What a Great Record!

Notice I said record, even though I have a CD version and MP3's of the songs on Dinosaur (Jr's) You're Living All Over Me - despite my concessions to modern technology, one of my prized vinyl possessions is the vinyl version of the original Dinosaur (pre-Jr) pressing on the almighty '80s label SST. The band was forced to change their name to Dinosaur Jr. , when some perhaps Vanilla Fudge or other '70s "dinsoaur band" cover outfit threatened to sue. I'm hoping this plus some of my other vinyl prizes (Buttholes Surfers LPs on Touch and Go, for example) will prove to be great investments and put Micah and Emmet through college..
But enough of my T. Rowe Price like musings..back to the album. I'm rediscovering this record, and what an unbelievable rock record this is , one of my faves, up there with Funhouse by the Stooges, Damaged by the almighty Black Flag, and Master of Reality by the once almighty Sabbath..
ostensibly coming out in the late '80s hardcore period, this is an album with songs that both recognize the impact of hardcore, but aren't afraid to show stoner rock influences, nor emo passion.

While critics initally classified the guitar sound on this record as an extension of Neil Young's freakouts in Crazy Horse, I disagree - the guitar sounds on this album succesfuly merge pre-grunge sludge ala Sabbath with insane guitar freakouts, punk riffing and REM-like passages. And then there are J Mascis's vocals to tend with - off key warblings, with occasional screams, and lyrics that bare his soul. I'm thinking "In a Jar" is the best example of all 3 of these influences in a 3 minute burst..the part where the song turns heavy, right before it goes into an all-out effects laden solo is perfect.
If you don't have this record get a copy - borrow it from me, steal it on Soulseek or order a reissue from Merge Records. (who have also reissued their first album originally on Homestead, and Bug originally on SST)