Dinosaur Jr. – Beyond

Dinosaur Jr. was a band that didn’t mutually break up. J Mascis always lurked on the side and it seemed eminent that they would one day return. The question was if they did get together would it be the authentic band and not just Mascis and accompaniment? So when the word broke out in 2005 that it would be the same memorable trio again, it appeared to be both extraordinary and interesting. They toured together for a while, realizing that the reunion would work and decided to cut an album together, again. And that’s where we’re at now, rewarded with Beyond, the band’s magnificent new album.

The opener, “Almost Ready” starts the album off with a vigor and greatness that draws you in. Not only is the album cohesive but it’s also gallant, imperative and incredibly melodic. Their music is resounding and as stunning and rousing as ever. The sprawling guitar solo on “Pick Me Up” is a skilled and capable musician at work. And although it is just a guitar solo, the driving melody never escapes it, making it genuinely remarkable.

Part of the reason why Lou Barlow left the band was because Mascis wouldn’t allow his songs onto the albums. Yet here, Barlow has two songs: “Back to Your Heart” (a grungy, gripping rocker that is partly salvaged because of Mascis’ gifted guitar) and “Lightning Bulb” (the penultimate song featuring uplifting guitar and aggressive drumming.) Albeit some would argue that they are the weakest songs on the album (because they are)—they both fit in nicely and the trick is that they are sleekly sequenced.

Then there are also those pleasant ballads on the album. “We’re Not Alone” is a pretty song featuring a sparkling Mascis guitar that’s sprinkled on top of the music. The last two minutes alter it to an up-tempo, style-shift that features another astonishing guitar solo. An even slower and gentler song in “I Got Lost” follows it. It showcases a true falsetto by the band and the guitar is toned back a bit to reveal the softer underbelly of the ensemble. Again though, nothing is lost here, the melody is still prevailing and the complement of the lovely strings only give it an added dimension.

Beyond results in a lush, mature and extremely rewarding album that deserves consideration. As usual, Mascis’ guitar—a stirring strength, charming and expressive, a poignant power, is the star of this show—and as a whole unit, they haven’t sounded this good in about sixteen years. It’s a great album and a staggering return to form for Mascis as a guitarist and songwriter and for Dinosaur Jr. as a band. Yes, it is a guitar-based album but it isn’t discordant or abrasive at all. They vary from playing lovely ballads to some straight-ahead rockers to some country-influenced tunes—and all of the songs feature this guy that plays the guitar very well—or did I mention that already?