March 31, 2007 2:35

Lou Barlow talks Dinosaur Jr

The reunited rockers gear up to release new album

Dinosaur Jr's original members are gearing up to release their first album since 1988's 'Bug'.

The legendary alternative rockers are set to release 'Beyond' on May 1, and will embark on a tour of North America late this spring.

Bassist Lou Barlow talked to NME.COM about the band's reasons for reuniting and their current working relationship.

"The way I left the band was very sad," admitted Barlow.

"I came back because I wanted to rewrite the ending and turn it into something positive. And I think we've managed to do that."

"As far as J (Mascis, frontman) was concerned, the main motivating factor was money," he added matter-of-factly.

Barlow, frontman Mascis and drummer Murph have been recording in Mascis' home studio in Amherst, Massachusetts, rekindling their working relationship.

"J doesn't say anything directly, he only speaks through his manager," said Barlow. "It's weird, but it's part of the comedy."

Barlow is accustomed to writing material for his solo career and for his other famous band, Sebadoh, but said he has a different role in Dinosaur Jr.

"My role in Dinosaur Jr is pretty clearly defined," he said. "I'm the bass player. But I wrote two songs for this album which is more than I've ever contributed to the band."

Barlow said the main themes of these songs are love and frustration.

"'Back To Your Heart' is about how I followed my girlfriend for 20 years who's now my wife," he explained.

"'Lightning Bolt' is about my frustration with the political situation in the United States. Pretty much all my songs are about love and frustration," he laughed.

"It feels really natural," Barlow said about being a part of Dinosaur Jr again. "I'm not as nervous as I used to be. But I have more to prove now than ever before."

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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