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Life & Arts

Dinosaur Jr. roars into Warehouse Live

by JASON GAGNON
The Daily Cougar

It's easy to pass off Dinosaur Jr. as just another 1990s alternative explosion groups that got 15 minutes of MTV fame because of Nirvana, but you would be a fool to do so. Yes, Cobain and Co. gave the trio a shot at the spotlight, but before Nirvana had even formed, Dinosaur Jr. had already created a cult of fans addicted to its unique brand of noise. Tonight at Warehouse Live, 813 St. Emmanuel St., not only will you get the chance to check out the band, but it will be the first time that the original lineup of J Mascis, Lou Barlow and Murph has ever played in Houston.

Starting out as a hardcore punk band in the early '80s, the trio quickly found its groove behind layers of feedback, squealing guitars and simple song structures that have often been described as Sonic Youth meets Neil Young. But probably the greatest mark the band made was bringing back the full on guitar solo in indie rock. Punk and hardcore had removed the often overextended and self-indulgent solos from the mix, but with Mascis, it was never about showmanship. Instead, the solos in Dinosaur Jr. songs seem to work like another verse of lyrics that whine and wail just like Mascis' shy vocals. In 1987, the group released the certified classic You're Living All Over Me, which made the bandmates underground superstars. 

As they continued to tour and write new albums, Mascis began to assert more creative control. Barlow and Murph were told what to play and how to play and Dinosaur Jr. began to decay. Barlow would leave and prove himself as a genius songwriter with Sebadoh and the Folk Implosion. In 1993 the band broke out with the major label release Where You Been and had a minor video and radio hit with the infectious and hook filled "Start Choppin." The last Dinosaur Jr. album, Without a Sound, had similar success and later Mascis (who was the only original member left after firing Murph) put the band to rest.

Whether you realize it or not, Dinosaur Jr. did have a pretty sizeable impact on the fledgling alternative music scene. As with peers, the Pixies, no one is sure how long the reunion will last or if new music will be recorded, but it's better to play it safe and not miss your chance to see this amazing band in its original, pristine glory.

Dinosaur Jr./ Priestess/Dead Meadow

8 p.m. Friday
@ Warehouse Live, 
813 St. Emmauel St.

Send comments to dcshobiz@mail.uh.edu