Hmm, I don't think I'd characterize it that way. Bejar actually co-wrote some songs on the album that came out last year, including Really Really Light. I think it's rare that he tours with them anymore, but my understanding is that he's not completely divorced himself from Carl and John.
This tour kicks off in a month, in Minnesota. I'm a little surprised to see they've already sold out a bunch of these arena dates, including Madison Square Garden.
I've seen Dinosaur Jr. a couple times in the past two years, and I gotta say--somebody needs to let J Mascis know that whoever he's got working the soundboard needs their hearing checked. Despite the high volume, the sound lacks punch. It's weirdly muffled even though loud enough to strip paint off the walls.
You've been to an audiologist and confirmed that it is them not you? Cause that sounds like you may have burned out some frequencies at, y'know, concerts or the shooting range or something...
Fair point (and yes, my hearing has taken a hit from years of concerts & headphone use; at the shooting range I'm much better about using proper ear protection), but I have two data points which suggest it's not just me: 1) This was two different times, at two different venues, both times sharing the bill with at least one other act. On both occasions, the difference between their sound vs the other act(s) was notable; 2) The first time, an old friend who's a professional soundman (military--first Air Force, then Coast Guard--and also side gigs for other acts) went to the show with me, and after we left he made note of how much worse Dinosaur Jr. sounded versus the other act.
That's sad. I've got a friend in a local 2 piece metal band called Eagle Twin. The pair have started making their own speakers, amps, and other equipment. The last show I went to of theirs was at a place that usually has pretty ho-hum sound, but is a fun nostalgic venue. Using their own stuff and pre-setting up the sound themseves beforehand, I don't think I've ever been to a show with better sound since maybe Radiohead 20 years ago.
Props to them. What are the "pieces"? I've heard of a band called Clatter which is just vox/bass and drums. When you say "Speakers", do you mean that they are designing and building cabinets to utilize existing drivers, or that they are literally designing and making drivers (as well as building the cabs)? The amp stuff is impressive, period. Do they also run their own sound?
I haven't been to an extremely loud show since 1989. Aerosmith, and my ears rang for a day afterward. Scary stuff.
Here's an older article about it. They have expanded the amp business a bit. I don't think they are doing soundboards. Andy Patterson, who is mentioned in there, was my brother-in-law from 2002-Jan 2024. (Pretty ugly split with my sister.) This is one of their more known songs.
I'm posting because Soundgarden was ********ing awesome and Chris Cornell was a genius. for my gen X folks pic.twitter.com/OPNWGQmIiS— Joshua Topolsky (@joshuatopolsky) August 6, 2024
I've seen Dinosaur, Jr., probably 6 or 7 times over the years. I wouldn't be surprised if it's purposeful.
Speaking of the 1970s, the band X is on tour, likely for the last time, promoting their last album. It's the original line up: John X. Doe, Exene, DJ Bonebrake and Billy Zoom.
Wish I could rep this more than once. Completely amazing that this artsy punk rock band from Venice is still together, and just put out some new music!