Sweet Apple

J Mascis' career has been marked by many, many collaborations, which may seem out of step with the legendary control-freak way he runs Dinosaur Jr. But even in his collaborative side projects, Mascis is usually the focus: A talented all-around musician who got his start drumming with various hardcore and metal groups (including the still-active Witch), Mascis shows off plenty of scene-stealing skill on Sweet Apple's recent debut, Love And Desperation. With singer-guitarist John Petkovic and guitarist Tim Parnin of Cobra Verde, Mascis' monstrous percussion propels the band through a set of riff-heavy stompers that strive for maximum fun. Odds are you won't be dissecting the lyrics or humming any melodies afterwards, but at least Mascis and friends won't be the only ones having a blast.

Updated 06/30/2010