in April 2005, followed by a tour across Europe. During a New York show in 2006, their gear was stolen; later that year, they took on the role of curators for the All Tomorrow's Parties event.

Dinosaur Jr. returned with the release of Beyond in 2007 via Fat Possum Records, marking their first trio album since 1988's Bug. The album received critical praise for combining their signature noisy style with production qualities reminiscent of the '90s, debuting at number 69 on the Billboard 200 chart.

In February 2009, the band inked a deal with indie label Jagjaguwar. Their inaugural release under this label was Farm, launched on June 23, 2009. Recorded at Mascis’s residence, it signaled a return to the heavier sound characteristic of the Where You Been period. This album achieved their highest U.S. chart position to date, reaching number 29 on the Billboard 200, and was promoted through a performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Their follow-up Jagjaguwar album, I Bet on Sky, arrived in September 2012 to positive critical reception. Recording sessions for its successor commenced in December 2015, culminating in the release of Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not on August 5, 2016.

In February 2019, "Over Your Shoulder," originally from their 1994 album Without a Sound, unexpectedly climbed to number 18 on Japan’s Billboard charts after being featured on Japanese television.

February 2021 saw Dinosaur Jr. announce their twelfth studio album, Sweep It Into Space, which was released on April 23 after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Preceding the album were singles "I Ran Away" and "Garden," both accompanied by music videos. A North American tour was scheduled for late 2021 through early 2022.

In 2024, Dinosaur Jr., along with The Flaming Lips, served as opening acts for Weezer during their Voyage to the Blue Planet tour. Additionally, the band revealed plans for a summer American tour in 2025 featuring support from Snail Mail.

Musical style and influences

Dinosaur Jr.'s musical approach encompasses alternative rock,[1] indie rock,[1][2][3] noise rock,[4][5] early hardcore punk,[6] and early '90s grunge.[7][8][9]

Their sound is distinguished by a fusion of classic rock elements with intense feedback, high volume levels, dynamic shifts between loud and quiet passages, and Mascis’s signature droning vocal style.[10] Music journalist Byron Coley described their music as an "orgone cloud of noise-terror."[11]

Gerald Cosloy of Homestead Records characterized their work as an innovative blend that defies categorization as either pop or punk but remains entirely distinctive.[12]

Among their influences are bands such as Meat Puppets,[13] Neil Young, Black Sabbath,[14] The Birthday Party,[15] Sonic Youth,[16] Green on Red, Dream Syndicate, and Throbbing Gristle.[17]

Their music combines an effortless coolness with bursts of guitar-driven noise.[18] Mascis’s fondness for classic rock artists like The Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys played a significant role in shaping their sound,[19] alongside punk influences including Nick Cave’s Birthday Party.[6] Their albums are notable for heavy feedback distortion at elevated volumes—a production choice Mascis insisted upon despite SST Records’ reservations.[20]

Barlow’s bass work integrates distorted fast-paced chords with throbbing low-end lines inspired by hardcore punk legends Lemmy and Johnny Ramone.[21][22]

Mascis’s vocal delivery often incorporates vocal fry—a "whiny low-key drawl" influenced by John Fogerty and Mick Jagger,[12] although he has contested frequent comparisons to Neil Young.[23] His laid-back singing style embodies the band's slacker persona.[24]

Legacy

Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic recognized Dinosaur Jr. as "among the most unique and influential alternative bands of the 1980s," highlighting their role in reestablishing the lead guitar's significance in indie rock, alongside contemporaries like the Pixies. BBC critic Zoe Street praised their reissued works as "remarkably ahead of their era." Additionally, The Seattle Times identified them as one of post-punk’s most impactful groups.

The band's impact resonates through a variety of musicians, including Kurt Cobain, Billy Corgan, Radiohead, Slowdive, Mudhoney, Tad, Superchunk, Doug Martsch of Built to Spill, Kevin Shields from My Bloody Valentine, Ride, Aidan Moffat of Arab Strap, Swervedriver, Uncle Tupelo, Evan Dando, Tom DeLonge, Band of Horses, and Kurt Vile.

Their album Template:Proper name is frequently hailed as a foundational indie rock masterpiece—often described as "the first flawless indie rock album," featured in Spin’s compilation of the "300 Best Albums of the Past 30 Years," and positioned at number 40 on Pitchfork’s list of top albums from the 1980s.

Band members

Current lineup

  • J Mascis – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards (1984–1997, 2005–present)
  • Murph – drums (1984–1993, 2005–present)
  • Lou Barlow – bass guitar, backing and lead vocals (1984–1989, 2005–present)

Past members

Previous touring musicians

  • Donna Dresch – bass, backing vocals (1990)
  • Van Conner – bass, backing vocals (1990–1991)
  • George Berz – drums (1993–1997)

Discography

Filmography

  • 2020 Freakscene – The Story of Dinosaur Jr. Documentary directed by Philipp Reichenheim

Sources

External links

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named allmusic
  2. ↑ Rolling Stone
  3. ↑ Billboard
  4. ↑ MTV
  5. ↑ NME
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named auto
  7. ↑ Punknews.com
  8. ↑ Paste
  9. ↑ Q Magazine
  10. ↑ Npaper-wehaa.com
  11. ↑ Coley liner notes
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Azerrad 353
  13. ↑ The Village Voice
  14. ↑ Ultimate Guitar
  15. ↑ Perfect Sound Forever
  16. ↑ Ultimate Guitar
  17. ↑ Ultimate Guitar
  18. ↑ Roberts book
  19. ↑ Azerrad
  20. ↑ Azerrad
  21. ↑ Bassplayer.com
  22. ↑ Staticmultimedia.com
  23. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Azerrad 354
  24. ↑ Azerrad
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