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J Mascis

A seminal figure in crafting the sound of alternative rock in the 1980s and early '90s, guitarist and songwriter J Mascis was a founding member of the power trio Dinosaur Jr., which wielded a unique blend of punishingly loud guitar riffs over carefully crafted pop melodies and lyrics. The Massachusetts-born Mascis spoke little and sang in a mumbled, nasal drone, but his stunning guitar work spoke volumes to punk, metal and indie rock fans, which made the group one of the most popular underground acts of the period. As chief songwriter and guitarist, Mascis held tight to the reins of Dinosaur Jr., which led to strife with bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph. By the time the band had landed a major label contract, Mascis was the only original member, and dissolved the group soon after to focus on an array of side projects. Reissues of their first three albums in 2005 revived interest in the band, which led to a permanent reunion, though Mascis continued to experiment with other groups, including Witch and Sweet Apple. Still, his most lasting contribution to music was his guitar work with Dinosaur Jr., which helped to shape the sonic force that defined the American alternative music scene.