This album that I have been raving about is titled Martin and Me and is a live, solo, acoustic compilation of Dinosaur Jr. songs performed by J Mascis. Mascis started his music in Amherst, Mass. where he still lives today and frequently plays the local clubs. He started Dinosaur with Lou Barlow, now in the band Sebadoh, but they broke up when they had conflicting ideas about the future of Dino Jr. Since then Dino Jr. has made it quite big with hits like Start Choppin' off the Where You Been album and Feel the Pain off their latest effort. Mascis spent most of '94 and '95 on a worldwide solo tour and decided to compile his acoustic show onto one album. Martin and Me is filled with the best of all the Dino Jr's songs including Thumb, Repulsion and So What Else Is New. The best part of the album is that you get a feel of Mascis's talent on guitar as well as his laid back performing style. He also included a few surprises on Martin and Me like a cover of the Smith's song The Boy With The Thorn In His Side and Carly Simon's Anticipation. The most distinguishable thing about any album that features Mascis is his very raspy, deep voice.
If your sick of the over produced bands like Bush and Alanis Morissette I suggest picking up Martin and Me or any other Dino Jr album for that matter. Its a band that will really grow on you, mostly because of their original sound and true to life lyrics. The band never inserts a copy of their lyrics, but if you sit back and listen you'll soon realize that J Mascis has had his share of heartaches. I find myself finding new meaning every time I listen to his songs, but always thinking to myself how true everything he says really is. Like you and I, he doesn't have the world figured out, but he sure makes it sound good.