Review: J Mascis - Several Shades of Why

Artist: J Mascis
Title: Several Shades of Why
Format: Full-length
Year: 2011
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Grungy singer-songwriter
Rating: 91 / 100

People who are reading this but don't recognize this name: shame on you. J Mascis is the grey, long haired, often basebal cap wearing singer of legendary rockband Dinosaur Jr. So, with this in the back of one's head, one would probably think of screaming Fender Jazzmasters, pounding drums and distorted bass, definitely not about a very introvert and clear J Mascis, singing sweet, subtle songs, guided by gentle acoustic guitars and an occasionally appearing violin. Whether you believe it or not (which would be a ridiculous thing to do), that is what Several Shades of Why is all about. At my first listen I really had to get used to J Mascis' voice in this context, his raw voice, which gradually evolved since the birth of Dinosaur JR, isn't new for me, it's also what he sounds like on the amazing 2009 Dinosaur Jr. album Farm, and even on his guest appearance at Mew's Why Are You Looking Grave? This first listen was a bit strange, but from the second time on, everything fell into place, and I was finally able to really enjoy this album in the way it was meant to.

On Several Shades of Why some guests appear, of which two names really caught my attenction, first there is Kurt Vile, a singer-songwriter primarily known for his somewhat lo-fi sound, the other name was really surprising for me; Godspeed You! Black Emperor/A Silver Mt. Zion's Sophie Trudeau plays the violin on the title track. Together with these guest appearances, this album was probably the biggest surprise for me this winter/early spring. J Mascis moves very far away from what he normally does, but he does it with so much passion, so much quality, this could with ease become one of my favourite records of this year.

Eternal youth: J Mascis has it,

Selwin.