When you think of essential Massachusetts alternative rock bands from the late '80s and early '90s, few come to mind faster than Dinosaur Jr. and Buffalo Tom.
But much like The Pixies, and now recent reunions from the likes of Belly, The Juliana Hatfield Three, and Letters To Cleo, the roles of Dinosaur Jr. and Buffalo Tom in the modern day are no nostalgia act: Last week, the former released their eleventh studio album, Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not, while Buffalo Tom remain active on the live circuit (and 2011 album Skins has held up with the band's best work).
Incredibly, however, it appears these two bands have never shared a non-festival bill together. At least that's according to Buffalo Tom's Bill Janovitz. That unforgivable streak ends this holiday season, when Buffalo Tom play with Dinosaur Jr. the day after Thanksgiving, November 25, at the House of Blues in Boston. Tickets go on sale Friday, and it's an all-ages show.
"Been seeing Dino since 1984 or '85," writes Janovitz on the Buffalo Tom Facebook page. "Though we have had J guest with us and have toured with Lou Barlow and Sebadoh, I can't recall if Buff Tom and Dino Jr. have ever been on the same bill, aside from a festival. Really looking forward to this Thanksgiving show in Boston."
On a night where we all usually retreat to our hometowns to drink with high school buddies, we can now retreat to Lansdowne Street and drink with bands that shaped our high school experience.
We call that an upgrade. Get in the mood with tracks new and old below.