And fifteen years on, they're still the most unlikely rock band on the planet: J, the same introverted guitar player you probably kicked around garage bands with in high school; Lou, the same bookish misfit who just discovered hardcore punk; and Murph, the Ringo of college rock, probably still the only one in the band you'd actually want to know in person. This reunion isn't just notable because of its patent improbability - though that alone should make you want to rush out and buy tickets while you can. Seeing Dinosaur Jr. in person reminds one of the massive influence they've had on alternative music in the last two decades...and just how boring indie rock is without them. Sure, their sound served as the blueprint for basically all '90s guitar rock, while Mascis's writing taught Kurt Cobain and others pretty much everything they needed to know about the art of the apathetic love song. But the bands to follow Dinosaur and do it well are sorely outnumbered by those who merely took away from the seminal group their slacker sensibilities and lack of stage presence. In short, these originators are still the best; and like any great reunion, this one has done nothing but cement that fact. Dinosaur Jr. are back...and with a live show as good as this, here's hoping they stick around for a while.
Reviewed by Zach Hoskins
Photos by Megan Giddings
This review is also posted on The Modern Pea Pod.
Article comments
1 - Mat Brewster
Good review. I friggin loved Dinosaur Jr in college. I haven't been able to catch them this go round, but I have a copy of a show from a few months back and it killed.
I can't believe they played something off Green Mind!
2 - Barry Stoller
"Murph, the Ringo of college rock, probably still the only one in the band you'd actually want to know in person."
That's actually true. If J and Lou had a problem with each other in the early '90s, they had way bigger issues with their indifferent hometown when they hit it big. Man, they were sure mean to every struggling band around town; J even went so far as to show up at open mikes just to slay the losers. I recall Murph fondly, though; his decency always shone through.
3 - -E
Sounds like a good time.