Artist: Dinosaur Jr. Album: Farm

Year: 2009
Duration: 1:11:24

A Critic's Take: Farm by Dinosaur Jr.

Dinosaur Jr. has been a staple in the alternative rock scene since the 80s. Their fifth studio album, Farm, released in 2009, received critical acclaim from both music critics and fans alike. However, as a critic and listener, I believe that there are certain aspects of the album that are worth further analysis and critique. In this blog post, I will provide a brief history of the band, discuss the music genre of the album, highlight the best songs of the album, identify the most innovative parts of the album, and give my critical review of Farm.

Dinosaur Jr. emerged in the mid-80s in Amherst, Massachusetts. They were part of a scene that included bands like Sonic Youth, Hüsker Dü, and The Replacements. They are known for their unique combination of loud, distorted guitar riffs, layered with introspective and melancholic lyrics. Their sound was at the forefront of what is now known as alternative rock.

The genre of Farm can be described as alternative rock, with influences of grunge and psychedelic rock. The album begins with the heavy and anthemic Pieces, setting the tone for the rest of the album. The tracklist is balanced with more mellow tracks like I Want You To Know and Plans, which add depth to the overall sound of the album.

The standout tracks on Farm are I Don't Wanna Go There, There's No Here, and Ocean In The Way. I Don't Wanna Go There is a quintessential Dinosaur Jr. track, with powerful guitar riffs and lyrics that reflect the band's existential angst. There's No Here is a slower track with ethereal melodies, demonstrating the band's ability to create dynamic textures with their music. Ocean In The Way is another noteworthy track with infectious guitar riffs and a singalong chorus.

The most innovative parts of the album are the guitar solos by J Mascis. He has been described as one of the most underrated guitarists of all time, and Farm showcases his talents in full force. The layered guitar parts and soaring solos create a soundscape that is both mesmerizing and intense.

My critical review of Farm is that it is a solid addition to Dinosaur Jr.'s discography. The album captures the essence of the band's sound and includes some of their strongest tracks to date. However, it lacks the experimental and boundary-pushing elements of their earlier releases, which may disappoint longtime fans. Overall, Farm is a great starting point for anyone interested in getting into Dinosaur Jr.'s music.

In conclusion, Dinosaur Jr.'s Farm is an album that deserves recognition for its place in alternative rock history. The band's unique sound and J Mascis's guitar talents are on full display in this album. While it may not be their most groundbreaking release, it is a testament to their consistency as a band. I hope this blog post has shed some light on the album and encouraged listeners to give Farm a spin.

In conclusion, Dinosaur Jr.'s Farm is an album that deserves recognition for its place in alternative rock history. The band's unique sound and J Mascis's guitar talents are on full display in this album. While it may not be their most groundbreaking release, it is a testament to their consistency as a band. I hope this blog post has shed some light on the album and encouraged listeners to give Farm a spin.