Devotional
A. Sarkar | London | 06/26/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"5 acoustic pieces involving singing and chanting, acoustic guitars, tablas, bongos and finger cymbals, in praise of Amma. The final track is a 12 minute 1200 year old Sanskrit hymn performed Dinosaur Jr-style. A sublime album. Music by and for grown-ups."
Interesting and Compelling
E. A. Montgomery | Florida, USA | 05/12/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Devotional music is always a mixed bag and this is no exception. But it's also interesting to see a musician step outside of himself and experiment. Sing & Chant for Amma may not offer the conventional 'Dinosaur Jr' experience, but J's voice and guitar work are familiar enough to draw you in if you keep an open mind. "I got lost again / I tried everything / couldn't find my way / you seemed miles away" (from Take Me Home) is certainly a familiar sentiment to fans of Mascis.
The effect is somewhat like a Sunday morning jam session after a long exhausting festival. It's beautiful, sometimes winding and lazy, but always waiting to turn a corner. Sing & Chant for Amma beseeches without anger. This is an album of love songs, a perfect backdrop for a quiet day spent watching the clouds drift."