J Mascis
Kurt Cobain once suggested J Mascis join Nirvana as a guitarist in 1989. By then, the former drummer of hardcore outfit Deep Wound had long since moved out from behind the kit, founding Dinosaur Jr. in 1984 with Lou Barlow and Murph.
Heavy distortion, melodic lead lines and a dynamic grip on feedback and sustain define his playing, set against a Neil Young-like voice delivered with understated calm. Blending punk energy with classic rock, that approach helped pioneer 1990s indie and alternative sounds, and Kevin Shields and Thurston Moore cite him as an influence.
Five years into the band's life he dismissed his bassist, yet the original trio reunited in 2005 and have made six albums together, including 2026's There Near. Solo, he has leaned acoustic on Several Shades of Why, and recorded What Do We Do Now at his Amherst home studio, handling most instruments himself.
If you like J Mascis you should check out: Dinosaur Jr, Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, Neil Young, Nirvana, The Breeders, Pixies, Pavement, Mudhoney, Screaming Trees
