Dinosaur Jr. Live at 9:30 Club: In the Hands of the Fans

The result of an online contest—six fans film and interview the members of Dinosaur Jr.—this concert features the band playing the album Bug in its entirety at Washington, D.C.'s 9:30 Club in June 2011. What the group lacks in theatrics—drummer Murph and bassist Lou Barlow are all business, while guitarist/singer J. Mascis often hides behind his long, platinum-dyed hair—they make up for with ear-splitting sound. “Freak Scene,” “No Bones,” “They Always Come,” “Yeah We Know,” “Let It Ride,” “Pond Song,” “Budge,” and “The Post” all wind through several phases, with Mascis working his whammy bar and effects pedals to pull extraordinary reverberations from his guitar. Barlow invites one of the fans on stage to sing the album's last track, “Don't,” after explaining that he blew his own voice out on the first night of touring attempting to perform it himself. Two encores—“Sludgefeast” and “Raisans”—treat the crowd to favorite selections from the album You're Living All Over Me. Dinosaur Jr. weathered separations and bouts of animosity before coming together again, so its nice to witness their spirited playing and hear how well their psychedelic punk assault has aged. DVD extras include an interview with the band conducted by Henry Rollins, a backstage chat with the contest winners, and two bonus live tracks. Featuring both a 5.1 surround sound mix and a stereo soundtrack, this is recommended. (H. Seggel)