Dinosaur Jr.

Along with Beyond (their first LP in 19 years), anyone who wants to see just how vicious Dinosaur Jr. can still be on-stage should gape (yes, gape) at the 83-minute concert DVD from Boston's (Cambridge's) sweaty, low-ceilinged long-box basement, the Middle East. Filmed December 4, 2005 (with some footage from New York's Irving Plaza the night prior, and one bonus song from the U.K.), the DVD naturally corrects their one fault live, past and present: they can't be ear-splittingly loud when you control the volume. Instead, the mix is hot hot hot: bassist Lou Barlow's Rickenbacker rips and the distorted edge on guitarist J Mascis's Marshall amp could strip paint off walls, while head-down baldie drummer Murph looks like he's slinging floor beams. Just ungodly!!! Barlow's songs, like "Lose" and "Forget the Swan," are just amazing. It's all filmed with great flashing lighting by Mascis's brother-in-law, German auteur Philipp Virus; the camera work and editing are fresh, fast, and exciting, capturing a band in its refreshed prime. An accompanying documentary with testimonials by venerable admirers is a bonus. ~ Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover, All Music Guide