The J. Mascis Attack continued strong in 2012 with the album I Bet on Sky.

The bizarre thing looking at music influenced by their peers, it seems no one has really been able improve on the Dinosaur Jr. sound.  Like the weird taste in the water at your aunt’s house, these guys’ distinctive tinge lingers on.

Fuzzy guitar solos – check.  Self-deprecating reflection – check.  Noise – check?

Really, the big difference between this record (which holds strong alongside any of their classic work) is that tempos are slightly slower and noise isn’t quite as overwhelming as you might remember.  Along with some of their contemporaries’ new records, such as The Lemonheads, Charlatans UK or The Posies, Dinosaur Jr. has managed to mature their sound and songwriting commiserate with their age and experience.  (And by the way, if you haven’t looked into those other bands’ new material, you definitely should!)

Not surprisingly then, it is easy to argue that the highs on any particular track on I Bet on Sky probably aren’t up there with the often unlimited ceilings on You’re Living All Over Me or Bug, but surely most listeners weren’t expecting that in the first place.  And if you want some slightly harder material, check out the prior two reunion records, 2007’s Beyond or 2009’s Farm.

To get your feet wet, start with “Pierce the Morning Rain”.  It’s under 3 minutes, has some tight band moments and a compelling tempo.

It is pleasing to know, too, that along with his credibility, J. Mascis is living all over his potential to be a musical stalwart for his generation.

MYH