Record Review - Dinosaur Jr.: Farm
(Jagjaguwar)
Dinosaur Jr. has managed to retain viability at a time when the prospect of a new record should be horrifying. If its ’07 reunion Beyond felt like a brilliant fluke of unfinished business, Farm proves that time has healed all between J. Mascis, Lou Barlow and Murph. “I Want You to Know” and “Over It” are signature Dinosaur sludge-pop anthems that reach cruising altitude in a wash of heartbreaking melodies. “Your Weather” and “Imagination Blind” smack of latter-day Sebadoh. But whereas the clash of Mascis’ and Barlow's songwriting styles on You're Living All Over Me and Bug solidified in epic pre-grunge tension, Farm paints a picture of a bucolic Dinosaur Jr. Rather than riff on welling turmoil, they thrive on a rare and renewed sense of chemistry and maturity. 5 stars out of 5