Bug

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

Bros bugging

I liked it but I listened to one of their other albums and liked that one a lot more

Really solid noise rock album.

OK FINE. I get it now. Happy Dave and Phil??

Western MA's finest! Freak Scene is possibly my favorite indie rock tune of the late 80's and the rest of the record is pretty good, too. I always appreciated how they were one of the first bands of hardcore kids to take a step in a new direction. They were definitely not a hardcore band but they always had that credibility.

I played this album at work once and I had forgotten about the song Don’t. I definitely got some looks when that came on. Yeah, that song does not fit the vibe of the rest of the album. It’s not a bad song, just pretty different from everything else on there. Anyways, obviously I’m a fan of this band/album. I love the dirty guitar sound, and J. Mascus’ quiet almost sweet vocals in juxtaposition to it. Just great all around, no complaints from me.

I was born in the wrong generation, and by that I mean I was meant to be driving around on a sultry summer day in 1989, fresh out of undergrad, cranking my window down to smoke a Camel, blasting college rock radio on my way to my new graphic design job, vocalizing fuzzed-out guitar solos and cursing out the old lady in front of me for driving so slow and making me late for my morning meeting. Bug is a close approximation to what that must’ve felt like, though, so I’ll take it.

3.7

It's like a grungy Nick Drake, sometimes Placebo Vibes... I like it, good vibes...

Great guitar work. Didn’t love the vocal style. Fun rock indie nonsense.

✅✅✅ fun noisy, incredible guitars, j mascis is one of the best guitarists alive

Great album.

Great album, didn't imagine I would enjoy it as much as I did. All hail the Dinosaur!

Classic dino jr.

Dinosaur Jr. always kicks so much ass. They were so far ahead of the curve. Don’t was the only rough patch on the album and the reason for 4 stars. Everything else was great

I love the indie grunge sound and I love that it truly comes through in their albums. No hyper clean production taking away the mess. Pond Song and of course Freak Scene are standouts. The album REALLY doesn't need "Don't" on there. Especially with how strong an end Keep the Glove is. I enjoy this album but "Without a Sound" is still my favourite.

4/5. An actually good dinosaur jr. album, is this possible? Normally the punk devolves to unlistenable grunge but this time, there is actual melody and good vocals, and the lyrics are interesting as well while still maintaining that heavy aesthetic and punk energy. This was a surprisingly enjoyable listen, would recommend. Plus the guitar work was excellent. Best Song: No Bones, Yeah We Know, Don't

Some great late 80s alternative rock action here. I like the music more than the vocals with Dinosaur Jr, but the album is really good overall. Very heavy, but with well-written songs 4/5

i probably made a bit of a mistake listening to youre living all over me before this because that album is better. bug is still a solid follow-up, just a step down. it relies less on memorable hooks (a difficult songwriting strategy to consistently pull off) in favor of more even songs with some jams in it. similar to YLAOM, i enjoyed the final track the least but the other 8 are all songs id be happy to have come on in a shuffle. there's nothing as memorable as in a jar or the lung but there are still solid vocal and guitar melodies through out and like i said before, this is a very even listen until don't, none of the songs stand out much for better or for worse.

Interesting

4/5 - I enjoyed this a lot, this sounds way ahead of its time Was nice to hear what else was going on in late 80s/early 90s when grunge was taking over Standout tracks: - No bones 4/5 - Yeah we know 5/5 (listened to this 2-3 times) - Don't 0/5 hurt my ears literally, had to skip - Keep the glove 1/5 it's like they got bored during the last two songs and decided to stop being good

not my favorite Dinosaur Jr. album, it gets to be a little much at the end for me. Fun fact, I remember my dad hearing me listening to Freak Scene when I was in middle school and he took the CD away from me when he heard the cursing.

Rocking indie shreds.

The noise rock followup to the landmark You're Living All Over Me, again featuring Mascis's lead guitar and Barlow's groovy basslines (before his departure to Sebadoh). Continuing with their fuzz, this album is more accessible, with catchier melodies and warmer distortion that ties together the tracks. Whereas YLAOM had a lo-fi experimental aesthetic, they sound more mature and in-control. I'm not in love with it as much I am with YLAOM, which I found to be much more charismatic and otherworldly. But I did find something I liked about every track. "Yeah We Know" and "Don't" did go on way longer than they needed to, which only minorly dampened the experience. "Pond Song" and the bonus "Keep the Glove" are the only two that I felt were boring and offered little beyond some cool distortion trick. But for the most part, it's more of what you like from YLAOM, just with less impact. Favorites: Freak Scene, They Always Come, The Post

My favorite from the first era. Melodic, noisy, chaotic, melancholic. It has it all.

When slacker/NOISY sounds meet good songwriting and a singer with feelings. Great stuff.

Decent shoe-gazey rock album. Not much to it, but what it's got is fab.

rockin'. 4 stars.

Noisey '80s rock with some pop sensibilities to make the songs a little more catchy. Reminds me of Sonic Youth with rounded edges in some ways, but not in any disparaging way. I am impressed with the tones that J Mascis manages to get out of his guitar, and how it weaves into the unyielding rock songwriting. This all culminates in a bulldozer of a song for the final track that destroys everything in it's path. Some may be put off by it's relentless wails and feedback, but I find it brings the album to it's natural conclusion.

Good fun punkish alt rock record that’s been in and out of my life several times. Always a welcome listen - more as a whole than individual songs.

I get why Dinosaur Jr. gets the hate they get. They're loud and abrasive...but that's the point. They're a noise rock band, and they deliver on what they promise. And to be honest, among the noise scene, they're some of the most tolerable I've heard, with their music resembling the alternative scene of it's time, just with the knobs turned a little too far to the right. It's more musical than it has to be, a nice mix of raw but fun. There were one or two points where the noise came close to overwhelming me, but it never quite got to that point. I enjoyed it.

Great album. 4 stars

Guitar, guitar, guitar, yeah! Noise, noise, noise. Okay! I love Dinosaur Jr. when they're on: catchy medolies, cool lyrics, crunchy guitar, etc. But not all of the songs on this album hit. They have better albums. Still, a generous 4/5, especially for "Freak Scene".

My bag

punky/alt

Dinosaur Jr. Is cool. This album is cool. I like guitar rock and this album is just very very good guitar rock.

Gefällt mir natürlich.

It's all here – the reaching, grasping, blazing solos, the sudden stops from high speed, the bashing drums and romping bass, the uncertainly yearning vocals, the layering of acoustic guitar next lacerating electric, hooks galore and bittersweet, melodies that half make one smile, half break one's heart. Opening cuts are worthy intros. The solo on ""They Always Come"" launches majestically and becomes elegantly restrained, with languid vocals contrasting the driving close-out – an essential Dinosaur moment. The ending solo/riffing on ""Let It Ride"" pure coruscation. "Keep the Glove" and "Pond Song"" are additional highlights. "Don't" very much is, the only track that doesn't work. Is it too much to say that Mascis' voice manifests the entire indie rock ethos – the DIY factor, willingness to be unpretty and non-harmonious, the embrace of the off-beat and rough-edged in the name of authenticity, and of course the inherent and persistent yen to connect, with not a little guilt and worry and regret mixed in? No, one doesn't think so. The initial preference for the later records (Green Mind and after, based on these being when one got involved with D, Jr. and more partying memories with those cuts as soundtrack having accrued) but this is flat-out great, and very might well be their best. And all in a tight sub-:40 package. Nobody better balanced ""chaotic and melodic"" (per editors) than Mascis & Co.

Would have been a 5 if not for the unlistenable emo-screaming in Don't.

вайбово, но курсы вокала не помешают

An album that feels as though it is teetering on the edge of a mental breakdown throughout its runtime, we start with a song that is rather pleasant, almost noise-pop rather than rock, with an almost dance-y quality to it, like a mid-era Sonic Youth song, yet by the end of the album it feels like the band finally starts to snap, and you get screaming with harsh yet catchy guitars and some great drumming, and it all fits into this package of music that I live for. I love the catchy qualities, the noisy qualities, and all in-between. It does at points start to lose some meaning, becoming music that comes in one ear and out the other, but it is certainly worth your time as a record when you are at your highest and lowest.

Never heard of this band before. This album suprised me. It featured songs with multiple elements of rock that worked together surprisingly well.

I had never listened to Dinosaur Jr. before this, but I really like!

Love it

Ah le rock

Now I know where all the garage rock and indie bands from the 2000s got their inspiration from.

Wiinning combo of angry fuzz guitars and lovely pop melodies. There's an agreeable ragged edge to Dinosaur Jr., a real songwriteryness which is why I guess they've endured so long.

Freak Scene was everywhere when I was a kid in Sydney in the late 80s early 90s - I like the song, but for some reason never pursued this band. There are some great tracks on this 'No Bones', 'Don't' that'll I'll listen to again

I gotta say, Bug was quite the wild ride. The album started off as a typical grunge album then got a bit more somber with some songs then Don't came and shocked me because I was absolutely not expecting it to be more metal-adjacent. The multitude of styles did help the album feel fun to listen to even if they could have been executed better in some places. This album gets a 3.5 (adjusted to 4) Best Song: Yeah We Know Worst Song: Pond Song

I never heard of this group and based on what I read before listening didn't think this was going to take long. What a surprise, I really enjoyed it. Each song was unique. The only song I could pass on was "Don't", but even that noisy song had some appeal.

After reading others' reviews, I did not expect to like this album, but I loved it! The only "noise" I heard was "Done". Otherwise loved the upbeat rhythms, early grunge vibe, indie, alternative feel. Glad to be introduced to Dinosaur Jr.

Wasn’t feeling this yesterday so I was just going to Let It Ride, but today it made me Budge. It’s actually pretty decent, but Yeah We Know that now.

A good album, I liked Let It Ride and Budge.

4.1 - I love this proto-grunge sound, especially the scratchy, abrasive guitars on songs like "Budge." "Don't" reminds me of Nirvana at their most sludgy (e.g., "Endless/Nameless"). Given that this record was released in 1988, it feels like these guys were well head of the "alternative" wave, possibly even before Sonic Youth??

I'm not sure if this is significantly better than the other Dinosaur Jr. album on this list, or if my music taste has changed in the ~2 years since we got the last one. Maybe now I can see how this fits in temporally between peak Sonic Youth and the ensuing 90s grunge scene. Some of the more out there stuff was a bit grating but overall I enjoyed this. 7/10

2. Safety Measures: Secure and seal all chemical containers housed within the fume cupboard. 3. Sash Operation: Check smooth operation, with the sash holding position at indicated markers. 4. Velocity Check: Confirm the controller indicates a velocity around 0.5 m/s within a tolerance of +/- 0.1 m/s. 5. Airflow-Fail Alarm: Push the sash-lock to open beyond the max setting to check for airflow-fail alarm activation. Ensure no hazardous processes are ongoing during this check. 6. Fire-Trace Indicator: Verify the needle is in the green (charge) area and inspect internal tubing for blockage/damage. 7. VAV Valve: If visible, assess VAV valve operation as the sash opens/closes. 8. Noise Check: Listen for any noticeable changes in noise, tones, or vibrations. 9. Interior Light: Confirm the proper operation of the interior light. 9. Record Keeping: Maintain records of regular checks, readily available upon request (e.g., during safety inspections). Safely store completed forms, such as in a central lab folder or fixed into the back of your laboratory book

This is music I love, the album is a good listen and encompasses the feeling of melancholy as it develops into pure noise by the end.

It's jangly, it's noisy, and overall pretty good.

Sloppy and raw, a lot of fun to listen to.

Not a big Dinosaur Jr fan but this one is probably my Favourite

Yesterday I got the Stone Roses. This record is similar. It's a wall of sound with lazy, unconvincing singing. While the Stone Roses are a nice plastered wall, this is rough with bricks sticking out of it, which makes it more interesting to me. Favorite song: No Bones

Enjoyed this, musically cool and a cool energy

Freak Scene is pop perfection. There. Stop the album there and then, five fucking stars. The production throughout Bug is far better than any mainstream shit, past and present. Each instrument is allowed to argue its case, without battling one another. The guitar chops and digs away. J Mascis' vocals are tender, yet still crash down on you with a tirade. The fucked up attitude is the appeal. There's actually some real clever melodies here. Adorable.

Its hard to put into words what I love so much about Dinosaur Jr. They come across as unpretentious folks just making the music they want to. This isn't my favorite Dinosaur Jr. album, but this was such a delight to listen to this morning.

It's hard to praise an album like this enough, it's such a foundational work. And it's one that continues to fly under radar all these years after it came out. Let me tell you though, nothing really sounded like this in 1988. Tons of bands tried to sound like Dinosaur Jr. in the following decade, most falling far short. Even today the album sounds as vital and powerful as it did the day it came out. As an album, every song here is perfectly placed. The flow from song to song feels effortless. It's frequently rowdy and occasionally blow your speakers out blistering. It's sometimes pleasantly melodic. But every note and bit of dissonance seems purposeful, strategic. Every moment of it is riveting. That's a skill few artists possess. Fave Songs: Freak Scene, No Bones, Yeah We Know, Pond Song, Budge, They Always Come

Forts bonnes guitares saturées sur la chanson d'intro ; et sur le reste de l'album. Ça m'a fait penser à du Sonic Youth.

Though 2 Dinosaur Jr. Albums on the list might be 1 too many, it's hard to choose which one is the best, and this is as good a candidate as any. They have such a consistent sound through the years. I can see how people might be turned off by J. Mascis' voice, but I find it endearing and vulnerable. The use of guitar texture, distortion, and feedback throughout the record is simply amazing. So 3 dimensional you might need to adjust your graphic equalizer. I'd love to see a list of the pedals they used for each song, along with the usual instrumentation info. "Don't" is a bit jarring though, and honestly breaks the spell for me, enough so to bring it down from 5 stars to 4. Otherwise, Dinosaur Jr. have a special knack for making alienation and depression sound almost glorious, sometimes even downright jolly. This is their third album from '88! Dinosaur Jr. deserve alot more credit as forefathers of the alternative and indie rock that came in their footsteps.

Muy chulo.

“Freak Scene” is one of my all-time favorite songs. I love J’s guitar playing.

I saw this come up and went “ew” to myself 😬I’ll give it another chance. Did not like Dinosaur 🦕 jr at the time (even though I was the exact audience for this). Be right back… Ok. I really like this one. It’s hard to get over the vocals but I think I am starting to understand the concept. The heaviness of the guitar, power trio factor, laissez faire attitude: tick tick tick. I’m in. Kind of a fan now. 😬

Love it

This is like proto-Pixies and proto-Pavement, two of my favorite bands ever. This isn't as fleshed out as the later 90s indie rock, but I love to hear this earlier take on the sound

Great album, not quite as good as You're Living All Over Me though. I love the wall of distortion running through the whole album.

great followup to you're living all over me which is one of my favorite albums of all time. freak scene is an indie classic. just can't go wrong with it.

Knew I’d like this album just from the cover art. Good stuff, adjacent to what I normally listen to. The vocals are a touch whiny. Favourite song Don’t.

Hell of a closer, huh? Can’t say they don’t have range. Dinosaur Jr. is able to easily pull off soft and intense styles that both sound unique to them and can be enjoyed. They are a quality and offensively underrated band. Not sure why they aren’t more popular. 4/5

I liked this a lot. Haven't heard this album before, but I like it more than other Dinosaur Jr. stuff that I've heard before.

I liked this more than You're Living All Over Me. 3.75/5

I’ve always liked Dinosaur Jr., but despite having ingredients that I’d normally be all here for (basically Sonic Youth with crazier lead guitar), I’ve never really loved them. They’re a cool band who I can listen to a few songs or an album at a time but don’t feel compelled to own any of their stuff. This is some good stuff, but yeah, not something I can’t live without. B

Dinosaur Jr. is one of those alternative/indie bands who had their heyday in the late 80s, just a bit too early for a kid who's musical awakening was in the early 90s. They are a band I've heard much about since, but never taken the time to dig deeper than hearing an occasional song. But after listening to "Bug," I see the appeal, from pounding noise rock one moment to melodic breakdowns the next. J Mascis may have been the creative genius behind things, but bassist Lou Barlow encapsulated the band perfectly, saying that "we loved speed metal ... and we loved wimpy-jangly stuff." As for the penultimate track, "Don't," ... well, just don't. Almost killed a good vibe.

Intense album, really cool mood for me these days. I enjoy how the almbum progressively gets more and more weird, crazy, intense 4/5

Refreshing

c'est rock

I didn't really get Dinosaur Jr. when I was younger and they were making noise in the 90's. But I like them a lot better now. I still think J Mascis has flawed vocals that can be difficult to listen to sometimes, but he composes some solid songs. I don't think I have ever listened to this album or its only single, Freak Scene. But both are solid. I thought the first three songs (No Bones and They Always Come) really do a good job of introducing that new (at the time) alternative sound, with furious but not quite distorted guitar (and pounding drums) and odd time signatures. And even though the vocals leave something to be desired, the lyrics make you think. They were/are unique but I have a lot of respect for their sound now. And this album does that justice. I'd say Don't is the only song I didn't really enjoy, maybe should've kept Lou Barlow off vocals. Or maybe that's why I like the Barlow-led Sebadoh less.

Dinosaur Jr. feel like they're those guys who are secretly into the Grateful Dead, but also really like freaking out hippies when they get the chance. I love how this record shifts from psychedelic pop to pure, unabashed noise on a moment's notice. The tones on this thing are great as well. Favorite tracks: "Don't", "Badge", "Yeah We Know"

Still a great follow-up to *You're Living All Over Me*. It has the exact same earmarks as in that goundbreaking album: good songwriting, J Mascis's guitar solos and plaintive voice, layers and layers of high frequency noise and slacker-rock messiness... It just lacked the elements of surprise found in their 1987 breakthrough record. But "objectively", *Bug* was equally good. When it comes to other vintage Dinosaur Jr. LPs, you could also single out *Hand It Over*, *Green Mind* or *Where You Been*. And I'm fully aware that their later period--when Lou Barlow went back into the fold--is excellent as well... The thing is, you can't cram all those good records from *one* single band in, can you? Number of albums left to review: 514 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 232 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 112 (including *Bug* - and it's one of those rare cases where a 4/5 LP risks not making it to the list: I want to leave room for at least one other Dinosaur Jr. album apart from *You're Living All Over Me*, but the competition is fierce, I gotta say...) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 141

Pretty solid

There’s no good reason for me to not already be a huge fan of this band.

these dudes rock the fuck put and do indie grungey hard shit well. this has compelling riffs and guitar work. hell yeah old dudes.

More messy joy.

At an $oldJob my boss was a big Dinosaur Jr. fan and they always felt like a band I need to spend more time with. Well that feeling is still true today I didn't fully get into this album but I'm still intrigued enough to explore further. Fave tracks: Yeah We Know, and The Post.

Huh. Just like "You're Living All Over Me", this is messy raucous noise rock drenched in squalls of feedback. I like it just fine - but at a meta level, kinda annoyed the list gives us two Dinosaur Jr albums made a year apart that do basically the same thing. 🤷 Fave track - "The Pond Song", maybe, or "The Post"

You can hear what inspired this and what was inspired by this and for that - I was interested

Another fun album from Dinosaur Jr. This one sounds ahead of its time in that it's pure 90s, despite coming out in 88. This reminded me a lot of early Flaming Lips (who I love), but I suppose that these guys pre-date them. Nice!

Ive never heard the whole album. It contains one of the greatest opening tracks ever: "Freak Scene" The rest is pretty good too.

One’s always preferred the later Dinosaur, though perhaps primarily because one knew it before this and other earlier efforts. And frankly this is sick good. It’s the template isn’t it: the sweet melodies within the blaze of destruction; the mix of ennui in the vocals and what can be taken for the rage of the guitar licks and lines.Considerable catchiness comes from the deft little stop-starts that are sprinkled throughout “They Always Come,” though the cathartic, melting release of the second half of the cut makes it considerably more than catchy – borderline moving and inspirational, in fact. “Yeah We Know” is driving and brooding in a typical sort of way … one hears simultaneously regret/melancholy and solace for same, on top of just guitar work that straight-up rips and bangs, while also showing delicate finesse. “Pond Song” and “Budge” are also great. One struggles to think of any vocalist who got more out of a worse voice (perhaps because there simply aren’t that many more with a worse voice though one’s always suspected JM of intentionally going off-key and breaking notes just because he could).”Don’t” is the only dog here, the only thing worse than metal maybe being metal mimicry; they might have taken the title’s advice or simply stopped sooner, even if the song-length solo is typical Mascisian excellence. “Keep the Glove” returns the sanity – if art noise can be said to be sane – and makes a fine close. This is close to their best record, it must be said, even after getting to know it quite late.

Buen disco de rock alternativo, con abundancia de guitarras un tanto pesadas, pero aun así el resultado final gusta. Canciones no muy conocidas, pero se puede escuchar

Listened to it already a while ago. Like this album.

Liked it more than I thought I would

- the guitar is the star of the show - perfect DIY, slightly whiny voice for the music - high quality grungy indie rock - really enjoyed the listen, would give it a 4.5 if I could

Pretty good noisy rock. Tracklist seemed pretty loosely ordered especially with the last two songs. Overall 7.5/10 (an extra .5 because of the cover)

This album was flirting with a 5 for me until Don't. Pure cacophony on that track. Otherwise really enjoyed it. Favorite track: Yeah We Know

Luke loves these and I'd heard a little. Thought this was great! Really enjoyed it

Inconsistant, but a few crazy tracks make it a special album.

This is weird because a lot of modern alternative (and punk in the case of Don’t) sounds a lot like this, but of course this is from the 80’s so it feels like an early swing at the sounds that would run those genres going into the 90’s/00’s. For that reason it is perhaps on the tame side of those sounds but still very listenable and good.

Interessante , rockzinho

Muy chulo

Dinosaur Jr. never miss. Solid slice of early alt-rock that foreshadows many later trends

Muy chulo.

Loved this album. Nothing but huge fuzzy riff after huge fuzzy riff. I also knew Dino Jr were “good” but totally slept on them. Bug kills it!

i do love dino jr, but cant say this is a 5 star album. there are other bands of their ilk with catchier more memorable songs, and bands with noisier more chaotic guitar. i personally prefer their post 2007 comeback albums over their earlier stuff.

Yea this album rocks 🤙🏾!

Chaotic

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

Un autre album de Dinosaur Jr dont j'ai été agréablement surpris. Ce groupe est vraiment solide et était vraiment un pilier de la scène alternative.

Pretty good.It’s what I hoped sonic youth and all those other noise rock bands I’ve listened to would sound like.You know noisy but melodic

It's a good album. I could probably listen to it again. Lots of energy.

Surprisingly enjoyable alternative rock album with lots of influences. Little bit classic rock here, little bit pop here, little bit punk or metal here. Bonus points for the catchy harmonies

One of better US guitarbands with Freak Show and Don't as best songs. 4 stars easily

Love this record. Love this band. J Mascis is maybe my favorite guitar player of all time. I mentioned the shared cross-section between grunge and shoegaze when we did Siamese Dream. Well Dino Jr is another band that fits into that hole. But they do it whilst maintaining a sound so entirely unique to them as to not really fit into either scene. I LOVE the sound this band achieves. I love their explorations in sound and distortion and fuzz. Such a powerful sound for a weirdo, three-piece band. And they achieve some wonderful melodies to boot. And fun explorations with time too. Seeing them play live is incredibly wonderful and impressive. Still the loudest concert I've ever been to and more amazing still that it’s just 3 guys making all that sound. Gonna give this one a 4. I assume we'll be doing their debut effort You're Living All Over Me and want to save the 5 for that. This is a great follow up. But doesn't necessarily do anything that first album doesn't. Although it is tighter, more conventional, and more melodic than that first album, which contributes to the band's success. But it’s not too significant an evolution and I prefer the purity of those initial experiments in sound from the Amherst band. Perhaps, Mascis was a bit green as producer here? He's produced every album since himself and done some amazing work but Wharton Tiers produced that first album which might have given its tone a bit more depth, idk. In any event this is still a very good record and important for breaking an all-time band to the college rock world.

Awesome album to listen to. Dino Jr is a favourite band of mine. No one sounds like them.

Great noise/alternative rock. Do I hear a bit of early emo/pop punk on here?

Few bands hit me in quite the same way as Dinosaur Jr. As noisy, screeching and hysterical as it may be - the amazingly tumultuous “Don’t” being the prime example - there’s always raw emotions and a feeling of honesty hiding just beneath the surface; most often in the form of Mascis’ delicate and bare vocal and brutally beautiful guitar. While I love their older material there’s a special vibe about their post-reunion albums that isn’t quite present here. Maybe it’s because they matured along the way or maybe it’s the heavier focus on their punk aesthetic on the early records? I nevertheless enjoy the ride every bit of the way!

Definitely worth a revisit. Not my fav DJ album, but great.

One of the more notable ”slacker rock” bands. Although, with guitar playing such as this you could hardly call them slackers

Buggg

Watch the movie Singles this week, so I was definitely in the mood for some Grunge

reminds me of my childhood. 90's grunge, Nirvana and Fugazi. I love how sounds take me back. It's also amazing how the 90's created the space for average singers to excel in the grunge space.

J Mascis did a good job on this one. Definitely a classic indie record, and for good reason. Favorite track: They Always Come.

Way cooler than the last Dinosuar Jr we saw. Feels cool alt rock / punk with some nice growls. I can dig it.

Ja, lekker!

Slightly heart over head rating this, but I really enjoyed it.

I think this is a solid followup to their earlier masterpiece; it still delivers that amazing sound, even if it doesn't reach quite the heights of You're Living All Over Me.

Freak Scene brilliant song, rest of the album good, but really found the song don’t hard to listen to.

I was struggling with the vocals at times, but the guitar tones are great. Strong album.

Grungy

For 88 this is pretty good stuff considering how much I dislike hairbands. A band before their time

Val (peut-être)

Not having a lot of exposure to Dinosaur Jr I wasn't sure what to expect with this album so I was surprised how much I enjoyed it! This is a really good album and I can see it's influence on Alt Rock moving forward and also on some Grunge Music, Pond Song (Neil Yong), and a hint of Pavement. The album features great guitar work and drumming which are brought out by the clean production. Lyrically the album seems a bit weak, and repetitive, but that seems to work out okay as the focus seems to be more on the music and less on the vocals on this particular album. The one song on here that I had a tough time getting through was Don't, the screaming gets a bit much and drones on. Other than that really good album and it opens me up to listening to more Dinosaur Jr work. Favorite Songs: Freak Song, Pond Song, Yeah We Know. I give this one a 3.5 - 4.

I'm going on the higher side of 3.5 on this one, but it might be because I'm a sucker for noisy, slacker rock with some poppier moments. I can see how Built to Spill and Dinosaur Jr. (and the Pixies) are listed together as important bands of this era. Freak Scene is simple, but a banger.

I liked the sound but it didn't feel novel. Felt like a superchunk album. Or maybe wilco? Or maybe something else? But I think the sound is novel for the time so... 4 stars.

Is it punk? Is it grunge? Is it metal? Yes. Yes it is, and it is great.

Rentre chez toi, Cobain! Prefs: FREAK SCENE, Let It Ride, Pond Song, Budge Moins pref: Don't

Just flat enjoyed a lot of this. Very early alternative...sounds like Local H 10 years earlier.

Great

Redelijk experimenteel. Misschien soms ietsje teveel

Solid, eclectic, had some bangers, quite enjoyed the album

This album had some bangers, definitely ahead of its time with its sound. The vocals weren't my cup of tea, but the instrumentation and progressions were really cool. Enjoyable listen (besides Don't). Favourite Tracks: No Bones, They Always Come, Yeah We Know

Melodic punk. Very enjoyable after the first song.

Don't needs to calm down a bit. :)

Yah, yah

Weird but cool to hear a wah pedal in a grunge type setting but it works. Raw emotion and an imperfect mix is refreshing to hear compared to today's over produced stuff.

cool early dinosaur jr.

Me gustó.

Nice rocking little album. Not the dinosaur Jr i remember. Until the last song.

not usually my style but this album is pretty solid

I don't know how I missed this band in the 80's - they are from my home state and were popular in my college years; I heard their name a lot but didn't listen to them - so I'm glad I heard this. Hard-driving and thrashy, so not my usual listening fare, and really solid.

Really enjoyed this album! Was kinda surprised by how much I enjoyed it actually!

Decent

I can’t place who this sounds like, but very reminiscent of other bands that were popular among my circle in the early-mid 2000s. I wish I had known about them during my vaguely emo teen years!

High school Dani would have loved this band. Kinda punk, emo, but great guitar and melodies; the change in tempo, even going to 2/3 (which very much reminds me of Brand New). I can't put my finger on who was influenced by this band, but I think a lot of my formative music years had been listening to these guys. Maybe a bit of Brand New, Jimmy Eat World, Nirvana, Radiohead...

Ihan okei rokkia. Tuntui freesimmältä kuin ZZ Topit jne., mutta ei kuitenkaan ihan keveintä mahdollista höttöä. Tämän voisi kuvitella jonnekin Szigetiin tai muualle lämpimään kesäfestari-iltaan. Hyvää fiilistä, mutta ei erityisen mieleen painuvaa. 3.5 pyöristyy neloseen.

Grunge. Rock

I mostly liked it! Adding to my collection.

Great roots of grunge

progressively screamier. the penultimate song scared the shit out of me. but still some good stuff 3.5

Otra de esas bandas de las que únicamente había oído el nombre pero nunca el disco. Fuera de "Don't", que está un poco intragable, el resto del disco me gustó mucho: los riffs y solos de guitarra están divertidos y aunque podría ser considerado "noise" no deja de ser armónico y cada canción tiene su estructura y su propio sonido.

Real nice low fi dad rock, hits nice and hard at points. Verging on fat riffs if it wasn't for all the fuzz (not a bad thing). The Post is an absolute track but Don't can probably calm down a bit

Dinosaur Jr:aa, hyvässä ja pahassa. Pidän kovasti bändin levyjen äänimaailmasta, mutta toisaalta biisit eivät juurikaan eroa toisistaan tai jää mieleen samankaltaisen kitaramuurin takia. Nämä vanhemmat bändin levyt ovat itselleni hieman uusia vieraampia, mutta ihan samaltahan tämä kuulostaa kuin 30v myöhemminkin. Kolmosen ja nelosen välimaastossa keikutaan, mutta vertaamalla tätä muihin viime aikoina antamiini kolmosiin on pakko tehdä pyöristys ylöspäin.

Dinpsaur Jr. - одна из влиятельнейших групп в истории инди-рока. Они взяли нойз-рок и хард-рок 70-х и добавили туда мелодичности и тяжелые гитарные соло, будто вылетающие из горящих энтузиазмом рук музыканта. Не как на дебюте The Jesus And Mary Chain, более гранжево и энергично. Рассматривая именно этот альбом нельзя сказать, что он сильно отличается от You're Living All Over Me (по крайней мере в музыкальном плане). Здесь можно заметить многие приемы предыдущего, но использованы они здесь менее выразительно, чем на предшественнике. Особенно хотелось бы выделить трек "Don't". Он крайне выделяется на фоне всего альбома из-за переполняющей его грязи. Его нахождение в треклисте вызывает удивление скорее негативное, чем восхваляющее разнообразие, но тут момент спорный. Обобщая все выше сказанное, могу сказать одно: Определенно, этот альбом хорош, но знакомится с ним следует только если вам понравился You're Living All Over Me, места в списке он не стоит, это не мастерпис и даже не близко. 7.5/10

Kind of a meh, not my style

However much I try, I just don't like this. Not at the time or now.

Perfectly ok alt rock, not a world beater though.

It was fine. Not sure I'd compare it favourably to Fromohio, which I listened to immediately prior. This felt less varied and melodic than that album; nonetheless, it's a musical style I'm familiar with and enjoy. I'd listen again without complaint, I might never hear any of them after today and wouldn't be bothered.

Felt like a pretty good protogrunge album until Don't hit. That veers into crust-metal territory with screaming and some vocal effects on it. Delightful. The best Dinosaur Jr. song isn't on this album, and there was a distinct lack of songs about dinosaurs. All good though.

Love Dinosaur Jr., but I always found Bug to be their weakest album.

It's nice. Couple of great songs and the rest is pleasant too

In keeping with my late 80s and early 90s garage rock issues, I just don't find this fun to listen to. Some songs are fine. The rest is so forgettable.

Medio mid, pero tiene un estilo que banco. No creo que sea su mejor disco asi que espero que toque el otro.

Good guitar work, drums, and bass, but the indecision that showed through on whether they wanted to focus on the noise rock or slacker rock sounds plus J Mascis' objectively bad vocals make the experience of listening more of a chore than enjoyment.

a downer of an album. not bad, grungy as you can expect

RATING: 7.5/10 HIGHLIGHT: Freak Scene LOWLIGHT: Pond Song

So much of this 80s and 90s alternative rock suffer from being corny. J Mascis isba very solid guitar player and carries this album. "Yeah i know" is my favourite off the record. "Don't" have great instrumentals, but is ruined by the screaming. Gonna give it a three even and not a two for the reason that i thought this was a 90's album. Ahead of it's time, but not in a entirely good way.

I generally enjoyed the first half of this album, but it definitely lost its shine as it progressed.

I liked some songs pretty well and didn’t care at all for others. I added “Freak Show” to my playlist.

An easy listen, but less interesting to me compared to the other Dinosaur Jr. album I listened to, "You're Living All Over Me"

This is not my jam. Mainly it's the vocals. It has a whiny quality that I find annoying. The album did get better as it went on. And I recognize that some people like the vocal vibe. So I won't trash the album completely. It's sort of a 'meh' for me.

creo que me gusto un poco más que el otro de dinosaur jr que escuché (tal vez no, honestamente no me acuerdo) el otro día vi una entrevista donde finn wolfhard los nombra como gran influencia para su musica y escuchando este álbum it's crystal clear.

Poor bug :( Why don't they like him? Dinosaur Jr.'s guitar tones are always fun when you let them fully wash over you. Even the singer's dissonant vocals work in the music's favour! While this album didn't grab me as thoroughly as You're Living All Over Me did, it does showcase the band's range a bit better in my opinion. They do a good job mixing in some more accessible material in-between the heavy sludge. Of course, the album closer is there to remind you that they can still get aggressive with it, and it fuckin rips. I liked it! Standouts: Freak Scene • They Always Come • Let It Ride • Pond Song • Don't

I didn't dislike this album, but i can see why J Mascis said it was his least favorite. It's still good, but I think it lacks the surprises and interesting touches of You're Living All Over Me, which ended up being a surprise favorite of mine in this challenge.

A real roller coaster of an album. Kinda got the same feeling as after watching Dogville for the first

Nothing wrong with it, but nothing stand out either

It was ok, Don't was a weird song.

Yeah, fine, whatever

Didn't mind this, proto grunge, chuckled at the tonal whiplash of the last two songs

Medium noise rock.

Most songs I really enjoyed, but “Don’t” legitimately wanted to stop listening entirely. I think I’d give the album a 4 if it weren’t for how terribad that one is

I’ve always loved J Mascis as a guitarist especially, mostly the band delivers great rock music and this is pretty good, though not amazing. A little too teenage in a way and not that consistent. But it has its moments and the instrumentation is pretty great. 7/10

Pretty good, but there are better Dinosaur Jr. albums

It's okay!

Sounded good in concert, but the studio stuff did quite capture their sound.

Lethargic grunge with the exception of the song Don't. The raw anger felt out of place - not that I minded it. I finally woke up.

I thought it would be a bunch of hardcore punk grooves under ultra-skronk. It's better than that, happily.

freak scene is quite nice

I have always LOVED Freak Scene, the opening track on Bug, but for how much I love that song, that's how blah /annoying the rest sounds to me - don't know why, but a lot of the following tracks sound like noise e basta

It's like white noise. At first, I'm slightly distressed by it, but then his voice feels comforting. It fills the space.

Arguably the best guitarist of his generation. When he wants to J Mascis can write catchy tunes. When he doesn't...look out. Famously Pete Buck (amongst many artists and venues of the era) begged J to turn down when playing live because the guitar would overwhelm both the audience (been there) and the venue PA alike. The early albums were no different. Gems buried amidst noise which is what makes an entire album a bit of a slog. Dinosaur Jr do not make it easy. Gotta respect it even if you don't want to listen to it.

This is a very unpolished album, but it's not bad. I mean, this album is fine. I just really don't have much to say about it. I think it feels very bland at points. I found this just became background music for me. And I would say it starts stronger than it ends. I felt look towards the end. I was just really losing interest. Fav Tack: Fresh Scene

No fav song

devolved after first songs

I'll give Dinosaur Jr credit for having a grungy sound a few years before grunge really took off (this album was 1988 and Nevermind was released 1991). I don't love the singer's voice. The music is decent. A couple of songs started to hook me: "Yeah We Know" and "Budge". Kind of a high 3.

I maybe liked this album more than the previous Dinosaur Jr. album, but I gave that a 4 star rating, and neither album is a 5 star album. So, I’m giving this a 3, and you all can just flip them in your mind.

This might be more remarkable for how early these guys reflected a sound that didn't get more mainstream until years later. Their sound makes me think of half a dozen other bands - Flaming Lips, Pavement, Yeasayer, even Sonic Youth - earnest, solidly alt rock, disaffected sometimes questionable vocals - without ever wholly rising to the level of the excellence some of those bands reached. Not an unpleasant listen but not anything I'm certain I'll come back to.

Was having a great time with this album until I wasn’t. Don’t is a disaster of a closing statement

Ok

This was a decent rock album which devolved into noise at the end.

Better than I thought. I’m really impressed that this is from the 80s, but I’m not impressed by the singing. The songs themselves get me over into the 3 star category

I was a pretty avid fan of these guys when this one was released. And I know the left of center just enough to be off key vocal delivery of J. Mascis kinda became their thing, it seems to fall extra flat on this release. I’ll give it an extra star since it checks all the boxes for influence of a lot of later bands, but it still isn’t as good as their next album Green Mind.

Dinosaur Jr is one of those bands that I've always liked the idea of more than the reality of. I like noisy, dissonant music and Bug fits that but there's just something about every Dinosaur Jr album that I like but don't love. Bug is one of those albums that I don't seek out to listen to but don't mind when it's on

Well this doesn't have Feel The Pain on it (a truly great song that I think set me up to expect more from this). I guess as this was 4 albums earlier, this was naturally a bit rougher and maybe edgier. the songs were fun but certainly didn't grab me melodically (also J Mascis' voice sometimes left a little to be desired). The start of Freak Scene was great!

I like Dinosaur Jr. and I’m sure that in different moods I’d be into this but I’m not so that’s a shame!

I can definitely see the influence of the sound on alternative and indie rock through the 90s on, and I don’t think I’d mind if someone else put the album on to listen to it (I would absolutely insist on skipping the last song though, that is way past the wrong side of abrasive for me and way too long to boot). But ultimately, the particular sell of the noise and the vocals here isn’t for me, because I kept thinking “yeah, this is alright, it reminds me of something else I’d rather listen to that I like more as a whole package”. It’s not you, it’s me type complaints.

64/100

Iha hyvää alt rokkia

I enjoy Dinosaur Jr. enough but it's never something I actually reach for to put on. It's good though.

Dinosaur Jr. have always been squarely in my wheelhouse - melodic, catchy, unpretentious late 80’s/early 90’s alt rock that incorporates a lot of the elements of classic rock - but have never been a favorite of mine. I like the singles pretty well but I’ve never gone out and bought one of their albums. Bug was totally fine until “Don’t” which sucked but didn’t come along until 90% of the way into the album. I liked Bug fine but it did not make me any more than a lukewarm fan of Dinosaur Jr., which I already was. Maybe they should have titled it “Shrug.”

Half of this album blew me away and the other half made me feel like it was my band Paradox in 1995. I love lo-fi when it adds to the feeling of the album and hate it when I’m hearing something “greater” in my own head. Again, half and half. A sadly overlooked band. J Mascis rocks.

I usually love grunge and old-school indie, but I never really got into Dinosaur Jr. I think the only full album I heard before was "Where You Been" - which I kind of liked, but not enough to dive deeper into their discography. This one had a similar effect - it's pretty good overall, but it didn't really strike a chord with me. I was surprised by its modernity, though ; I wouldn't have guessed this was a 1988 album, it definitely sounds like something out of the mid-90s. The bittersweet proto-grunge vibe is way ahead of its time, although I probably prefered the more punkish sound of the B-side. I doubt I'll come back to it, but it was a pleasant listen overall. Doubtlessly a talented band. 6/10

I like Dinosaur Jr. and they’re a very reliable band that you pretty much know exactly what you’re going to get from. However i don’t know exactly how often i’d come back to this one.

this is kinda radiohead

Sicher sehr einflussreich und ganz gut

Grungy noise rock. I didn’t dislike it, but I think the production quality hasn’t aged well and it definitely gets in the way of what could otherwise be a really enjoyable album.

Weird one. First three tracks had me hooked, then completely lost my way with it - not sure if it was a bit repetitive or the quality just dropped. Probably bit of column A bit of column B. I heard this as kinda halfway between R.E.M (hate) and Pavement (love) so mid rating seems right. 6.5 / 10 Best track/s: they always come (sick guitar solo), freak scene, don’t nah only messing this one was shite

I misread the year as 1998 and thought it was pretty generic for the time, then realized it was 1988. I can definitely see how this influenced music to come, but I didn't super care for it. 2.5 starts

fave song: Let it Ride

Don't brought this album down a rating :(

o sea no es lo mío, pero tampoco creo que sea tan desastroso como dicen acá !! no lo sé ! para mí es un 2.5 pero acá queda como un 3/5.

You couldn’t find an album that sounds more ‘90s, except this was recorded in the ‘80s, which is the reason this foundational album is on the list. You have hear a lot of the Seattle Sound I here. They Always Come could have been a Nirvana song; Let It Ride sounds like Pearl Jam from vs; Pond Song could have been Soundgarden. The Post was definitely early Radiohead, showing how far their influence spread. It’s kind of funny because Grunge appeared and disappeared in 4 years. I sometimes forget it had roots. This was a fun album and very progressive post-post-punk-alternative for the day.

Random thoughts: * I liked this way better than Sonic Youth. While it was rocking and noisy it had better melodies and music. * “Don’t” was pretty crazy! But is a noisy good and repetitive way. It wasn’t my favorite song but I did like it. * The guitar playing is solid on this album. * This was proto-alternative before alternative became the thing in the 90s. I bet fans of 1988 Dinosaur Jr were pissed when alternative music went mainstream in 1991. * I liked this well enough but not sure I’ll be revisiting anytime soon.

This album grew on me. The use of melody interspersed throughout the dirty, grungy, fuzzy sound is really captivating and makes the music so much more interesting. I wasn’t a huge fan of the vocals at first but they fit the music so perfectly, and really add to the vibe.

fairly harmless, fairly uninspiring

will revisit this

Kinda sounds like nirvana. Not terrible!

I always don’t mind Dinousar Jr but never truly love them besides some select songs here and there. It’s cool just appreciating how many bands took their sound in this direction through the 90s. It sounds like you’re trapped in a tornado which is pretty cool. This is one I respect but don’t come back to regularly. Rating: 2.9

Just really solid, enjoyed it

Not bad

Ok, an album where the musicians and singer seems to play different songs. Maybe nice for a song of two, but the whole thing drags on. Sometimes there is some alignment, but those occassions are a few and afterwards I can't tell which song it was. One track stands out, the scream noise of "Don't". For that 3 out 5 stars

Loud and fun! 6/10

I really wanted to like this more than I did. There's some cool guitar fuzz stuff, and one track (Don't) stood out among the rest as something really raw and hard. I wanted more noise, more tension, more discomfort...less sunny jangle bullshit and less midtempo college radio bounce. "Yeah We Know" and "Let It Ride" were the other songs on here that I liked, too. But then there's Pond Song and it just all goes to shit. When they got noisy, I really liked it. Glad I listened to it, probably won't come back to it.

Loud and inconsistent, but it has great moments. I wish the whole album was as memorable as the first couple of songs. I guess Don’t is pretty memorable, but not for the best of reasons.

Always liked Freak Show, can add Let It Ride from this listen. The rest not really my thing, a little too sludgy, although he is obviously a really good guitarist!

i like it, but in a way like "its ok, its cool" and not in a exceptionally excited way

Better for driving than trying to do work 🤣 quite liked it then, and it brought up some interesting bands afterwards... that I'm more likely to listen to again than this, but I did quite like it! Maybe it needs another chance.

It was interesting to hear something from the 80s that reminded me of the sound I associate with the 90s.

Better than I thought it would be

Lovely noise - doesn't have my favourite Dinosaur Jr tracks, but well represents what they were all about as they grew less chaotic and more considered. The interplay between the three guys is tight and intuitive with Lou and J swapping between supporting each other and taking over the melodies across bass and guitar which is what I reckon most elevates their sound. Favourite tracks: No Bones, Budge

kann mich nicht erinnern

Alternative rock does not get much better than Dinosaur Jr. J Mascis vocals sit well with jangly distortion His talking languid style is interesting to listen to

I’ve always wanted to be more into Dinosaur Jr more than I am. This album didn’t sway me.

It's the 90's before the 90's even started. It's alright. It's doesn't really do anything their previous album, also on this list, doesn't already do. There are several cases like this here. Why add two identical albums by the same artist when more relevant artists should also have been represented? Key tracks: Freak Scene

Enjoyable in its sameyness. The first song is a goid’un but there was no variety. But sometimes that’s okay.

Yeah yeah lots of guitar. Some pretty cool riffs. I kept trying to hear the bass — was it just mixed too low? There's just something missing for me.

I’d like to spend more time with this album.

"Bug" es básicamente la segunda parte de "You're Living All Over Me"; con más ruido y más presupuesto. Sin embargo, a diferencia de su predecesor, y a pesar de haber salido solo 1 año después que el disco seminal de la banda fronteada por Mascis, este no se siente tan fresco, intenso y visceral. Probablemente (en mi opinión), porque las composiciones de este trabajo tienen un dejo a "restos"; lo cual si bien podría ser malo para cualquier otro LP, siguen siendo los restos de uno de los mejores discos alternativos de música estadounidense de la historia. Las melodías vocales no son tan potentes, y (aunque pareciera estúpido decirlo) las guitarras explosivas de Mascis ocupan demasiado en la mezcla, opacando el trabajo de los otros miembros de la banda. Creo que es un buen disco, y me gusta, pero personalmente en una lista donde se supone que deben encontrarse los "mejores 1001 álbumes de la historia", dos de Dinosaur Jr son demasiados; solo hay lugar para 1, y es "You're Living All Over Me". Pistas destacadas Freak Scene No Bones Yeah We Know Pond Song Budge Don't

Good Brief Good

mieux que le précédent

Pretty good, but this will be my only listen. ★★★

I don't know. I've not really been much of a fan of Dinosaur Jr other than Where You Been. And even then it's only ok. I am a fan of J Mascis' quest for guitar tone. Saw him in concert in the mid 00s. Loudest show I've ever seen by far. But damn did his tone sound great. This album? Meh...

Pioneers of the alternative rock scene who get overlooked for obvious reasons. They deserve more credit, but they probably don’t want it. Great guitars, terrible singing.