Lee Ranaldo and Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth, Pixies’ frontman Frank Black, The Smiths’ guitarist Johnny Marr and Tommy Stinson from The Replacements were only a few of the musicians who appeared on the star-studded stage with Dinosaur Jr last night on a sold-out show at Terminal 5 in Manhattan. J Mascis and co were celebrating the 25th anniversary of their cult album You’re Living All Over Me, originally released in December 1987.
Produced by Sonic Youth’s audio engineer Wharton Tiers, You’re Living All OverMe remains one of the essential alternative rock albums. It features J Mascis’ signature riffs and squalling solos, the heavily distorted bass of Lou Barlow; a dissonant noise-rock combined with melodic vocals. The influential record truly deserved the magnificent line-up of guest musicians that came to hail it.
The concert opened shortly after 8 with Kurt Vile and The Violators. The band’s 40 minutes set included Ghost Town, Smoke Ring for my Halo and songs from Vile’s previous records. The group offered an enticing prelude to the alternative feast that followed.
First to appear around 9:40 PM was Suzanne Rev from Mercury Rev, who played the flute on Thumb.
Dinosaur Jr’s set was divided on two parts: in the first one, the band played You’re Living All Over Me in its full entirety. Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth came on stage for the vocals of Little Fury Things, also featured in the album. Quite remarkable was the solo acoustic performance ofPoledo by Lou Barlow on his ukulele, classics like Raisans, In a Jar andLose were flawlessly performed, electrifying the thousand people in Terminal 5. The second part of the set included expected and surprise guest performances. In about two hours long set Frank Black sangAlmost Fare from Dinosaur Jr’s new record I Bet on Sky, followed by Pixies’ Tame.
Kevin Drew from Toronto’s baroque-pop collective Broken Social Scene took charge of the vocals in The Wagon, while Melvins’ drummer Dale Crover showed up in a cover of Deep Wound’s Training Ground.
One of the highlights of the night was the appearance of Johnny Marr with whom Dinosaur Jr did a spirited cover of The Smiths’ classic The Boy with the Thorn on his Side. The list of the alternative music icons doesn’t stop here: Sleep’s bassist Al Cisneros also participated, followed by Tommy Stinson from The Replacements. Kim Gordon screamed “Why don’t you like me” from Don’t, a song from Dinosaur Jr’s third record Bug. Oldschool hardcore punk was brought alive with covers of Iron Cross’ Crucified and The Stooges’ T.V. Eye.
With all these amazing musicians on stage there was one thing missing – J Mascis’ iconic white Squier Jazzmaster. According the the band’s Facebook page, the guitar was stolen on a show in Eugene, Oregon on October 11. Hopefully, they will track it down soon.
Dinosaur Jr finished its anniversary set with Start Chopin and Freak Scene, leaving the audience excited and satisfied. This iconic concert, featuring one of the greatest musicians of our time was one of the most amazing shows of the year.
Here is a video I shot:
Verdict: •••••+
Photo by Cory Schwartz for The Upcoming. All rights reserved.