Fossils
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Dinosaur Jr

Fossils

Fossils is a compilation album by Dinosaur Jr., released in August 1991 on SST Records. It collects three 7" singles the band had previously released on the label.

Label: SST Records
Format: [10" 12" CD Cassette]
Guitar, Vocals
J Mascis
Bass, Ukulele, Vocals
Lou Barlow
Drums
Murph

Tracklist

  1. Little Fury Things
  2. In a Jar
  3. Show Me the Way (Peter Frampton)
  4. Freak Scene
  5. Keep the Glove
  6. Just Like Heaven (The Cure)
  7. Throw Down
  8. Chunks (Last Rights)

Released in August 1991, Fossils is an essential compilation that captures Dinosaur Jr. during one of their most formative and influential periods. The album is not a traditional “greatest hits” collection; instead, it conveniently bundles the tracks from the band’s first three 7" singles released on the iconic SST Records. This makes it a perfect snapshot of the band’s raw, powerful sound that bridges their early albums like You’re Living All Over Me and Bug.

The tracklist features some of the band’s most celebrated early songs, including the blistering “Little Fury Things” and the anthem “Freak Scene,” which is often cited as one of the defining tracks of the alternative rock era. The compilation also showcases the band’s unique take on their influences through popular covers of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” and Peter Frampton’s “Show Me the Way” which has been left off all the reissues which I imagine is either due to licensing or just the band wanting it left off.

Fossils CD liner
Fossils CD liner
Fossils CD
Fossils CD
Fossils CD Back Cover
Fossils CD Back Cover

Featuring the classic lineup of J Mascis, Lou Barlow, and Murph (with a guest appearance by Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo on one track), Fossils serves as an indispensable document of the raw energy and melodic noise that cemented Dinosaur Jr.’s legacy and inspired countless bands to follow.

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