Tied to a Star focuses on beautiful acoustic guitar passages and folky melodies.Mascis is best known as the lead vocalist for late 80s/ early 90s college rock staple Dinosaur Jr, but he’s also had an interesting solo career as well. His latest album, Tied to a Star, is a big departure from the sludge rock sound of Dinosaur Jr., with more of a focus on beautiful acoustic guitar passages and folky melodies. My personal favorite song on the album is “Heal the Star”, the guitar kind of reminds me of Nick Drake’s Pink Moon if the songs had been sung by an aging alt-rock god instead. Another highlight is the aptly titled “Trailing Off” which is great for when you just want to lay back and think for awhile about nothing in particular. The stream of conscious nature of “Trailing Off” is noticed in the guitar playing as well, which goes from quietly strummed to fast and aggressive throughout the course of the song. Overall, I would say this album is worth a listen, especially on a starry clear-skied night. Tied to a Star indeed.
Recommened if you like Nick Drake, Neil Young, and Dinosaur Jr.
Recommeded Tracks: “Heal the Star”, “Trailing Off”, “Wide Awake”, and “Me Again”
Reviewed by Jake Waters on September 5, 2014