J. Mascis’ latest solo release, Tied to a Star, picks-up where 2011’s Several Shades of Why left off, with the more melodic acoustic guitar driven sound instead of Dinosaur Jr.’s aggressive electric guitar. Chan Marshall (Cat Power) makes a guest appearance on the ten track album, lending vocals on “Wide Awake,” a fine piece which also showcases Mascis’ brilliant fingerpicking. Other highlights include: the rambling opener “Me Again”, the soul searching “Heal the Star”, the fuzzed-out “Stumble”, and the exquisitely lovely yet sad gem, “And Then.” Mascis once again proves himself the consummate music pro, with each album holding its own weight in his enviable discography. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Lou Barlow, Built to Spill, Howe Gelb, Mark Lanegan, Stephen Malkmus