Review: “Farm” ★★★★

“I’ve got nothing left to be / do you have some plans for me?” starts the chorus to Farm’s highlight - and possibly the highlight of 2009 come year’s end - Plans.

Dinosaur Jr might not have planned in 1984, the year they were formed, to have enjoyed the storied career they have (they disbanded in 1997 before reuniting in 2005 and releasing Beyond two years later) but is singer-guitarist Mascis telling us something when he claims he’s got nothing left to be? As far as garage rock bands go,Dinosaur Jr are the epitome, having laid the foundation for the sounds which gave Nirvana and The Pixies their claim to fame. Few bands have had the influence on alternative and indie rock that Dinosaur Jr have had; none today create anything that sounds like them.

Of course Plans has got nothing to do with sitting back, winding down and resting on laurels. The song is a heartfelt plea for guidance, and the tenderness which characterises it - through the lyrics as well as Mascis’ defining low-key drawl - finds its way into the rest of the album. Said the People creates an eery atmosphere, reminiscent of Siouxsie and the Banshees, that serves as the platform for a song about ache - “of all the people / of all the people to let me down” - while the album’s penultimate track I Don’t Wanna Go There, a recent gig favourite that comes in just shy of nine minutes, is also full of sentiment and heart - “would you come and hold me / would you come and show me right away” sings Mascis. Other than two offhand tracks near the beginning of Farm - including I Want You To Know, which is available for free download from Dinosaur Jr’s site - the album raises the bar all the way through, as if intent on proving, song after song, that their first release after their improbable reunion - Beyond - was no fluke.

Lyrics and vocals aside, Farm sees Dinosaur Jr doing what they do best: playing with loud-quiet dynamics, creating a sense of urgency amidst gigantic fuzzy riffs and wooing us with melodic, honey-rich guitar solos, the sort that turned Kurt Cobain into a fan. Coming in at just over an hour, Farm find its feet at track 4 - Plans - and never looks back. It’s tight, controlled and perfect for fans of Nirvana and Sonic Youth. For those who aren’t, buy it for the wacky cover art.

See the review on Music Max.