Dinosaur Jr.: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Stephen Thompson | Aug. 3, 2021
In the year-plus that we’ve been recording Tiny Desk (home) concerts, artists have worked hard to reproduce the Tiny Desk vibe through special effects ranging from Phoebe Bridgers’ Oval Office backdrop to clipping.’s tininess-enhancing miniature set. For Dinosaur Jr., the spirit of the Tiny Desk can be found in an under-appreciated facet of the series: the ever-evolving array of tchotchkes, promo pieces and other bits of pop-cultural detritus that line the shelves behind Bob Boilen’s desk.
Dinosaur Jr.’s own home concert - “home” in this case being the stage of an empty Shea Theater in Turners Falls, Mass. - is set amid its own enviable assortment of oddities, from stuffed animals to a Mork action figure to a copy of the album A Christmas Together by John Denver & The Muppets. And you don’t stick around as a band for all or part of five decades without knowing a little something about product placement: Dinosaur Jr.’s terrific new album, Sweep It Into Space, is prominently located near the wee plastic desk that sits front and center onstage.
Naturally, that album dominates this five-song set, which finds the trio of singer-guitarist J Mascis, singer-bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph sounding as fluid and forceful and gnarly as ever. Mascis gets to unleash a few shredding solos, Barlow gets to take the lead in “Garden” and Murph gets to do his thing in close proximity to a pair of large dinosaur-shaped balloons. Plus, longtime fans get treated to two towering classics from earlier in Dinosaur Jr.’s excellent career: “Feel the Pain,” from 1994’s Without a Sound, and “Freak Scene,” which opens 1988’s Bug.
SET LIST
"I Ain't"
"Garden"
"Feel the Pain"
"I Ran Away"
"Freak Scene"
MUSICIANS
J Mascis: vocals, guitar, bass
Lou Barlow: vocals, bass, guitar
Murph: drums
CREDITS
Director: Joe Salinas
1st AD: John William Moloney
Camera Operators: Chris Hillen, Robert Thomas, John Moloney, Joe Salinas
Editor/Colorist: Joe Salinas
Assistant Editor: Chris Hillen, Justin Pizzoferrato
Art Director/Set Design: John William Moloney
Sound Mixer/Sound Design: Justin Pizzoferrato
Lighting Technician: Wyatt Andrews
Production Assistant: Marc Seedorf
Executive Producers: Amy Abrams, Brian Schwartz
Producer: John William Moloney
Filmed at the Shea Theater in Turner Falls, MA
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Video Producer: Maia Stern
Audio Mastering: Alex Drewenskus
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Kara Frame, Josh Rogosin, Gabrielle Pierre
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #nprmusic #dinosaurjr

[@Buffalohump77]

Kind of blows my mind that Dinosaur Jr have been making great music for over 30 years. I distinctly remember how excited I was to get my copy of You're Living All Over Me back in '88. I think they must be one of the few bands from that amazing era -- along with Swans -- who are still putting out fresh and awesome music.

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

FLEX YOURRRRR MUSCLEEEEEES!

[@Buffalohump77]

@@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245 LOL exactly!

[@resistor27]

I love both bands.

[@ghost__chips]

Swans tiny desk when?

[@tonymorris4335]

Still enjoying the Violent Femme's new stuff :)

[@francismaano5018]

0:07 - I Ain't 6:00 - Garden 9:08 - Feel The Pain 13:10 - I Ran Away 16:50 - Freak Scene

[@maplesalt1482]

Freak Scene (censored)

[@josevillarreal9920]

Garden sounds great! Lou looks like he gig'd Woodstock and we know how Jay detest hippies.

[@JamesTaylor-xl3um]

D jr has no right to be putting out singles like I Ain’t and Garden 30 years into their career. Awesome!

[@BabyL3mur]

@@maplesalt1482 so foOooeoeOo i cant believe it

[@theoriginalcheebamech]

Gen X perfection : listening to a favorite from 30 years ago today on NPR

[@jamesgwarrior1981]

Even the greatest compliment would be an understatement to the greatness that is Dinosaur Jr.

[@slopgangministries2686]

Love Dinosaur Jr with J and Lou back together. Makes me so happy

[@sandraguidemann8924]

If I look at them it's a reality: we' ve gotten old. But if I close me eyes to their music I feel young again...18 - in love with my first boyfriend.and already feeling the pain...I love it❤❤

[@kappakai78]

I’d been following Dino Jr since 94 when some of my friends introduced me, giving me their copy of Bug while at a British boarding school in Singapore. I was lucky enough to see them live again at Coachella 20 years later and they sounded as good as the first time I heard them. Weird loud and timeless. Love them always.

[@wese8453]

Lou Barlow and Sebadoh meant so much to me in high school. Have a renewed love and appreciation for Dinosaur Jr since they reformed w this line up. What a thrill that they’re also playing Lou’s song Garden together w J’s dazzling songs.

[@jrbship]

As much as they deserve to be featured plugged-in and playing loud, I can’t help but wonder how this set would change stripped-down behind Bob’s desk

[@jamsilv]

Like a J Mascis solo acoustic show :)

[@lordbuddybear]

Which is what tdc used to be, a stripped down arrangement in a stripped down setting but with excellent sound recording. This feels a bit like cheating to me, but you said it in a nicer way :) Cheers

[@gluckCMD]

well, by J's standarts, this is a stripped-down show. Only one full stack instead of the usual 3...

[@joshingtonbarthsworth631]

I'm not sure if you are being sarcastic or not, but J. Mascis already did an acoustic set for tiny desk... He's not afraid to do acoustic sets and is really good at it.

[@jrbship]

@@joshingtonbarthsworth631 No sarcasm here, I love this set as-is. But I sort of miss the traditional unplugged Tiny Desks. I have no doubt J. did a fantastic set, I'll have to go check it out. Thanks for the recommendation

[@NunoAngelo]

Since I Was a teenager that Dinosaur Jr has been part of my life, I am now at my middle age and they continue to be an important inspiration. Thank you very much

[@wheninroamful]

"Dinosaur Jr's J Mascis has revealed that Kurt Cobain tried to convince him to join Nirvana. "Kurt said, 'you should join my band,'" the guitarist recalled. "I didn't think much about it." The invitation took place in July 1989, Mascis told Spin, after Nirvana had performed at a club in New Jersey." They're a great band/talented frontman, and Kurt saw that.

[@dsm5d723]

Thank you for this.

[@ARogolino1]

What club?

[@joshingtonbarthsworth631]

Pretty sure J was asked twice. Once to play drums and another to play guitar.

[@movimentodoscacos]

@@joshingtonbarthsworth631 Yeah, I've read that too

[@josevillarreal9920]

True, but Mascis was on the verge of writing some of his greatest pieces after that. So, I'm glad he didn't join. Nirvana would of had some amazing solo work over their tracks.

[@MidSouthMotorSports]

I haven't listened to this band since my mid teens. What a beautiful sight to see Lou Barlow still strumming that distorted bass again

[@DWKThedogbreaths]

The power of a trio is undeniable. From Motorhead to The Jam a three piece slaughters the world...

[@pollinseclectic8254]

The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, Nirvana....

[@marknewbold2583]

minutemen, Husker Du

[@ianallen9330]

Police , ZZ Top , rush , beastie boys , Green Day , grand funk railroad, America , Sublime , blink 182

[@Cheeseboiga]

NoMeansNo, Meat Puppets, Morphine

[@corinshearston2324]

Primus

[@rickg8015]

Cool to see J’s bass solo with that Rickenbacker..

[@charliedunn8541]

I like how j’s version of a tiny desk concert is just using one Marshall stack

[@gregrohsful]

Out of all the late 80s and 90s music Dino Jr is the most melodic.

[@BrandonMobley614]

I've always loved their style. And I really like Lou Barlow's songwriting style. That second song where he and J switched instruments was awesome.

[@flynnaugustbassist8523]

Ye J’s bass solo was great.

[@lvirag8401]

the transformation to sebadoh jr. is compete--lou's revenge was the long game...

[@randreatta]

this new album is amazing. dinosaur jr never disappoint

[@jimihendrixx11]

The most unique/original sounding band I’ve heard & they have great melody + pop sensibility

[@Chan-ul8zy]

my favorite band of all time

[@nickbarron7471]

Feel the pain makes me feel something so unique

[@berrybestlifestyle9188]

Favorite band of all time

[@geoffmurphy1631]

Taking me back to LSU during the early 90's... these guys were alternative music warriors clearing the way for many other bands willing to take a chance and not play poppy BS radio music.

[@normalcody]

No kidding! I skated all over LSU campus in the late 80’s/early 90’s. Chimes Street churned out some of the most killer bands back then!

[@fabianmachacek7987]

FINALLY DINOSAUR JR THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST ONES

[@jahzelsteely7027]

000

[@jahzelsteely7027]

00

[@jhespinosa]

0

[@junatan25]

Dinosaur Jr implies the existence of Dinosaur Sr.

[@Antaios632]

I guess you probably already know this, but that would be Dinosaur Jr before they were sued by The Dinosaurs.

[@Carlos-xz3vi]

Love them so much...and I always get this urge to skateboard when I listen to them.

[@lauramcdowell8438]

OVER IT, in the best way!

[@isntanything12]

Haha right on. Skate videos introduced me to Dinosaur Jr.

[@BabyL3mur]

@@isntanything12 skate 3 introduced me to them (: i didnt even remotely like this type of music at all, now its my favorite

[@gavinc.morrison1147]

dino jr has been consistently good forever

[@dizzygee87]

Lou coming back again is the best thing that could have happened!

[@lewisgeyer1440]

"Freak Scene" still sounds fresh.

[@willg8742]

I love the vox guitar with a telecaster neck and jazzmaster bridge! wow

[@johnkelly2953]

J Mascis- the original slacker, and genius Lou. what a team!!!

[@1adam12...]

Saw Dinosaur in 87' with Das Damen and Sonic Youth at City Gardens here in NJ. I certainly remember that feeling like around 17:28 here when J hits his flanger/boost...the feeling was like standing behind an F-16 and later had to get my face surgically re-attached lol. 1adam12 is happy to see the alchemy working in full force effect in 21'.

[@Packqqqq]

where in NJ was city gardens?

[@Casper0123]

My Nostalgia hits the peak ❤

[@saulem5307]

Jay on bass and Lou on guitar. Now I've seen everything!

[@wade2361]

And Lou is playing J's signature guitar.

[@park7854]

@@wade2361 symbolic

[@absolutelynonameslef]

And a song with a bass solo...

[@predeterminedmeat5024]

​@@absolutelynonameslef that's like 30% of primus songs

[@jake_villanueva]

Can’t wait to see them finally tour off this later this year.

[@DrTotz]

I love Sweep it into space. All the songs hit me in a different way. I think Garden is still my fav on there though.

[@richarddavenport6756]

Getting Youre Living All Over Me for Christmas in Middle School had a huge impact on my taste in music. Timeless album

[@Carlos-xz3vi]

How did you get that album? Like, you asked for it? I am fascinated about how people find out about underground bands like this. I discovered them with Feel the pain, because it was playing on MTV. But how did you?

[@herbertquain6875]

@@Carlos-xz3vi I don't remember exactly but I'm sure I read about them somewhere or other.... What I do remember distinctly is having to pull over and listen to Tarpit maybe 5 times in a row at full volume. Such an under appreciated record.

[@mlaforce321]

Im glad I live in MA so I can go to all their shows. Ive been to about 6 plus Ive seen just J play a couple of times. Always amazing.

[@edthri]

Murph launches a drumstick at 18:43

[@guitarz]

everything about this is just outstanding

[@liammcooper]

j mascis with the best bass solo of the last 20 years

[@TommyGFPV]

Dinosaur Sr. must be so proud!

[@danielsan5472]

Awesomeness!!! What a happy surprise! 💗💗💗

[@donaldryder5534]

Only two 4X12s? That’s J’s version of unplugged :)

[@nclsrfn]

LOL, I thought the same

[@philllax1719]

Except for his appearance on battle of the gentle bands

[@ivi_]

Hahahaha, Yes!

[@ItsMrMcFly]

Haha for real! I was wondering where the other 2 stacks were.

[@blastarrow5938]

The loudest concert I've ever been to was a Dinosaur Jr show.

[@stabbythedoll]

its amazing to see the original three back doing their thing. I got to see them live many times.

[@gui-texzan7477]

One of the few bands from my early adulthood that remain in constant rotation. What a great way to start the day.✌️

[@hansmeiser4132]

grrreat! freak scene was the very first song of Dinosaur I have listened to back in the 80s. everlasting admiration, guys!

[@patriciaadams4171]

Saw them with teenage niece at EAGLES BALLROOM in 90s. Dishwalla and 4 other bands, the ones who did 'Birdhouse In Your Soul'. I'm 64. I like power pop and grunge and all Massachusetts bands.

[@edthri]

They Might Be Giants

[@ltomolo]

I love that these guys continue to absolutely shred! One of my perennial favorites througout the years!!!

[@absolutelynonameslef]

One of the things I love about Dinosaur is the number of songs I can identify after only the first chord: Freak Scene, The Wagon, Out There, etc. There is no one like J.

[@BabyL3mur]

So true

[@BabyL3mur]

In the wagon you barely even get an intro its just singing right from the start 😂

[@robertolim8203]

Love to see these guys still making music! I became a fan upon hearing their album “Green Mind.” Later I saw them at the old 9:30 club in DC in 1991. My ears were ringing for days.

[@terriewinters1968]

Tiny desk some awesome in the wake of so much calamity

[@mellowrockmusic]

Dinosaur Jr make me feel like a Sr with a rocket propelled grenade launcher drinking a margarita in a pool bar, after nollie flipping into the water

[@Bluesbabesrv]

Though I have always known about Dinosaur Jr there music wasn’t in my wheelhouse. Finally giving this a listen while in confinement (not due to covid). They have a sound similar to the Meat Puppets to me. Nice 🎶

[@derekbeery6460]

Love the choice of John Denver and the Muppets’ “A Christmas Together” on vinyl between Murph and J.

[@tdawes33]

love Lou Barlow Dinosaur Jr

[@zaneridings3789]

Love J's voice, but It's nice hearing Lou on "The Garden"

[@rafinasrullah8533]

Goat jacket J !

[@3rdmachineage]

It’s impossible to appreciate this more…brilliant

[@void0094]

Love this band so much.

[@SLEDZ154]

ROOTS. Love me some dinosaur jr

[@sheldonmurphy6031]

I will never forget Tumblin Tumbleweed! Still my favorite to this day!

[@joelspringer2861]

Life is complete!

[@dannymartinez6777]

Just what i needed tonight!

[@bodybuildingmotivationmusi1571]

My phone :1% Me listening to this My phone : i'll wait

[@bryan123483]

Such a great band!

[@EnriqueSchvartz]

Que gran banda acabo de descubrir. Excelente y divertida música 🤘🏼

[@mattwalsh4380]

I like how they ever so slightly tweaked the opening riff so that it's on the upbeat rather than the downbeat.

[@blue-poro]

lots of love from Sapporo🦕💚💚

[@lucastayfreeyloscorredores]

Los amamos desde Argentina

[@chicainternett]

si!

[@fabianperez9937]

Gran show en el 2012 en el teatro, tuve tinnitus por una semana

[@winandapraditama8069]

J mascis wearing supreme x my bloody valentine jacket

[@jake_villanueva]

Big improvement from the Cookie Monster hat 😜

[@zaneridings3789]

@@jake_villanueva BACK OFF THAT HAT!

[@greeneyedalice9409]

I love this.. A band from my teenage years that I haven't heard in a long while... Takes me back..way back.

[@nigelburns727]

that shot of Lou with the lyric at 19:05 :)

[@danielbustamante7060]

How noisy can Freak scene be? Love them

[@bemmieajsl]

Oh my God, finally gonna see them live in Amsterdam. Let's hope Covid won't spoil it again...

[@Packqqqq]

how was it?

[@bemmieajsl]

@@Packqqqq it was amazing.

[@TheXSpoon]

God bless these amazing human beings

[@JuanPabloFeriaGomez]

Love the flanger effect on this band...

[@inespurpura3802]

What's a beatiful band i Saw at 2012 i'm My country. I hope come back 😍

[@ThomasBorregaard]

Drumstick flying at 18:47 ;-)

[@diegobalut9923]

Up the Dinosaurs ❤ amazing band

[@sticksman1979]

J's bass solo on Garden is so awesome.

[@lukeheywood7334]

Yes.. awesomely good.. love the set. Great band..

[@harcelli96]

Love it. Stick with the Dinosaurs and get Dinosaur Pileup next!

[@seanregehr4921]

Back from the Cretacious Period.. It's Dinosaur Jr.! lol

[@koshmar230]

Wow, custom "Feed me with your kiss" jacket on Mascis. Looks dope.

[@adamtick]

This band are on fire🔥 !

[@aktosweden]

You could cut a steak to that rhythmic drumming from Murph.

[@leonardotube]

That bass solo

[@hanabiratake]

Would love to see a Tiny Desk w Lou Barlow playing songs from his most recent solo album. It is so good.

[@makichas]

Love these dudes

[@maxrox92]

I could totally hear them from my house

[@anthonyfrancis3228]

Jay getting some moves on there during Garden! Love it 🕺🏽😍🙃

[@orbitaljunkie]

Oh the nostalgia

[@joshingtonbarthsworth631]

Thank you so so much for this!!

[@BabyL3mur]

Yo bro i gotta ask is your name actually joshington bartsworth

[@martinianopalombarini6005]

J slaughtering his guitar as a stick flies around during Freak Scene holy shiiieeeet that was so amazing!!!!!!!!

[@hugo7762]

just simply fantastic

[@bimorahmantyo3756]

i really love J's Supreme x MBV trucker jacket, really suits him.

[@russtycogg324]

I'm so glad the Autism spectrum didn't exist til 1994 or whatever. I'm so glad kids growing up in 60's, 70's and 80's were everything all at once: ADD, ADHD, OCD, ODD (I particularly like that last one.) We just are/were. Rock/Punk Hero in J. Mascis. Off meds and loving it.

[@user-bv9cr9zp4z]

Magic band, love Dino jr

[@Jaimehellcat]

LOVELOVELOVE Garden!!! ❤️❤️