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Bug (Merge) Rating: NNNN
Dinosaur (Merge) Rating: NNN
You’re Living All Over Me (Merge) Rating: NNN
The reissue of the first three Dinosaur Jr. albums in honour of the 20th anniversary of their confounding debut for Homestead should be welcomed by indie rock fans unaware of just how influential these recordings were – particularly the distorted attack of slouchy guitar savant J Mascis – in the emergence of the late-80s shoegazer craze and the grunge scare that followed. Even long-time Dinosaur Jr. fans will be surprised at just how poorly the brilliant tunes on You’re Living All Over Me stand up, due to the wispy-thin guitar sound and muddy mix. It’s actually 88’s Bug, recorded at Fort Apache with Sean Slade and Paul Kolderie – when the members were at each other’s throats – that best represents Dinosaur Jr. at their creative and performing peak. No amazing lost tracks have been dug from the vaults, because nothing extra was cut during their studio skirmishes, so a couple of video clips will have to suffice for bonus material.
