Dinosaur Jr.: “I Don’t Think So” (Blanco Y Negro); Tom Petty: “You Wreck Me” (Warners)

The contrast in generations is the difference in production procedures. Both J. Mascis and Tom Petty are dipping into the classic melodic rock tune-kitty but while Rick Rubin’s production for Petty confidently marches straight up to the reception desk, Dinosaur Jr. prefer to leave their song furtively shuffling round the parking-lot. Take it as the difference between publicity and privacy. Funny thing though. Even though Dinosaur Jr. don’t really seem to be working at full throttle, they easily have the better tune.