‘I grew my hair and dropped out of society after hearing Black Sabbath’: J Mascis’s honest playlist

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 14, 2026

Dinosaur Jr frontman J Mascis revealed the songs that have deeply influenced his life, from childhood favorites like "Monster Mash" to anthems such as Black Sabbath’s "The Thrill of It All" that shaped his identity. His reflections highlight the personal and emotional connections behind these tracks, coinciding with the release of Dinosaur Jr’s new album, *There Near*.

Dinosaur Jr frontman J Mascis has shared insights into the songs that have shaped his life and personal tastes, offering a candid look at the music that resonates with him. The musician spoke about a range of tracks, from childhood favorites to meaningful anthems and songs that evoke strong emotional responses.

Mascis recalled that the first song he fell in love with was "Monster Mash" by Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett, a tune he found amusing rather than frightening during his youth. With Halloween becoming a significant holiday in his family after having a child, the playful nature of the song holds a special place for him. The first single he purchased was "Darlin’" by the Beach Boys, a band he admired despite their fluctuating popularity; he noted that his early choice initially received a mixed reaction when he played Beach Boys songs at gigs in the late 1980s.

At karaoke, Mascis said he often performs "Here Comes My Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, a song he manages to sing despite its challenging vocal range, inspired in part by his wife’s fondness for the track. When DJing with his wife, he favors seven-inch vinyl records, with "What’s She Done to Your Mind" by Rain Parade being a recent crowd-pleaser at parties.

Regarding music for intimate moments, Mascis singled out "Sugar Hiccup" by Cocteau Twins. One song he knows every lyric to is "Straight Outta Compton" by NWA, which he credits for its impact when it was released, though he admitted uncertainty over his opinion of the recent biographical film about the group.

A defining song in Mascis’s life was "The Thrill of It All" by Black Sabbath, which he first heard around age 11 or 12. He described it as his anthem for rejecting social norms, recalling how it influenced him to grow his hair long and distance himself from the popular crowd. To start his day, he finds energy in "Fight Back" by Discharge.

Mascis also shared an emotional connection to the song "Can’t Tell No One" by the hardcore punk band Negative Approach, which moved him deeply when witnessed live both in his youth and during a reunion performance. For a funeral, he chose "Feel Like Going Home" by Charlie Rich, appreciating its somber tone.

Dinosaur Jr’s latest album, "There Near," is available now, further extending Mascis’s longstanding influence in alternative rock.

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