Now that the crusade to make “Roadrunner” the official state rock song of Massachusetts has stalled, along comes a new rallying cry for homegrown and locally-sourced rock and roll: To make vegetarian Dinosaur Jr. guitarist J Mascis the official state vegetable of Massachusetts.
“Please honor our most precious locally grown vegetable by making him the official vegetable of the state of Massachusetts,” writes the change.org petition’s creator, Rusty Kuntz (who we’ll assume is not actually the beloved early-’80s baseball player).
The petition has only 17 signatures as of press time, and is directed towards three groups: Massachusetts State Senate, Massachusetts State House, and the Massachusetts Governor.
According to the internet, Massachusetts currently does not have an official state vegetable. But it does have a host of other state foods, including the state muffin (corn), a state bean (baked navy), state dessert (Boston cream pie), state cookie (chocolate chip) and, of course, doughnut (Boston cream).
In any event, we’re pretty sure the ultra laid-back Mascis hasn’t commented on any this, nor will he, but he can be heard on the new Elliott Smith covers compilation, Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith, which is out October 14 via American Laundromat Records. Mascis’ contribution is a cover of Smith’s “Waltz #2”.
Listen to Dinosaur Jr.’s 1993 track “Start Choppin'” below.