From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the song by Dinosaur
Jr.. For the subculture, see
Freak scene.
"Freak Scene" is a song by American alternative
rock band Dinosaur
Jr., the opening track on the group's third studio album Bug (1988). Written and produced by
frontman J. Mascis, the song was recorded at Fort Apache
Studios by engineers Paul Q.
Kolderie and Sean
Slade. "Freak Scene" was released as a single on SST Records in the
United States and was also Dinosaur Jr.'s first release on Blast First in the
United Kingdom. The band also made a music video to promote the
single.
Music journalist Everett True writes that "Freak Scene"
"invented the slacker
generation. J. plays the guitar like he skis: effortlessly and
fully in control. The song slows down, catches on fire, whispers
sweet harmony and then starts blowing a tornado. 'So fucked
...you'd see it,' J. sings with heavy resignation ... 'Don't let me
fuck up will you?' J. pleads, helpless in his slumber. 'Because
when I need a friend, it's still you.'"[1]
"Freak Scene" is acclaimed as one of the best songs by Dinosaur
Jr. In his review of Bug, Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic called the track
"the masterpiece of the record, . . . a surprisingly catchy song
encapsulating the appeal and pitfalls of indie rock within three minutes."[2] Jess
Harvell of Pitchfork believes "'Freak Scene' is
probably indie rock's greatest guitar performance and the band's
greatest pop song, somehow finding room for Psychedelic Furs jangle, Edge-style ascending
harmonies, Eddie
Van Halen in the drunk tank, pickled country, and a cherry on top in three and
a half minutes without feeling at all cluttered."[3] The
single reached number 7 in the UK Indie Chart, spending twelve weeks in
the chart in total.[4]
Track
listing
Both songs written by J. Mascis.
- 7" SST 220
- "Freak Scene" – 3:35
- "Keep the Glove" – 2:52
References
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