Re: CMJ More Light Review Sept 2000

[OriginalPosterLost]

Seems nostalgia for the 1990s is kicking in before the year 2000 is even over — a sure sign of just how quickly we are consuming our own culture. Such pining for the recent past is evident on More Light, an album that exudes a comfortable retro vibe, even though it’s barely been four years since J Mascis disbanded indie-rock staple Dinosaur Jr. Simply put, this is the best thing the reclusive Mascis has put his name to since Dino Jr.’s classic Green Mind. It features all the trademarks that made the band so great: Mascis’s fuzzed-out guitars, croaking vocals and anxiety-ridden lyrics. Added to the mix is the intelligent use of keyboards, which push the riffs along rather than becoming a focal point. Mascis also proves that he is still one of the best and most underrated guitarists in rock, with his sludgy riffing, and squealing, Neil Young-inspired solos. The songwriting throughout is strong, especially on the two tracks bookending the album, "Same Day" and "More Light," both of which stand up against anything in Dinosaur’s back catalog. On More Light, Mascis doesn’t stray far from his signature sound, but when you are as good as he is, you don’t need to. Listening to this album is like catching up with an old friend.
-Michael Dabaie

For Fans Of:
BUILT TO SPILL, DINOSAUR JR, NEIL YOUNG AND CRAZY HORSE

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