"Bug" is the third studio album by American alternative rock band Dinosaur Jr., released in October 1988 through SST Records. The album exhibited a significant musical development for the band, blending elements of punk rock, noise music, and melodic guitar pop. It marked the final album of the band's initial lineup, as bassist Lou Barlow left the band after its release.
Besides the stylistic progression, "Bug" also represents a critical juncture in Dinosaur Jr.'s career. Following the release, the band begun to gain a wider audience, spearheading the an alternative rock movement that fully blossomed in early '90s.
The album includes standout tracks like "Freak Scene" and "No Bones" which have remained fan favorites. "Freak Scene" in particular, has been described as the band's anthem and a landmark song in the American independent rock movement.
In terms of the record's reception, it was well received by critics and continues to be viewed as one of Dinosaur Jr.'s best releases. Despite tension within the band during its creation, this tension paradoxically resulted in what many consider to be the hallmark of Dinosaur Jr.'s distinct sound and a groundbreaking contribution to the era’s rock genre.
