Bug

In the genre list on Wikipedia, it lists noise rock. And that it is. Just noise. This album sounds like the singer is crying over loud and annoying instrumentals.

They sound like a bad high school band. I like “sloppy” punk rock - but only when it’s intentional. This seems like just poor execution of mediocre songs.

The album was not that good and progressively got worse.

Noise rock and out of key vocals. Dissonance isn't my thing, I guess. Less rock, more cringe for me.

This is one of those times when my rating is probably going to be more generous than is warranted. J Mascis sometimes seems to have trouble carrying a tune, unless that's an affectation. Who knows? The hit of the album, Freak Scene, is so simple, there is almost nothing to it. But honestly, this album hits my critical blind spot. I enjoy the casual nature of Mascis' vocals--it doesn't sound like he's trying to convince you of anything--he's just sharing his thoughts. And I find his blend of noise, rock, and pop appealing. The music on Bug rocks, it has plenty of texture, and it has a warmth that is missing from a band like Sonic Youth. And a funny thing--Mascis also makes me appreciate Neil Young a little more. Mascis has taken Young's blundering experiments with guitar noise and refined them almost beyond recognition. Like Young, Mascis doesn't have a lot of technical ability, but unlike Young, he's very talented at coaxing out a wide palette of sounds from his guitar. It's also pretty clear that Mascis also served as inspiration (along with Young) for Built To Spill's Doug Marsch, another wonderful guitarist. Guys like Mascis and Doug Marsch make the pioneering nature of Neil Young's experiments with noise obvious, even if they kind of sucked (sorry, Brian). In that way, Young's a little like Lou Reed, in that he's inspired a ton of wonderful music. But I'm getting sidetracked. I'm 90% through Bug and beneath all the noise, it turns out that the songwriting is actually pretty sturdy. I've also got to put in a good word for the band, which matches the ferocity of Mascis' guitar work. How to rate? Well, occasionally, the noise elements are overwhelming, but overall, Bug is surprisingly strong and consistent.

calm down sir

Consistently sloppy with a particularly abrasive end.

There's something just not right about late 80s alternative rock that doesn't come from Seattle. It's like while Nirvana and Mudhoney were based on punk, and Soundgarden/AIC metal, bands like this were rooted in whiny, jangly, shoegazey, cynical "nothing fucking matters anyway" garage nerd rock. It has its moments where it almost rocks, but still has that distinctly "not Seattle indie" vibe. I think the core problem is it hates itself, but can't channel it well. It's like a depressed kid's assignment. 2/5.

didn't enjoy this, it just sounded like noise to me

Seen enough to eye you But I've seen to much to try you It's always weirdness while you Dig it much too much to fry you The weirdness flows between us Anyone can tell to see us Freak scene just can't believe us Why can't it just be cool and free us? Seen enough to eye you But I've seen to much to try you It's always weirdness while you Dig it much too much to fry you The weirdness flows between us Anyone can tell to see us Freak scene just can't believe us Why can't it just be cool and leave us? It's so fucked I can't believe it If there's a way I wish we'd see it How could it work just can't conceive it Oh what a mess it's just to leave it Sometimes I don't thrill you Sometimes I think I'll kill you Just don't let me fuck up will you 'cause when I need a friend it's still you What a mess

Dinosaur Jr. were buddies with all my favourite bands growing up (Sonic Youth wrote ‘Teenage Riot’ about J Mascis) but I was never really a big fan of J Mascis’s voice back in the day. I found it a bit too whiny for my tastes. However, I stumbled across one of his solo albums about five years ago and it became my surprise album of the year. I’d not gone back to the Dinosaur stuff until now though. I enjoyed this album far more listening back to it with a bit of distance and also feeling like I can appreciate his voice a bit more after listening to his solo stuff. More variation than I’d remembered too. On a slightly related note, I used to play bass (badly) in a band a few years back and we would end each gig with a different cover. By chance, the last song at the last gig we ever played was ‘Freakscene’ by Dinosaur Jr. so, as fate would have it, it’s a song from this album that will ring forever in the ears of the tiny handful of friends and relatives who were present. For that reason, I’m bumping this up from a three and a half to a four.

9. Bug - Dinosaur Jr. 10 tracks. Not to my tastes at all. If you like a poor quality Foo Fighters meeting a tone-deaf Nirvana on a bad day with some background White Noise then this is definitely for you. Track 9 is called \"Don't\" which I assume stands for Don't listen 1/5.

"Bug" is the third studio album by Massachusetts alternative rock band Dinosaur Jr. Alternative rock, indie rock and indie rock are the named genres. It was the last album with bassist Lou Barlow until he came back to the band in 2007. Besides Barlow, other members of Dinosaur Jr. include lead singer/guitarist J Mascus and drummer Murph. The album received critical acclaim including a most interesting 8.9999999 rating out of 10 by NME. A melodic guitar and then bam! The bass and guitar kick in and they're soaring with "Freak Scene." The song ebbs and flows with soft and loud dynamics. Two monster guitar solos by Mascis harkening Neil Young meets Sonic Youth meets Bob Mould. You do hear a lot of monster solos throughout this album. Mascis' vocals define "slacker" rock. I think this is simply about two friends who don't want a romantic relationship since it will ruin their current friendship. "No Bones" features some real melodic bass by Barlow. This is slower but again speeds up in spots. Distorted guitar. "They Always Come" brings the punk. This fast and hard. Some more fantastic bass and drumming along with Mascis' distorted and feedback-riddled guitar. "Let It Ride" continues the fast and hard. You got to like the intensity these guys bring. And we get a bass solo along with a few guitar ones. They slow it up a bit on "Pond Song" and add an acoustic and layered guitars. Great drumming. The album ends with a wah-wah guitar going into "Don't." Barlow just screaming likes he's dying "Why Don't You Like Me" for five minutes. This song would not have been out of place on Hüsker Dü's "Zen Arcade." This was a big album for me when it came out. I used to just play the hard/fast songs which seemed to alternate throughout the album. I guess I've mellowed since I found a lot to like in the"so-called" slower songs. I don't know what I was listening to at the time to think those "other'" songs soft? Mascis guitar is just fantastic with his distortion, feedback and multiple solos within each song. One of the other things I realized on this listen was how good the bass and drumming is. This is a band. They need to be to keep up with Mascis. This album and music is connected to the prior music of Neil Young, Hüsker Dü, and Sonic Youth to what the future music would be in shoegaze and grunge. Yes, I like this album and so should you!

freak scene go hard

Bug is not Dinosaur Jr.'s best, but it has all the hallmarks of the band that would influence 90s alternative and grunge. The overdriven guitars, driving drums, and forceful vocal delivery are all present, along with J Mascis's emphasis on the guitar solo. It's probably closer to a three, but due to the influence of this band and bridging classic and alternative rock, I think a four is in order.

Loved it. Really raw and melancholic, at times angry, but always with a fun uplifting edge. So glad I've discovered this

Yeah, that's some noise alright.

Not a good album, and not a good representation of dinosaur jr or the genre. Begs the question - Who the fuck is making this list? 1/5

Please. We've been through this. Dino Jr AGAIN?

Eh. Everyone is just annoyed at everything. "Freak Scene" is good. "Pond Song", "Budge" is decent. Mostly noise.

The peak of the mountain of "smoking weed out of an apple" music. I don't think there will ever be another record label as cool as early-mid 80s SST.

Fantastic album! Nobody plays guitar like J Mascis. I love a record that can have a melodic indie pop-like tune like Freak Scene and an equally great angry-emo screamer like Don’t.

Dinosaur Jr.'s album Bug, the last featuring original bassist Lou Barlow (until his reunion with J in the 00s) is a captivating journey into alternative rock. Freak Scene emerges as a masterpiece, setting the stage for the iconic guitar solos that define this record. The band's chemistry is evident, and it's intriguing to learn that Lou thinks they were still figuring things out during the recording. If this is them in the process, it's exciting to imagine what they'll create once fully figured out. J Mascis's guitar work is iconic, adding emotional layers to the album. Bug captures a band pushing boundaries and experimenting with their sound, creating a dynamic musical landscape. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 7 STAND OUT TRACK - Freak Scene

Five stars all the way. It's unfair, I guess, because it's an album I've listened to at least five million times and I love every part of. I remember buying this when I was visiting family in Leeds and they had a Virgin Megastore. It's pretty much calibrated for one side of me. Loud but fragile, often feeling ready to fall apart. It's beautiful. I still skip that last song though!

Would be nice if the list contains a few more Dinosaur Jr albums, but otherwise this is an excellent choice. One of the best Dinosaur Jr albums: perfect songwriting (Let It Ride, Budge, etc) + perfect guitar playing + perfect sound = 5 *****.

Had this one on cassette back when it was new. Freak Scene is one of the best songs of the 80s. The rest of this is good too. I've always had a soft spot for Don't.

This album was fucking good. I need to listen to more Dinosaur Jr.

good ol' j. mascis. i hadn't realized lou barlow and he started out together - neet!

Well. How the hell were they supposed to follow up You're Living All Over Us? This isnt as good, but its damn close to a 5.

Bug Looking back I seem to have quite enjoyed You’re Living All Over Me, and I feel similarly about this. J Mascis is not the strongest vocalist, but he has a laid back, slackery charm to his vocals that suit the songs and overall vibe. He also does interesting stuff on the guitar, and despite the noise there are plenty of nuanced variations and touches which pull this out of the morass of US noise/alt rock, like the wah on Yeah We Know, the spacey slide guitar on Let it Ride and the acoustic on Pond Song There are some good songs, Freak Scene is great, you can see why it’s their most famous song, No Bones has a nice bit of swing to it, They Always Come is nicely plaintive, Budge has a nice chorus and Let it Ride. The less said about Don’t the better though. Overall it’s a decent noisy guitar album, with some good songs, good drums and some great guitar moments. I’d happily give it a listen again if in the right mood, a solid 3. 🪲🪲🪲 Playlist submission: Freak Scene

Like the last Dinosaur Jr. album the list threw up, I find the overall style/sound agreeable, but it doesn't seem particularly memorable. If it came out 10 years later it certainly wouldn't warrant inclusion on the list, but was it remarkable in 1988? I don't know, though given it's not dissimilar to their 1987 album, probably not. Still, it's a decent album with a nice drawing of a bug on the front. I'll live and let live.

Well that was an unremarkable but acceptable 2 until the final song. Dinosaur Sr I think you should give this kid a hug.

I love dinosaurs

Love it. Biggest regret is only having You're Living All Over Me scored at 4/5 here instead of 5/5, it's become one of my favorite albums. 4.5/5

Not their best, but even not their best is amazing and a solid example of why Dinosaur Jr is one of my favorite bands and J Mascis is one of my guitar idols. Glad this was included on this list. Hope more DJR is.

If the Nirvana available isn't enough Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr.

The sound is so good I don't even care about the voice. Amazing sound, such diversity of song writing, genius.

Another Dinosaur Jr album, another 5 stars. Freak Scene is just brilliant.

Really nice noisy album for waiting for my parents to arrive

I've listened to Where You Been before and I liked it enough so going into this album I was expecting to give it a 3 or 4. But I don't know, I guess this was what I needed to listen to today, because I really enjoyed it. It is a lot more noisy than I expected (and I love noise rock). I also think that J Mascis' voice suits this album very well, and it provides a very interesting texture and emotion. The songs are pretty simple, but I think that it works in it's advantage. I absolutely understand why people don't like this album, but I think it is very good.

Amazing album!

Know it, love it. Like a more tender and vulnerable sounding Sonic Youth in a way. Just a warm and lovely listen IMHO.

Never really listened to Dinosaur Jr. but this is an excellent rock album.

One of my favorite albums of all time. So happy to see it on the list. Great rock album

Love this album and the contrasts from songs like Freak Scene and Don’t

This is a strong album from Dinosaur Jr. displaying everything that makes their sound unique: the noisy guitars in which you can drown, that come in contrast with nonchalant vocals from J Mascis and his insane solos. These guys seems to be totally laid back but they're actually technically quite good, but with no show off, they're just doing it casually. More than 35 years later, it does not sound out-dated.

Perfection.

I love this band. This is one of there best albums too, more straightforward rock than the previous albums but still a lotta noise. So happy to see it on the list.

Noisy indie rock. I'd never gone deep on Dinosaur Jr. I really liked this album.

I really like Dinosaur Jr. and this is one of their best albums. Really good stuff and I was glad to listen to it again!

9/10. I liked this a lot better than the other Dino Jr album we've had

Heck yeah. Dinosaur Jr is great. I saw them at a Lollapalooza in '93 and again in '17 with my son. They've been a favourite for a long time. For me this album is about 4th or 5th best of theirs. But I really like most of their albums. I really like J's solo stuff too.

I really dug this, cracking alt rock album. I know it's 80s but it has that early 90s proto-grunge feel to it. Great stuff

This one was GREAT!!! Added.

Between pavement and Nirvana, between lo-fi Blur and At the drive in. Great, tricky to see where it could be improved. Slightly odd to read that the band didn't really like it

Duh. No brainer

More familiar with the later, Where You Been, which was a seminal CD for me in which I can remember when I first heard it, with who and the apartment we lived in at the time. Great music can take you back that way and keep it preserved there for eternity. Not sure that I had ever heard this one in its entirety but it is wonderful in the same way. I’ve always thought sometimes too much Dinosaur Jr. all at once is more than most people can handle. I’m sure in my consecutive plays if Where You Been, I could shut it down after two songs. DJr. can pack a lot into two songs.

- Sick garage rock sound - Sounds very modern for an 80s record - Immaculate vibes - 4.5- rounded up yolo - Favorite songs: Budge, No Bones, Pond Song

So happy to see my favorite Dino Jr. album popping up here… just them this and album and them as a whole.

Great album of a band who brought the lead guitar back to the indie rock forefront, alongside The Pixies

9/10 I’m a fan of indie and hard rock this was a nice fun album almost sounded like a pre-90s grunge

Još jedan album bez kojeg je nemoguće zamislit devedesete. Skoro bolji od youre living all over me

I am a big fan of this band throughout the many stages of their long career. This is something interesting for anyone who likes rock.

the best!

That's a jam for sure. Does it stand out? I guess in 1988 it did.

it's noisy and loud and brash and loud. i love it, your honor.

I expect that this isn’t to everyone’s liking, but I really enjoy that late 80s lofi/college rock sound. Along with Pixies, Sonic Youth, and Meat Puppets, Dinosaur Jr were one of the biggest influences on the 90s alt rock explosion. It’s worth your time to give it multiple listens, especially through a decent pair of headphones.

Very Sonic Youth-y, and maybe a bit too Sonic Youth-y listless noise rock in places. But it's easy to forget that this kind of music was bubbling under until Nirvana brought it to a boil.

Another solid entry from these. Like the first one, gives 4 or so tracks are really solid, after which it wobbles down a bit. Very similar to the previous release, whilst not necessarily a bad thing I guess one criticism is they could have branched out more. Still, an enjoyable listen.

I remember enjoying a Dinosaur Jr. album in the late 00s or early 2010s. I had no idea that band had already been around for 25 years by that point. Funnily enough, the sound was instantly recognizable even though I never got super into the band. All in all, I enjoyed this one. The wall of sound noise rock, the garbled/lofi vocals, the shredding guitar. It was pretty good. There were definitely a couple of tracks I didn't like as much (the penultimate song was way too screamo for me and very hard on the ears) but overall this is a solid album. Is it a "must hear"? Probably not. 3.5

I remember hearing Dinosaur Jr. mentioned as an influence by bands I listened to in High School - and I definitely hear that influence on this record. This probably would have changed my life if I had listened to it back then. I still really liked the album, "Freak Scene" and "No Bones" are killer opening tracks, and the rest of the album is enjoyable (except for maybe the last track).

I quite liked this one. It lacks a massive Feel the Pain-esque single, though the opening track is clearly the winner here. Dinosaur Jr. are really in their groove here, with solid, powerful music and curious lyrics to bring everything together. They sound rough around the edges (in a good way) and like a bit stew of grungy, indie, lo-fi emotion. I dig it. favorites: freak scene, no bones, yeah we know, let it ride, budge

T Rox. B fly. Didn’t always hold my attention, but when it did I liked it

Have seen the name and given these guys a chance a few times, but never clicked. Still found this pretty challenging on the first listen, but liked it more after listening a bit more closely to J’s guitar work. Agree that it feels like the bones are there for an even better band if they would take the foot off the gas every now and then. Way better than Sonic Youth but not as good as The Replacements. Wouldn’t put this in my top tier, just based on listenability, but happy I dug a little deeper on them and would be interested to hear more. The spinoff band Sebadoh, is much more my speed. More melodic, better dynamics and song structure, though doesn’t have the same guitar power. Their Album Bakesale was on my regular rotation more than 10 years ago - had forgot about them until now - time for a revisit.

I’d like to imagine my introduction to Dinosaur Jr. was similar to many people my age. Playing Skate 3, cycling through the music player and deciding which songs I wanted to keep and which to omit. I’m sure at that age when Almost Ready, the opening track to their 2007 album Beyond, came on, I probably turned it off. I don’t know if I was really capable of handling something that blown out. But I also enjoyed the Pixies song they had and most of the heavy metal tracks, so who really knows my reasoning? Only as I’ve gotten older have I gone back to that soundtrack and realized who that band was. And I’m glad their presence is on this list, no matter how much they get shit on by the average person. I guess I can understand that to the ears of the unaccustomed, this sounds horrible. Just plain noise with no real purpose. But considering the year this released, this album is huge. Few bands have made such a massive impact on the growth of alternative rock like my bloody valentine has. But Dinosaur Jr. is one of them. If there is anyone who loves his guitar pedals more than Kevin Shields, it’s J Mascis. Such an interesting frontman too. I saw it described by someone as “singing from your heart despite not being able to sing at all.” Which I love. It’s incredibly endearing. And any sane, non-biased fan of this band will tell you that admittedly Mascis can’t really sing. But I like his voice, no matter how much dissonance it really creates. Since this is Dinosaur Jr. though, what I really came here for is the guitars. And man, they are way more kick-ass than I ever could have imagined. All that I’ve heard about Mascis and his songwriting capabilities make sense to me now. The man is an expert at writing incredibly wild and captivating lead bits and solos that make every song a unique experience. As far as I’m concerned, the first four songs on the A-side is some of the most flawless sounding noise rock I’ve ever heard in my life. The rest of the album is solid too. Aside from maybe the closing track, which is almost alarmingly loud, and really puts the noise in “noise rock”. I’m really happy I enjoyed this as much as I did, because it makes me considerably more excited to hear what their previous album has to offer. Rating: 8/10

7.5/10. There is a really dreamy vibe to the guitars. The vocals are tender, but a little bit irritating at times. The drums are cool. I enjoy the overall dissonance. However, I wish that there was more deviation between songs. :)

They have a great sound

4.0 Are we only here for the j. Mascis solos? I really think his playing as a certain amount of charisma and its not just noodling around. Really fun to listen to and the production and band behind is solid and interesting. I went and listened to the farm album (released 15 years ago, crazy) after this. I thought I like farm the best but this was very very solid

A great album to play loud! I've dipped in and out on Dino Jr over the years so it's hard to say this is better or worse than some of their other output but I do like it.

Believe it or not, I actually thought this was OK until "Don't" - which was too noisy even for me.

Nice

**Album Overview** *Bug*, the third studio album by Dinosaur Jr., was released in 1988 and is often regarded as one of the band's defining works. The album showcases the band's signature sound—a fusion of heavy guitar distortion, melodic hooks, and introspective lyrics. Consisting of J Mascis on guitar and vocals, Lou Barlow on bass, and Murph on drums, *Bug* further solidified the band’s role in shaping the alternative rock and grunge movements of the late '80s and early '90s. **Music** The music on *Bug* is characterized by its dense guitar layers, melodic riffs, and dynamic shifts between loud and soft passages. Mascis’ distinctive guitar style is the backbone of the album, featuring feedback-drenched solos, fuzz-laden power chords, and intricate fingerpicking that balances noise and melody. The album's opener, "Freak Scene," epitomizes this approach, delivering one of the band's most enduring songs, with a simple yet infectious riff and a powerful blend of raw and polished elements. "Freak Scene" sets the tone with an accessible melody that contrasts with the band's characteristic abrasive sound, showcasing Mascis' skill in crafting memorable guitar lines. The following track, "No Bones," continues in a similar vein, featuring heavy guitar distortion with a catchy, almost pop-like structure. Meanwhile, "Budge" offers a mid-tempo groove, with a thick wall of guitar textures providing a backdrop for Mascis' languid vocal delivery. The album's quieter moments, such as "Pond Song," feature a more restrained use of distortion, allowing the melodies to take center stage. The track's jangly guitar tones and softer dynamics provide a refreshing contrast to the more aggressive songs. Similarly, "The Post" employs clean guitar tones and builds to a crescendo, with Mascis' emotionally charged solo adding depth to the song's otherwise straightforward structure. However, *Bug* is not without its chaotic side. "Don't" is a noisy, dissonant track with Barlow taking on the vocal duties, screaming the repeated phrase "Why don't you like me?" The track is abrasive and confrontational, contrasting sharply with the album's more melodic moments and showcasing the band's willingness to experiment with noise and unconventional song structures. The inclusion of this track adds a visceral edge to the album, though it may not appeal to all listeners. **Lyrics** The lyrics on *Bug* largely reflect feelings of alienation, introspection, and frustration. Mascis’ writing style is often vague and impressionistic, conveying emotion more through tone than narrative clarity. In "Freak Scene," for example, the lyrics explore the complexities of relationships and the anxiety that comes with them, with lines like "Sometimes I don't thrill you / Sometimes I think I'll kill you / Just don't let me fuck up will you / 'Cause when I need a friend, it's still you." This sense of personal struggle and ambivalence is a recurring theme throughout the album. In "They Always Come," Mascis touches on feelings of inadequacy and unfulfilled desires, though the lyrics remain cryptic enough to allow for multiple interpretations. This open-endedness is a strength of the album, as it invites listeners to project their own experiences onto the songs. The lyrics often complement the music's rough-hewn textures, creating a cohesive aesthetic that merges the personal with the visceral. Mascis' deadpan vocal delivery can make the lyrics difficult to decipher at times, but this adds to the overall sense of distance and detachment that permeates the album. While this approach may not resonate with listeners seeking clear, direct storytelling, it fits well within the broader context of the alternative rock genre of the time. **Production** The production of *Bug* is raw and unpolished, retaining a lo-fi quality that gives the album an authentic, gritty feel. The decision to avoid overproducing the album works in its favor, as the rough edges contribute to the band's identity and the album's overall atmosphere. The heavy use of guitar distortion and feedback is integral to the album's sound, with Mascis often allowing the noise to bleed into the mix, creating a thick sonic texture. However, the album’s rawness sometimes comes at the cost of clarity. The drums, for instance, can sound buried in the mix, and the bass is not always as prominent as it could be. This may detract from the overall listening experience for those who prefer a more polished sound. The vocal mixing also leaves Mascis' voice somewhat obscured, which may be frustrating for listeners trying to decipher the lyrics. Nonetheless, these production choices are intentional and contribute to the album's unique character. **Themes** Thematically, *Bug* deals with themes of alienation, personal conflict, and introspection, common in alternative and punk music. The sense of being an outsider runs through the lyrics, particularly in tracks like "Freak Scene" and "They Always Come." Mascis’ detached vocal style enhances the feeling of isolation, giving the impression of a narrator who is emotionally disconnected from his surroundings. The theme of frustration is prominent as well, notably in "Don't," where the repetitive shouting of "Why don't you like me?" reflects a raw and unfiltered expression of insecurity. The album’s blend of melodic and abrasive elements mirrors the inner conflict conveyed in the lyrics, with the loud-quiet dynamics symbolizing the tension between emotional turmoil and the desire for resolution. *Bug* also touches on the theme of resignation, with several tracks featuring a languid vocal delivery that suggests an acceptance of life's struggles rather than a fight against them. This sense of surrender, coupled with the band's signature slacker aesthetic, became influential in shaping the sound of the '90s alternative scene. **Influence** *Bug* had a significant impact on the evolution of alternative rock and the emerging grunge movement. The album's blend of noise, melody, and introspective lyrics resonated with many musicians who would go on to shape the sound of the '90s. Bands like Nirvana and Sonic Youth cited Dinosaur Jr. as a major influence, with Kurt Cobain frequently mentioning *Bug* as a favorite. The album’s approach to guitar work, in particular, left a lasting mark on the genre. Mascis' ability to combine melodic solos with aggressive, noisy textures helped to redefine the role of the guitar in alternative music. His use of dynamics, alternating between quiet verses and explosive choruses, became a staple of the grunge sound. This influence extended beyond just guitar work, as the album's raw production and emotionally detached lyrics also resonated with a generation of artists seeking to break away from the polished mainstream rock of the '80s. **Pros of the Album** 1. **Distinctive Guitar Work:** J Mascis’ guitar playing is a highlight, with its unique blend of noise, melody, and virtuosity. The guitar solos are emotionally expressive, while the rhythm sections provide a compelling mixture of crunch and clarity. 2. **Emotional Depth:** The lyrics, while often cryptic, evoke feelings of alienation, frustration, and introspection. This emotional rawness adds to the album's authenticity and has resonated with many listeners. 3. **Influence on Alternative Rock:** *Bug* played a crucial role in shaping the alternative rock and grunge scenes, leaving a lasting legacy that can be heard in the music of countless bands. 4. **Dynamic Sound:** The album features a compelling mix of loud and soft dynamics, enhancing the emotional impact of the songs and keeping the listener engaged. 5. **Authentic Production:** The lo-fi, unpolished production gives the album a gritty, organic feel that suits the band’s style and adds to its character. **Cons of the Album** 1. **Inconsistent Quality:** Not all tracks on the album reach the same level of excellence as "Freak Scene" or "Pond Song." For instance, "Don’t" may be too abrasive or repetitive for some listeners, disrupting the flow of the album. 2. **Buried Instrumentation:** The production sometimes obscures elements like the drums and bass, which can detract from the overall impact. A more balanced mix might have enhanced the listening experience. 3. **Vague Lyrics:** While some may appreciate the ambiguity of the lyrics, others may find them lacking in substance or clarity. The emotional tone is often more significant than the words themselves. 4. **Mascis’ Vocal Style:** Mascis’ vocal delivery is not conventionally strong, often coming across as disengaged or monotonous. This may not appeal to those who prefer more expressive or varied singing styles. 5. **Not Accessible to All:** The album’s noisy, distorted aesthetic and raw production might be off-putting to those who are unaccustomed to alternative or lo-fi music. **Conclusion** *Bug* stands as a significant album in Dinosaur Jr.'s discography and the broader alternative rock canon. Its combination of abrasive guitar work, introspective lyrics, and raw production encapsulates the spirit of late-'80s alternative music. While not perfect, the album's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and it remains influential to this day. For listeners interested in exploring the roots of the alternative rock and grunge movements, *Bug* offers a compelling snapshot of a band at the height of its creative powers. Ultimately, *Bug* captures a moment in time when music was shifting away from the polished mainstream rock of the '80s, paving the way for a new wave of artists who valued authenticity, emotional depth, and musical experimentation.

It's a nice new discovery for me

Noisey jangly ballsy rock with hooks.

4/5

Jesus a lot of low ratings are popular for this. It’s not that bad? Like it sounds like a very competent pre-grunge indie album with a few standout tracks.

A bit noisy but ok

Dropped the ball again, younger self. What a disappointment.

I really like Dinosaur Jr. But as an album, I can't really say this is over a 4/5.

This was such a pleasant surprise! I actually put this album off by a few days, because I wasn’t in the mood for rock the day this album was generated. But it was right in my genre wheelhouse! Reminds me of Counting Crowe but a little less pop-y.

Doesn’t have the state legendary status that You’re Livinng All Over Me does, but song for song is probably my fav Dino Jr album. Really appreciate the improved production it just lets Js guitar and Lous thick bass to shine. Freak Scene is an all time opener

the slacker thing still bugs me but there’s no denying these guys created a whole world that was unique to them

This was good. Kinda punk. Fun

can pick it out as Dinosaur Jr from the sound right away, fairly easy listen, loved "Don't"

Dinosaur Jr. do one thing, play it loud, and they do that well. Proto-shoegazing grunge, my jam.

Fav: They Always Come Least Fav: Don’t Vocals didn’t bug me as much as I expected going into this. This album was almost going to bee a 5/5 but the last 2 tracks were not fly, and they brought it down. Other than that, I was buzzing when the other songs were playing

Dinosaur Jr. layers their songs with feedback and noise but there are strong melodies and catchy riffs underneath all the noise. I enjoyed this album, mostly in the background. The energy is great and I could see myself really liking it with more listens. I was gonna rate this a 3 but then “Don’t” came on and I was blown away by the sheer power and pain of it. Those screamed vocals are intense. Excellent song, really strong album. Bumping it up a rating because I’m starting to see that Dinosaur Jr. are capable of some incredible highs.

Dang I restarted my computer and lost what I wrote! (this has happened like 4x now on this project). Long story short, I have appreciated this band from afar without ever really diving into them. I have some friends who have done a songwriting masterclass/camp with J. Mascis and reported that they learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed it, which is cool! I think this record is a solid noisy indie rock release that is also admirably dynamic, and is really approachable for me in that regard. It's not all noisy loudness, and it's not all quiet acoustic and clean guitars. Many of the songs have interesting sections and you can tell there's a lot of the band writing parts together going on, which I appreciate. It's not just J. Mascis coming to them with songs already written and them just playing the backing music, there's a lot of song breaks for the drums / other instruments to shine, and it makes for a handful of cool rock moments. It's a high 3, like a 3.8 for me, enough to round to a 4. My only wish is that I want more pronounced vocal parts, like more hooks or memorable melodies.

I enjoyed this a lot more than the other Dinosaur Jr. album. Well until the penultimate song in which case.. no. None of that. But the rest of the album was great indie rock.

Alt rock Sounds like old Radiohead at parts Varied throughout Did not get bored