Album of the Day

Dinosaur Jr. made their major label debut 25 years ago today with GREEN MIND. The Sire set also marked a significant change in the band line-up, being the first following Lou Barlow's departure, but singer-guitarist J. Mascis (with a little help from drummer Murph) is more than equal to the challenge. The opening one-two punch of “The Wagon” and “Puke + Cry” leaves no doubt that the ear for hooks and pre-grunge energy that made the band alt-rock heroes is as strong as ever, though this time out Mascis adds gentler textures (like the acoustic “Flying Cloud”) to his trademark “Neil Young turned up to 11” solos. GREEN MIND ranks among Dinosaur Jr.'s very best, and Rhino's expanded and remastered version includes three bonus tracks (one of them being a great Flying Burrito Brothers cover, of all things).