Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Dinosaur Jr - "Live At 9:30 Club - In The Hands Of The Fans" DVD

Being the work of several amateur videographers (each of whom won an online Dinosaur Jr fan contest), "In The Hands Of The Fans" documents the legendary indie icons Dinosaur Jr performing their classic 1988 album "Bug" at DC's 9:30 Club in 2011. The band's original members J. Mascis, Lou Barlow, and Murph reunite here to masterfully tear through the album, track-by-track, including the single "Freak Scene". A highlight for me is "Don't" -- a warped bit of psychedelic noise that showcases Mascis's guitar mastery amiably.

Almost as essential as the show, the bonus features include an onstage interview, hosted by the inimitable (and avowed Dinosaur fan) Henry Rollins. As well, there's a sort of round-table discussion with the band and the fan camera crew, some bonus live tracks, and discussion with producer Dave Markey (of "1991 - The Year Punk Broke" fame).

The footage, though initially shot on hand-cams, is seamless, clear, and well-integrated, and far from "bootleg" in quality. It's an essential document for any Dinosaur Jr fan, and a testament to the band's enduring influence on indie rock. Well-done! (MVD Visual)

Dinosaur Jrspace

No comments: