The reunion of J Mascis, Lou Barlow and Murph – collectively known as Dinosaur Jr. – could have been a horrible mistake. Their first attempt, “Beyond,” allayed most fears. “Farm” not only allays the rest, but takes it up several notches. It’s almost astounding to hear songwriting this good at this stage in the band’s career. From the first blast of “Pieces” it’s like the band has come home again – home to jangly buzz and squall, coupled with the Mascis’ familiarly melancholy croak and drawl. There’s nothing particularly new about Farm, but there are fresh takes on old themes. Some songs are more unabashedly upbeat (“Friends”) while others see Mascis embrace the guitar heroism that some critics deride (I say screw ’em, J). Barlow even gets a whopping two tracks on the disc, a pair of strong songs that fit in nicely even though they differ in tone. Elsewhere, “I Want You To Know,” “Ocean In The Way,” and “Plans” are amongst the best songs Dino Jr have ever put to disc, and they help put Farm on par with Green Mind or Where You Been at the very least. Better than you’d expect, and maybe even as good as you’d hope.