Record #4: Dinosaur Jr.’s ‘Farm’
It’s funny trying to review a record by a band that can indisputably be called the architects of a very specific sound. First of all, Dinosaur Jr. are not like a Wilco or a Modest Mouse: There aren’t too many lineup changes, and they aren’t reinventing themselves with each album or changing their approach to song construction with every attempt. There are a very specific set of elements you hope—and know—will be present. J Mascis’ inimitably searing, multidimensional guitar work. Or his voice. It’s a voice that, despite countless bastardizations (if you survived the ’90s, you’ve heard a few goddamn dozen), remains the prototype for an entire generation of singers.
All I truly desired from Farm was that it would meld with the rest of the Dj catalog. And here it is in all its ferocious, rawboned glory, its most conspicuous distinction being immaculate production. Dinosaur Jr. do not disappoint, and even if you’re not a fan of beefy grunge grooves slathered in insanely competent shredding, you have to appreciate that there’s this one band out there in the ether that’s still doing exactly what they’ve been doing (better than just about anyone else) for a quarter-century.
Just caught Dinosaur Jr. on Fallon as I was writing. They played “Pieces,” the leadoff track from Farm. And it doubled my confidence that these dudes will forever remain the masters of their game. Don’t believe? Watch this music video. Farm was released this week (June 22) on Jagjaguwar. Stay reunited, Dinosaur. We’ve lost enough icons this week, and we need you to keep doing what you’re doing forever.
