There were re-issues from Merge records – the first three albums, highlighted by the minor classic, You’re Living All Over Me; then it was a Rhino archive of a live at CBGB’s performance from 1993. A short tour was set to follow.
In reality, Dinosaur Jr. never really went anywhere to speak of.
Now it’s something entirely new (and not a moment too soon). Not something from the archive or the bulging nostalgia file, 2007’s Beyond returns J. Mascis and the rest of Dinosaur Jr. to precisely where they left off. One listen to its opening track, “Almost Ready” shows that their frenzied, fuzz infested zeitgeist hasn’t changed a lick. Moody but still familiar is “Back To Your Heart” or “Crumble”, more pensive tracks that seem to characterize the rest of the eleven song record. For all of the Jurassic (pun intended) styling, a sound that by now is definitely dated, Dinosaur Jr. remains a relentless guitar band to this day – even moments of near balladry become pastiches of feedback and percussion. Come hell or high water, punk rock-cum-Beach Boys pop circa the heyday of MTV’s 120 Minutes has found its way back into the fray. Where your view falls in the reformation is really up to you. Some pined for this return (this reviewer included) and not for a reinvention per se, but rather, for a re-affirmation of what the Massachusetts born, SST label forming Dinosaur Jr. meant to the heart of independent rock.
The last time they were relevant, live tape trading was chic, records were viable medium options, and they were one of the many sludge lords on the left, collegiate end of the radio dial. Now things have changed – they haven’t. Good on you. |