Dinosaur Jr.

USA, 1984–now

American trio led by J Mascis, formed in 1984. Their combination of very loud guitar, extended solos and understated vocals reintroduced the guitar solo to American indie rock.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Dinosaur Jr. and 1 artist Dinosaur Jr. influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Dinosaur Jr.?

• Neil Young — 'Ear-bleeding country' — Mascis's guitar voice is openly Neil Young's, amplified past pain; the comparison is his own badge.
• Black Flag — Mascis came up through hardcore in Deep Wound — Black Flag's SST world was Dinosaur Jr.'s documented cradle and first label home.

Which artists did Dinosaur Jr. influence?

• Swervedriver — Franklin has named Dinosaur Jr among the American engines of Swervedriver's sound — solos and torque inside the haze.