Complete List Of Dinosaur Jr. Albums And Songs

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Dinosaur Jr. formed in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1984. Originally called Dinosaur until legal issues forced a change, the band was founded by guitarist J Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow, and drummer Murph (Emmett Patrick Murphy). Known for their distinctive fusion of punk rock noise and classic rock influences, Dinosaur Jr. became a pivotal group in the development of alternative rock and grunge music, particularly with their use of feedback, high volume, and Mascis’s melodic guitar solos.

The band’s major label debut, Green Mind (1991), marked their entry into a broader musical landscape and was followed by several successful albums including Where You Been (1993), which reached No. 50 on the Billboard 200, and Without a Sound (1994), which peaked at No. 44. Despite achieving significant critical acclaim, Dinosaur Jr. did not receive major awards during their early years but were widely recognized for their influence on the music scene, particularly in the alternative and indie rock genres.

Throughout their career, Dinosaur Jr. has released twelve studio albums, with their later albums like Beyond (2007) and Farm (2009) also charting well. Farm reached No. 29 on the Billboard 200, making it one of their highest-charting albums. The band has also released several live albums and compilations, further solidifying their status in the rock music world. Despite internal strife leading to Barlow’s departure in 1989 and his subsequent return in 2005, the original lineup remains active.

DINOSAUR JR. STUDIO ALBUMS

Released: July 1985

Dinosaur, the debut album by Dinosaur Jr., marked the beginning of the band’s influential role in the alternative rock and noise rock scenes. The album features a mix of hardcore punk energy and melodic guitar solos that would become the band’s signature sound. While it did not chart on the Billboard 200, it established the band as a pivotal figure in the burgeoning indie rock scene of the mid-1980s.

Produced by J Mascis and recorded primarily at Pine Trax, Amherst, Massachusetts, the album captures the raw sound that characterized much of the band’s early work.

CD Track Listings:

“Forget the Swan” – 5:10
“Cats in a Bowl” – 3:35
“The Leper” – 4:05
“Does it Float” – 3:18
“Pointless” – 2:47
“Repulsion” – 3:04
“Gargoyle” – 2:12
“Severed Lips” – 4:02
“Mountain Man” – 3:28
“Quest” – 4:27

You’re Living All Over Me (1987)

Released: December 14, 1987

You’re Living All Over Me is considered one of Dinosaur Jr.’s most influential albums, significantly impacting the alternative rock and grunge scenes. The album’s sound is characterized by loud, distorted guitars and feedback, combined with Mascis’s drawling vocals and melodic hooks. It did not chart on the Billboard 200 at its release but has since been recognized as a milestone in alternative music.

Produced by J Mascis and recorded at Fort Apache Studios, Cambridge, Massachusetts, this album solidified Dinosaur Jr.’s reputation for crafting loud, feedback-laden music that maintains melodic complexity.

CD Track Listings:

“Little Fury Things” – 3:06
“Kracked” – 2:52
“Sludgefeast” – 5:17
“The Lung” – 3:51
“Raisans” – 3:50
“Tarpit” – 4:36
“In a Jar” – 3:28
“Lose” – 3:11
“Poledo” – 5:43

Bug (1988)

Released: October 31, 1988

Bug continued to develop Dinosaur Jr.’s distinctive blend of punk rock intensity and catchy melodic elements. The album features more dynamic contrasts and greater musical complexity than its predecessors. It reached number 1 on the UK Indie Chart, showcasing the band’s growing popularity in the alternative music scene.

Produced by J Mascis and recorded at Fort Apache Studios, this album includes some of the band’s most popular tracks like “Freak Scene” and “No Bones.”

CD Track Listings:

“Freak Scene” – 3:36
“No Bones” – 3:43
“They Always Come” – 4:37
“Yeah We Know” – 5:31
“Let It Ride” – 3:37
“Pond Song” – 2:53
“Budge” – 2:32
“The Post” – 3:38
“Don’t” – 5:41

Green Mind (1991)

Released: February 19, 1991

Green Mind marks Dinosaur Jr.’s fourth studio album and the first released under a major label, Sire Records. This album features a shift towards a more accessible sound while maintaining the band’s signature guitar-heavy dynamics. It reached number 168 on the Billboard 200 and number 8 on the UK Indie Chart.

Produced by J Mascis, who played most of the instruments himself, and recorded at various studios including Fort Apache and Sorcerer Sound in New York, Green Mind features a mix of grunge and alternative rock with introspective lyrics.

CD Track Listings:

“The Wagon” – 4:53
“Puke + Cry” – 4:27
“Blowing It” – 2:44
“I Live for That Look” – 1:55
“Flying Cloud” – 2:34
“How’d You Pin That One on Me” – 4:23
“Water” – 5:37
“Muck” – 4:14
“Thumb” – 5:37
“Green Mind” – 4:54

Where You Been (1993)

Released: February 9, 1993

Where You Been is among Dinosaur Jr.’s most commercially successful albums, reaching number 50 on the Billboard 200 and achieving Gold status. The album’s sound is expansive, featuring more polished production and a broader array of instruments, including keyboards and strings, which complement the band’s guitar-driven core.

Produced by J Mascis and recorded at Dreamland Recording Studios in West Hurley, New York, this album includes some of the band’s most beloved tracks like “Start Choppin” and “Out There.”

CD Track Listings:

“Out There” – 5:53
“Start Choppin” – 5:38
“What Else Is New” – 5:10
“On the Way” – 3:28
“Not the Same” – 6:00
“Get Me” – 5:52
“Drawerings” – 4:46
“Hide” – 4:17
“Goin Home” – 4:18
“I Ain’t Sayin” – 2:28

Without a Sound (1994)

Released: August 23, 1994

Without a Sound continues the trajectory of Dinosaur Jr.’s exploration into more accessible and melodic soundscapes while maintaining their trademark guitar solos and introspective lyrics. The album achieved moderate commercial success, reaching number 44 on the Billboard 200 and spawning the hit single “Feel the Pain.”

Produced by J Mascis and recorded at Baby Monster Studios in New York and Dreamland Recording Studios in West Hurley, New York, this album reflects a period of transition for Mascis, dealing with themes of isolation and reflection.

CD Track Listings:

“Feel the Pain” – 4:18
“I Don’t Think So” – 3:35
“Yeah Right” – 2:46
“Outta Hand” – 5:00
“Grab It” – 3:32
“Even You” – 3:23
“Mind Glow” – 4:02
“Get Out of This” – 5:23
“On the Brink” – 3:14
“Seemed Like the Thing to Do” – 5:49
“Over Your Shoulder” – 4:52

Hand It Over (1997)

Released: March 25, 1997

Hand It Over is the seventh studio album by Dinosaur Jr., noted for its experimental approach compared to their earlier works. It delves deeper into a variety of textures and sounds, showcasing a broader instrumental palette. The album received mixed reviews and did not chart as highly as previous albums.

Produced by J Mascis and recorded at various locations, including Bob’s Place in Amherst, Massachusetts, Hand It Over reflects a more subdued and experimental aspect of the band’s music.

CD Track Listings:

“I Don’t Think” – 3:20
“Never Bought It” – 3:42
“Nothin’s Goin On” – 3:14
“I’m Insane” – 3:53
“Can’t We Move This” – 3:41
“Alone” – 8:01
“Sure Not Over You” – 4:09
“Loaded” – 3:27
“Mick” – 4:37
“I Know Yer Insane” – 3:02
“Gettin Rough” – 2:12
“Gotta Know” – 4:47

Beyond (2007)

Released: May 1, 2007

Beyond marked the return of the original Dinosaur Jr. lineup with J Mascis, Lou Barlow, and Murph for the first time since 1989. The album was met with critical acclaim, praised for recapturing the raw energy and dynamic that made the band a seminal figure in the alternative rock scene. It reached number 69 on the Billboard 200.

Produced by J Mascis and recorded at Bisquiteen in Amherst, Massachusetts, Beyond is considered a successful reunion, balancing powerful guitar work with nostalgic elements.

CD Track Listings:

“Almost Ready” – 3:07
“Crumble” – 4:03
“Pick Me Up” – 6:31
“Back to Your Heart” – 4:29
“This Is All I Came to Do” – 5:20
“Been There All the Time” – 3:40
“It’s Me” – 5:13
“We’re Not Alone” – 4:34
“I Got Lost” – 4:36
“Lightning Bulb” – 3:44
“What If I Knew” – 4:00

Farm (2009)

Released: June 23, 2009

Farm, Dinosaur Jr.’s ninth studio album, continued the momentum from their successful reunion. It features expansive and dense guitar layers that are a hallmark of the band’s later work, receiving positive reviews for its depth and richness. The album peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200, making it one of their highest-charting albums.

Produced by J Mascis and recorded at Bisquiteen in Amherst, Massachusetts, Farm captures the essence of the band’s rejuvenated creative spirit.

CD Track Listings:

“Pieces” – 4:31
“I Want You to Know” – 4:30
“Ocean in the Way” – 4:20
“Plans” – 6:41
“Your Weather” – 3:06
“Over It” – 3:47
“Friends” – 4:31
“Said the People” – 7:42
“There’s No Here” – 3:36
“See You” – 5:46
“I Don’t Wanna Go There” – 8:40
“Imagination Blind” – 3:18

I Bet on Sky (2012)

Released: September 18, 2012

I Bet on Sky is the tenth studio album by Dinosaur Jr. It showcases the band’s continued evolution, integrating more melodic elements with their traditional noise rock and alternative rock sounds. The album was well-received, charting at number 51 on the Billboard 200.

Produced by J Mascis and recorded at Bisquiteen in Amherst, Massachusetts, this album features a blend of heavy guitar riffs and unexpected melodic twists, reflecting the band’s matured musical direction.

CD Track Listings:

“Don’t Pretend You Didn’t Know” – 5:31
“Watch the Corners” – 5:00
“Almost Fare” – 4:52
“Stick a Toe In” – 5:23
“Rude” – 2:50
“I Know It Oh So Well” – 4:43
“Pierce the Morning Rain” – 2:45
“What Was That” – 5:27
“Recognition” – 3:51
“See It on Your Side” – 6:40

Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not (2016)

Released: August 5, 2016

Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not further cements Dinosaur Jr.’s reputation for crafting compelling, guitar-heavy music that combines elements of punk, noise rock, and melodic indie. The album received positive reviews for its robust sound and dynamic range, reaching number 72 on the Billboard 200.

Produced by J Mascis and recorded at Bisquiteen in Amherst, Massachusetts, the album is noted for its energetic tracks and introspective lyrics, demonstrating the band’s consistent ability to evolve while maintaining their core sound.

CD Track Listings:

“Goin Down” – 3:50
“Tiny” – 3:12
“Be a Part” – 4:37
“I Told Everyone” – 3:40
“Love Is…” – 3:40
“Good to Know” – 3:27
“I Walk for Miles” – 5:34
“Lost All Day” – 5:06
“Knocked Around” – 4:46
“Mirror” – 4:17
“Left/Right” – 3:50

Read More: Top 10 Dinosaur Jr. Songs

Sweep It Into Space (2021)

Released: April 23, 2021

Sweep It Into Space is the latest studio album from Dinosaur Jr., offering a fresh take on their signature style with the addition of more refined and accessible songwriting. The album was well-received, noted for its vibrant production and catchy melodies, peaking at number 93 on the Billboard 200.

Produced by Kurt Vile and J Mascis, and recorded at Bisquiteen in Amherst, Massachusetts, this album exemplifies the band’s enduring appeal and their ability to seamlessly blend noise rock with indie sensibilities.