dinosaur jr. freak scene single

1. "Freak Scene" – 3:35

2. "Keep the Glove" – 2:52

recorded in 1988 on sst, dinosaur jr broke onto the indie airwaves with their second full length studio album, bug. the title track to the album, freak scene, would power dinosaur jr into indie lore. the single album for bug would feature the title track and keep the glove on the b side.

freak scene may be the best lead track on any album of dinosaur jr's to date. it is a song filled with highs and lows, but keeps the pace with j mascis's fuzz grind and over driving solos. for me it was the first dinosaur jr song i heard and was blown away with the sound dynamic and overall feel it gave me. i needed more. later in life i became enamored by the bass playing of lou barlow. not that freak scene had a intricate bass line, it was perfect for the song and you could hear it behind the guitar keeping the time with the drums to perfection. its one of the bands more popular songs and has been ranked the number 1 song in the 'All Time Indie Top 50.

the b side, keep the glove, is a much different approach. subdued, unfuzzed and melody driven. the song was not a track on bug, rather an addition to the later compilation album, fossils. keep the glove. not forgettable, but not the powerhouse dinosaur jr track.

the past will blow away - don't mind if I have to borrow - long as I come away - something you'll dig tomorrow - it's all I could think of - if you won't take my hand - keep the glove.

overall its a good single, 2 songs that contrast well with each other. if you're not familiar with the band dinosaur jr check out their albums you're living all over me, green mind and without a sound along with bug. if you prefer powerful, pedal driven, loud rock this is for you.

sometimes I don't thrill you - sometimes I think I'll kill you -just don't let me fuck up will you - 'cause when I need a friend it's still you - - what a mess