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I’ve noticed them on NPR as well. I’ve heard “I Got Lost” at least twice, it’s got such a moody, ominous sound that it makes an interesting sound bite.
The post “Interview: J Mascis on Fender Jazzmasters…” actually is a good interview, and he describes his lyric writing process. He says the melody is already there, and the lyrics have to fit in and not sound stupid, basically.
I hope my rambling in my first answer above made sense…I’ll take a stab at this. Other long-time fans can fill in what I forget. J has generally always said that lyrics are almost always an afterthought for him when writing songs. The music- drums and guitar, are first, Lou takes care of bass parts, and lyrics are “ehh”, whatever seems to fit. Now, he’s got a great sense of melody and that’s why his songs are as good as they are. Clearly, making a record the vocals will stand out more because it’s recorded in a studio and the sound is different, not as big, roaring, massive as their live shows. During live shows, the volume is enormous and the vocals generally get buried, you have to know the songs to catch them, which long-term fans get. I can see how at a show (if you like the music but don’t know all the songs) that would be difficult or challenging to get into. When you know their songs, it all just works because the music is so strong and carries the songs.
Wow. What a fantastic show. Absolutely loved “the boy with the thorn in his side”, incredible performance with Johnny Marr and Dale Crover on drums. Been listening to that one over and over, it’s stellar. The venue looked cool (I don’t think I’d seen pics from there before), what a great crowd for what was definitely a killer performance. Wish I could have been there. And the flute on “thumb” to boot. I’d say that was probably the best Dinosaur Jr show of all time.
I also saw them 3 years ago in support of Farm at this same venue as well. They seem to be playing with more energy now. Like they found the fountain of youth or something. Lou seems more into it and this album seems to highlight he and Murph’s dynamic, which I think was the highlight. Great show even w/out an encore.
So here’s the setlist:
See it on your side
No bones
Caring is rude
Almost fare
Start Choppin
Don’t pretend you didn’t know
Watch the corners
Feel the pain
What was that
Budge
Training ground (deep wound)
Freakscene
Raisins
Forget the swanAwesome. I love the Murph interviews- they usually have the most interesting bits. I think his drumming has been great… Thanks for posting (as always) Jeremiah. Looking forward to this Friday’s show at The Majestic in Madison!!!! (my purple earplugs are ready!)
I will jump on this bandwagon with you. These guys sound dreadful. I’m pretty sure this is EXACTLY the kind of crap that Scott Walker would like. In fact, I’ll probably see him at the show in Madison with his head up his ass. Insert any and all adjectives for horrible, cheesy, wimpy, synthesizer laden garbage here…
Those are excellent points, and eloquently stated, Hybridge. I agree with you. I felt that it really became more of a page-turner toward the end (more on the here and now), insight by J into his frame of mind at points in his life, just interesting (for me as a parent) to hear about J and Lou and their kids, families, and making it all work out. This article needs a part two!
What a great article. Best interview of the band I’ve ever read, much more insightful. I wish it could have been longer! I get how some are tired of dwelling on the band’s past infighting, but I think that their past issues just show how incredible and how fortunate it is that they’re making such great music 20 years later. I think their idiosyncrasies and how they’ve made it work is fascinating.
I liked Lou’s assessment: ‘”I think the thing that brought me back to J was the idea that it’s all fucked up. People are fucked up.” He shakes his head. “If you have musical chemistry, it’s over. That’s it. If you can arrive on a common goal and focus on a song, that’s a miracle.”‘ We’re all glad they did.I get the feeling that this album is a bit polarizing among fans, maybe more so than the other 2 reunion discs. It is to me. I am overall a bit disappointed, but I place Farm at #4 of their all-time. Those are high expectations to meet or exceed. I think it is a good album, plenty to like about it, but I will agree with a certain degree of recycling going on. My complaint is how many lyrics J writes beginning with the question “can I… (fill in the blank)”. Now, even though “See It On Your Side” sounds like Turnip Farm, I think it’s a great tune and a fantastic ending to the record. The lyrics in that song are definitely more interesting and show that J can write better lyrics to go along with incredible music.
