J Won't Keep You Thinking For Long

J Mascis has been the gift that keeps on giving this year, hasn't he? After the impressive solo album Seven Shades Of Why (through Sub Pop), he is releasing a new 7" single featuring a cover of Edie Brickell's song, "Circle", and the b-side, "I've Been Thinking" - which is yours below! Not only is this an opportunity to listen to new J songs, it's also on purple/green vinyl--it looks a like candy, and sounds just as appealing.



J Mascis - I've Been Thinking

But that isn't all! The master of rock will be all solo-ed up (and acoustic!) to take on the Brisbane heat as he heads to the sublime environs of the Powerhouse on Thursday January 10! This is incredible news, all the more so due to the fact that Danny Widdicombe has snavvled the support - way to bring in 2012 in style buddy! Grab your ticket here.

Totally Slack At Thrashin'

I spoke of New York band Total Slacker a little while back, stating that their track 'Psychic Mesa' was one of the best tracks Id heard this year (see here). That statement is still holding up, especially as it hits the conscience as the opening track of their new LP Thrashin' (out on Marshall Teller Records). The album itself is pretty decent, with some stellar songs that rival 'Psychic Mesa' and that play back towards the greater sounds of the early 90s. The entire album, and band's modus operandi, is a loving homage and pastiche of all things indie circa 93 (they even have a track called 'Stuck in '93', and another titled 'Secret VHS Collection'). It doesn't always work - Tucker Rountree's vocals on 'Life On Easy Street' grate pretty quickly, like within the first twenty seconds or so; and some of the references read more like a hipster reference guide. That is the thing - Thrashin' treads that fine line between having fun with the slacker ennui and culture of the 90s, yet also adhere to wear these influences like a perfectly placed Dinosaur Jr pin (Cheetos, Myspace and New Kids On The Block are referenced in the 1st three lines of 'Magical Date Night'). However in the main Total Slacker stave off an overt claim of pretension by creating continually catchy hooks, some effective vocal harmonies, and that killer opening track.

Grab Thrashin' here.

Total Slacker - Psychic Mesa
Total Slacker - Stuck in '93

DINOSAUR JR – FEEL THE PAIN (BLANCO Y NEGRO)

DINOSAUR JR – FEEL THE PAIN (BLANCO Y NEGRO)

In some quarters unfortunately because of the Spike Jonze music video attached to this single and the MTV airplay to a certain generation of alternative rock fans, the ones that missed the point and boat, this is the best known Dinosaur song. And while it is not a bad Dinosaur song at the same it is not a great Dinosaur song.

As it chunders along there is something of a lethargic ice cream van music feel attached to the slow guitar picking from J. he drawls in his trademark tone about “feeling the pain of everyone” sounding sarcastic in his apparent concern. When he then concedes that he “feels nothing” you can’t help but think he is taking the piss out of the touchy feely sensibilities of the caring alt rock icons of grunge and generation. The fact that he is now playing (urban) golf in the video can only serve to display how things move on. From one perspective it feels very lazy but at the same time the idle opening serves as an ideal route to the blistering turn about of face for the chorus. If nothing else you know and have memorised this song in minutes.

With Mike Johnson once more on board but Murph now gone “Feel The Pain” serves incredibly well as the opening (and only) single from “Without A Sound” also serving as the first song on the album.

Backing up on the CD single are “Get Out Of This” (no words just solo) and an acoustic solo version of “Repulsion” by J. himself recorded at CBGBs with the former being a plodder and the latter being a trudger. Actually this statement is slightly harsh about the version of “Repulsion” as J. puts in his best turn/effort at being Neil Young when really his voice sounds amazing, emotional and distinguished in its own way making it unnecessary for him to be aping anyone, although it does fall apart at the end. This is a true hidden gem buried on a crap format.

Finally hats off for the cover and a pretty literal example of feeling the pain.

Thesaurus moment: ripened.

Dinosaur Jr
Blanco Y Negro