Dinosaur Jr. Farm

In the ‘80s, Dinosaur Jr. became synonymous with the type of roaring, distorted rock that helped pioneer the alternative movement. J Mascis was the mastermind behind the Massachusetts power trio and the gifted guitarist/singer/songwriter with a detached drawl ended up parting ways with the other members … only to reunite in 2005. Farm, Dinosaur Jr.’s ninth studio album — and second consecutive offering featuring the original lineup — was produced and written exclusively by Mascis, with the exception of two tracks penned by bassist Lou Barlow ("Your Weather" and "Imagination Blind"). From the boisterous opener (“Pieces”), it’s clear we’re hearing a rejuvenated DJ in all of its noise-pop glory. The one-two punch of “Over It” and “Friends” is powerful, while “Said the People” and “See You” temporarily slow the pace — the latter being the album’s most stripped-down, pop-y number. Farm often conveys sentient sentiments (that everyone is interconnected) and “We want to leave behind what can’t be held” from closing track, “Imagination Blind,” could double as the seminal band’s mantra.