After nearly 25 years releasing records with Dinosaur Jr. and other bands, singer/guitarist J Mascis is stepping out today with his first solo release, Several Shades of Why.

One of the best releases to date this year, the album gives a full look at Mascis’ acoustic work, which we usually only get small glimpses of on Dino Jr. albums. Opening track “Listen to Me,” with its rich guitar overlays, and the first single “Not Enough,” with it’s nods to the Grateful Dead and CSN, are highlights.

[audio:http://assets1.subpop.com/assets/audio/8307.mp3]

J Mascis “Not Enough”

Want more? Listen to the album in its entirety at Spin.com and see Mascis live at The Independent on May 4th.

• Tag: audio, Dinosaur Jr., J Mascis, The Independent