While the recorded output of seminal ’80s alternative-rock bands like The Cure or REM has been less-than-stellar in recent years, Dinosaur Jr.’s 2009 album, Farm, showed that the group is nearly as vital as it was in its heyday. It helps that the band’s sound—pulverizingly loud, fuzzed-out guitar rock, which, on the group’s 1985 debut, Dinosaur, predated the grunge explosion by more than a half decade—has yet to go out of fashion, but frontman J Mascis is the crux of Dinosaur Jr.’s continued relevance. The guy’s an ace songwriter, which he demonstrated with a solo acoustic album earlier this year, and an even better guitarist who’s influenced bands like Pavement and Weezer. This show will also feature a live interview with the band conducted by former Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins. With Pierced Arrows. ANDREW GOSPE

Sat., Dec. 17, 7 p.m., 2011