Dinosaur

Vocals, Guitar, Tom Tom, Cymbal, Effects [Big Muff]

J Mascis

Vocals, Bass, Keyboards [Casio]

Lou Barlow

Drums, Vocals

Murph

Tracklist

Forget the Swan
Cats in a Bowl
The Leper
Does It Float
Pointless
Repulsion
Gargoyle
Severed Lips
Mountain Man
Quest
Bulbs of Passion

About the Album

Dinosaur is the debut album by Dinosaur Jr., originally released in 1985 under the band name “Dinosaur” before legal issues required the addition of “Jr.” The album represents the band’s early sound, combining hardcore punk influences with noise rock elements and J Mascis’s distinctive guitar work.

Historical Context

The album was released on Homestead Records and marked the beginning of the band’s recording career. Originally issued simply as “Dinosaur,” subsequent pressings would feature the band’s new name “Dinosaur Jr.” after legal issues with the supergroup The Dinosaurs required the name change.

Recording and Production

The album was produced by J Mascis and captures the raw energy of the band’s early sound. Lou Barlow has shared an interesting anecdote about his reaction to his vocal performance on “Cats in a Bowl” - he was so dismayed by his adenoidal vocals that he actually damaged the test pressing with a ballpoint pen to make the song unplayable.

Track Listing Evolution

The album has seen several different track listings throughout its history:

The original 1985 vinyl LP did not include “Bulbs of Passion,” which was initially released as a B-side to the “Repulsion” single.
Later cassette and CD releases added “Bulbs of Passion” as the final track.
The 2005 Merge Records reissue placed “Bulbs of Passion” as the opening track at J Mascis’ request, as he felt it better represented the direction the band was heading.

Legacy

The album showcases the early development of what would become Dinosaur Jr.’s signature sound. While still heavily influenced by hardcore punk, elements of the band’s future direction - including Mascis’s distinctive guitar work and the combination of noise and melody - were already present. J Mascis later reflected that “Bulbs of Passion” in particular represented the emergence of their own unique sound, which is why he requested it open the 2005 reissue.

Reception

The album was well-received in the underground music scene, helping establish Dinosaur Jr.’s reputation for combining hardcore punk energy with more melodic elements and unconventional song structures. While not as commercially successful as their later releases, it remains an influential album in the development of alternative rock and noise rock.

Notes

Originally issued with the original band name of Dinosaur on the cover. After the band changed it name, subsequent pressing were issued with the new band name of Dinosaur Jr.on the cover.

“Bulbs of Passion” was not featured on the original vinyl LP; it was a b-side to the “Repulsion” single. Subsequent reissues on cassette and compact disc featured it as the last song. The 2005 reissue on Merge Records placed “Bulbs of Passion” as the first track at J Mascis’ request. “Yeah, I asked for that,” J recalls, “because [that song] gave our new direction – it felt like we were our own sound.” Also featured was a 1985 live performance of “Does It Float” as a bonus track to close out the album.