The Days of Lore

Join the Black Mountain Army today

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 | musiX | 1 Comment

In all honesty, Black Mountain could sound like Air Supply-meets-Justin Bieber and I would still love these guys (and gal) based solely on this photo. Fortunately, Black Mountain sounds like neither … though, in all honesty, I have no idea what Justin Bieber actually sounds like, and the use of his name was nothing more than a half-cocked literary device. Look at that photo!

Black Mountain sounds like rock ‘n’ roll. They obviously look like rock ‘n’ roll. The Canadian five-piece kinda lives it, too, sharing a house with other Vancouver musicians and artists who refer to themselves as the Black Mountain Army. And you thought the KISS Army was badass.

The band is set to release their third full-length Wilderness Heart (out Sept. 14 on Jagjaguwar), which vocalist Stephen McBean told Pitchfork contains some of Black Mountain’s heaviest and folkiest songs to date. It also boasts their best cover art to date (aside from the Black Mountain Army, these cats are also members of Team Shark Week).

“The Hair Song”—whose title slightly nauseates me—is a perfect tune for those who like their rock unapologetically balls-out, a little druggy, and a whole lotta loud. We salute you.

“The Hair Song” - Black Mountain

Like The Days of Lore on Facebook. Follow TDoL on Twitter.

Tags: Black Mountain, Jagjaguwar, Stephen McBean, Wilderness Heart

Dinosaur Jr.’s senioritis

Thursday, April 30th, 2009 | musiX | 2 Comments

I have no idea what that headline means … I just liked how it sounded. I’m definitely not insinuating that Dinosaur Jr. is kicking back on Farm, the band’s upcoming platter (out June 23 on Jagjaguwar). I have a good feeling about it, actually.

The band just released the first single “I Want You To Know” and … well, it sounds like Dinosaur Jr. Crisp, crunchy guitars, ratatat drums and an unabashed, ripping lead by J Mascis. It’s extra special because all of the pieces are again in place—Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph, who formed Dinosaur in 1985 (the Jr. was added in 1987 for legal reasons).

Of course, Barlow left in 1989, slinging insults at Mascis though his songs in Sebadoh, while Mascis kept Dinosaur Jr. afloat in one form or another through the grungy ’90s (”another” usually being himself). After an acrimonious decade apart Mascis and Barlow started making nice in the early-oughts. In 2007, Mascis, Barlow and Murph recorded Beyond, a return to form. Now the rhythm monster rumbles on, outdated (or are they?) glasses and all. Does this officially mean all is still right in the world?

“I Want You To Know” - Dinosaur Jr.

Tags: Beyond, Dinosaur Jr., Farm, J Mascis, Jagjaguwar, Lou Barlow, Murph, Sebadoh