Tied to a Star
Tied to a Star is J Mascis's second solo album, released in 2014 on Sub Pop Records. The album continues his exploration of acoustic arrangements while maintaining his distinctive songwriting style.
Tracklist
- Me Again
- Every Morning
- Heal The Star
- Wide Awake
- Stumble
- And Then
- Drifter
- Trailing Off
- Come Down
- Better Plane
Press Release
Tied to a Star is J Mascis’s second solo album, following 2011’s Several Shades of Why. The album was recorded at his own Bisquiteen studio in Amherst, Massachusetts, and maintains his exploration of acoustic-based arrangements while showcasing his distinctive songwriting style outside of Dinosaur Jr.
The album features guest musicians including Ken Maiuri on piano, Pall Jenkins (The Black Heart Procession) on guitar and vocals, Chan Marshall (Cat Power) providing vocals, and Mark Mulcahy (Miracle Legion) contributing vocals. The collaboration with these artists adds depth and texture to J’s acoustic foundation while maintaining his signature sound.
“Every Morning,” one of the album’s standout tracks, showcases J’s ability to craft melodic, introspective songs that retain his characteristic guitar work in a more intimate setting. The album demonstrates his range as a songwriter, moving between gentle acoustic passages and his trademark guitar solos.
Tied to a Star represents a natural progression in J Mascis’s solo career, building upon the foundation established with Several Shades of Why while incorporating new collaborative elements. The album’s production, handled by John Agnello, presents J’s songs with clarity and warmth, allowing both the acoustic elements and electric guitar flourishes to breathe.
The album received positive reviews for its songcraft and J’s continued evolution as a solo artist, demonstrating his ability to create compelling music outside of the high-volume context of Dinosaur Jr. while maintaining his distinctive musical voice.
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