Out There is a song by Dinosaur Jr. written by J Mascis and taken from their 1993 album Where You Been. The single album was released on June 12, 1993.
Notable for its guitar solo and use of chimes, Out There was a moderate alternative radio success in the US. Released as a single in Europe, Out There charted at number 44 in the UK. The song has since been praised by critics as a highlight of Where You Been.
Out There is one of the more aggressive rock songs from Where You Been, contrasting with softer songs like Start Choppin and Goin Home.
When asked about the best riffs he has written, Mascis named Out There alongside Sludgefest. He explained, “I like Sludgefest and Out There. Out There being more of what you’d consider a riff. It seems a bit complicated for me to play and sing, so I’m impressed. It seems a bit over my ability.”
In addition to being released on Where You Been, Out There was also released as a single through Blanco y Negro in the UK and Europe. This was released via multiple CD formats as well as a cassette and a limited-edition 10-inch single.
All of the standard releases featured Keeblin‘ and a live version of ,Kracked whilst, depending on the release, other versions included live versions of either The Post or Quest or radio session tracks Get Me, Severed Lips and Thumb.
The song peaked at number 44 in the UK over a two-week stay on the charts. The song was also released as a promotional single in the US. Out There was a moderate alternative radio hit upon its release, aided by a music video featuring the band performing in the snow.
The song was later included on the soundtrack for Wayne’s World 2. Dinosaur Jr. performed the song live on Late Night with David Letterman in 1993.
Tracklist:
- Out There
- Quest (Live)
- Kracked (Live)
- Keeblin’
Dinosaur Jr.
J Mascis: organ, guitar, piano, chimes, composer, drums on track 3, lead vocals, producer
Mike Johnson: bass, guitar
Murph: drums
