VINYL FORMAT. Originally released in 1985 before the Jr. was added to the name, Dinosaur was the first shot across the bow from this legendary alternative rock pioneer. A noisy guitar driven affair, Dinosaur was a precursor to much of what would become popular "alternative" music in the 90's. With contemporaries like the Pixies, Dinosaur Jr. influenced a whole slew of guitar rock bands like Nirvana, Polvo, My Bloody Valentine and Swervedriver.