Farm
In the ‘80s, Dinosaur Jr. became synonymous with the type of roaring, distorted rock that helped pioneer the alternative movement. J Mascis was the mastermind behind the Massachusetts power trio and the gifted guitarist/singer/songwriter with a detached drawl ended up parting ways with the other members … only to reunite in 2005. *Farm*, Dinosaur Jr.’s ninth studio album — and second consecutive offering featuring the original lineup — was produced and written exclusively by Mascis, with the exception of two tracks penned by bassist Lou Barlow (\"Your Weather\" and \"Imagination Blind\"). From the boisterous opener (“Pieces”), it’s clear we’re hearing a rejuvenated DJ in all of its noise-pop glory. The one-two punch of “Over It” and “Friends” is powerful, while “Said the People” and “See You” temporarily slow the pace — the latter being the album’s most stripped-down, pop-y number. *Farm* often conveys sentient sentiments (that everyone is interconnected) and “We want to leave behind what can’t be held” from closing track, “Imagination Blind,” could double as the seminal band’s mantra.
The worry about the reunion of the original Dinosaur Jr. line-up, more than 20 years after their formation and legendary dissolution, was that these guys were just flogging the back catalog as a marketing gimmick. With the release of 'Beyond', in 2007, the band gave a hearty Marshall-driven "F**K YOU!" answer to those inquiring ears. Restoring the sound established by the opening hat-trick gambit of Dinosaur, 'You're Living All Over Me', and 'Bug', the 'Beyond' record continued the band's march into rock greatness by making old ears smile and new ears bleed afresh. And now comes 'Farm', Dinosaur Jr.'s first double LP and their fifth full length record by the original line-up -- J Mascis, Lou Barlow, and Murph -- set to release on their new label home Jagjaguwar. If 'Beyond' was Dinosaur Jr.'s return to form, 'Farm' is proof that this band continues to deliver that which makes rock worth cranking to 11. At times wholly 70's guitar-epic, at times perfect for sitting by a babbling brook with Joni and Neil, 'Farm' encompasses Dinosaur Jr.'s signature palette - soaring and distorted guitar, unshakable hooks, honey-rich melodies - songs that get into your head and, bouncing around happily, stay there. The ear-catching "Plans" is nearly 7 minutes of classic whipped-topping rock dessert, while "I Don't Wanna Go There" is a meat-and-potatoes main dish, mixing unapologetic lead guitar with straight-ahead delivery a la James Gang or Humble Pie. These two tunes round out twelve tracks propelled by the unique energy of one of America's greatest living rock bands hitting their stride.
Looks like Beyond was not a fluke: the latest from the reunited original line-up is jammed with well-crafted songs that never feel overly polished.
When the original Dinosaur Jr. lineup reunited a few years back and recorded the album Beyond, guitarist J Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow, and drummer Murph fell quickly back into step, making music that—strictly on a textural level—felt like it could’ve been released immediately after Bug, 20 years prior. The trio’s new F…
If Farm lacks the element of surprise of Dinosaur Jr.'s 2007 comeback, Beyond, that's just about the only thing it lacks: in every other respect it is its equal, a muscular, melodic monster that stands among the best albums the band has made.
a competent, melodic collection which time will no doubt judge as up there with their very best work...Given that the average age of the band is somewhere in the mid-forties you can’t help but feel if the Dinosaur Jr dropped the ‘Jr’ moniker they’d be arguably the most appropriately named band on the planet.
It's difficult to be critical about Dinosaur Jr., so intimidating has their influence been since the band's emergence in the late '80s.
<p>Now Mascis is allowing Barlow's songs into the mix, and they simply don't work, says <strong>Michael Hann</strong></p>
Dinosaur Jr. - Farm review: Farm is the album everybody expected Dinosaur Jr. to make. If anything, that just means it's good. Excellent, even.