Back in 1985, (before they added the Jr), Dinosaur emerged from the ashes of short-lived but legendary hardcore group Deep Wound, stomping out of Western Massachusetts to become one of the most influential and idolized groups of the post-punk/pre-grunge era. Combining the wobbly drawl and extra-fuzzy guitars of J Mascis, Lou Barlow's thorough basslines and emotionally unstable vocal outbursts, and Murph's complex yet punishing drums, they cut a swath of destruction throughout the later half of the eighties. The songs here range from the extremely melodic and contemplative breakup ballad "Severed Lips," to the headbanging back-to-nature mayhem of "Mountain Man," plus freaked out favorites like "Repulsion" and "The Leper." Lots of quiet-loud action, instrumental breakdowns, and intense solos, backing up lyrics that focus on insecurity and insanity, alternately elusive and explosive. Though it doesn't have the same notoriety and name-check value as its follow-up, Dinosaur remains a landmark album that should not be overlooked.