Concert Review: Dinosaur Jr. at the VooDoo Lounge

Dinosaur Jr.

Better than: Gambling, smoking, gambling while smoking

Review and photos by Richard Gintowt

Ever wondered what it would sound like to be plummeting towards earth in a 747 jet with the doors ripped off? Probably a lot like last night’s Dinosaur Jr. concert at the VooDoo Lounge. I’ve seen ‘em twice before, and the second time I was smart enough to bring earplugs. Not so this time – and I paid a hefty price.

The appeal of Dino Jr, after all, isn’t just J Mascis’s monolithic guitar-god prowess. It’s the songs and voice that we’re drawn to, the painful yet tuneful creaking that enunciates heartfelt melodies. Go back and listen to Where You Been and Without A Sound and you’ll hear some of the best tunes of the grunge era (which I’m sure Mascis would happily disassociate from). For me, those were the albums where it all came together – when Mascis roped in the guitar noodling and became a great songwriter.