Several Shades of Why cover

Several Shades of Why

J Mascis · 2011

41 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

Intimate acoustic melodies intertwine with reflective lyrics, showcasing J Mascis's tender side amidst his iconic grunge roots.

Why this album works

The album received critical acclaim, with highlights from sources like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone praising its raw emotional depth. It is notable for reaching number 30 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart, marking a significant entry into the indie scene post-Dinosaur Jr.'s resurgence.
Career context
Released in 2011, 'Several Shades of Why' marked J Mascis's first solo album after the influential run with Dinosaur Jr. This album came after a period of revitalization for Mascis, following the band's reunion and successful albums, allowing him to explore a more personal, introspective sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Splean· Bi-2· Blur

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Listen to Me 3:10
  • 2 Several Shades of Why Standout 4:55
  • 3 Not Enough Standout 3:13
  • 4 Very Nervous and Love Standout 4:47
  • 5 Is It Done 4:50
  • 6 Make It Right 3:46
  • 7 Where Are You 3:59
  • 8 Too Deep 2:30
  • 9 Can I 5:25
  • 10 What Happened 4:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata