Dinosaur Jr.

Farm (Jagjaguwar)

By Matt Siblo
Published: July 15th, 2009 | 12:30am

Remember the Stooges' The Weirdness? Or what about the New York Dolls’ forebodingly titled One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This? The mere mention of these albums sounds like a cruel taunt, spiteful punch lines from fans who’ve had their good will taken advantage of by nostalgic old men. Just as troubling are bands like the Pixies and the Police, who strut out their back catalog to the sold-out arenas without a serious consideration — Shrek 2 soundtrack contributions notwithstanding — of reigniting the songwriting process. And let’s not even mention Billy Corgan.

But, despite its implausibility, one of the 1980’s most explosive yet disparate bands, Dinosaur Jr., has defied the odds. The group's current output is so compelling, it’s as though the members are trying to outdo their own milestones. If Farm isn’t the sound of Dinosaur Jr. at its peak, it’s dangerously close.

Not quite as immediately satisfying as 2007’s surprisingly terrific Beyond (Play It Again Sam), Farm’s meandering charm proves that the band’s triumphant return was no fluke. These songs, without the group mining the heavier sounds of its Dinosaur period, have become more expansive, while all of the band’s sonic hallmarks (including an uncharacteristically playful single in “Over It,”) remain. J Mascis rages full on with “I Want You To Know” and “Plans,” proving once again that his solo prowess has shown no discernable signs of aging. Or, better yet, he’s able to take his age and use it as strength, not a liability.

If only all second comings could be so charmed.

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