Actually, it turns out there is such a thing as too loud when it comes to rock music. The band has notified fans through its Web site that a pressing error resulted in the European CD version of the album containing volume so loud it even exceeded what Dinosaur Jr. considers ear-blasting goodness.
“Please note that on the European CD version of the Farm album there is an audio problem. This occurred while duplicating the original master in a duplication studio. The problem occurred when the duplicate was produced, as the software program used for this duplication ‘doubled’ the sound layers. This resulted in a 3dB increase in the overall sound volume,” according to Dinosaur Jr.’s Web site.
Fans who purchased a European version of Farm containing the bar code number 5414939004926 can exchange the album for a not so loud copy with the band covering shipping costs both ways.
Dinosaur Jr. is also kicking in a free download of an “Over It” ringtone for fans’ troubles. (Once you mail in your too-loud Farm copy, you will be emailed a link to download the ringtone.)
Or, you can always keep the so-called “bad” copy. What audio problem?! Doesn’t double the sound layers = double the rockin’ out?!
As Pitchfork writes, “I'm pretty sure Dinosaur Jr. are more responsible for premature hearing loss than any other band save My Bloody Valentine. I saw them just a couple weeks ago and I could practically feel the tinnitus-- it's one of those ‘hurts so good’ situations.”
Farm, the band’s ninth studio album, was released in late June.
Dinosaur Jr. is playing the Fuji Rock Festival in Niigata, Japan July 25 followed by shows in the U.K., Europe and North America. Dates are on the books through late November.
Click here for Dinosaur Jr.’s Web site.
Click here for more information on the recall.
Click here for the Pitchfork story.