Dinosaur Jr., the band that helped pave the way for the alternative movement of the ‘90s, recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of their critically acclaimed “You’re Living All Over Me” in NYC with special guests such as Sonic Youth members Kim Gordon and Lee Ranaldo, Pixies front man Black Francis and The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr.

For those unfamiliar with Dinosaur Jr., their 1987 album “You’re Living All Over Me,” characterized by high-gain, heavy feedback-fueled melodic guitar lines, was only its second. Their name is ridiculous, but so are they, championing a slacker ethos and relaxed attitude. Originally founded in Amherst, Mass. in 1984 as a hardcore punk band, Dinosaur Jr. has consistently produced a lo-fi, loud-soft dynamic sound that has been largely responsible for grunge, alternative and noise rock movements that followed. “You’re Living All Over Me” was one of their riskiest albums, recording all their instruments on full volume with heavy distortion that created the signature sound they’re known for. Their style is very diverse, ranging from melodic pop lines to brutally heavy and fuzzy pieces. Frontman J Mascis has cited the Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys as just a few of his influences, and bassist Lou Barlow cited Motörhead and the Ramones, demonstrating their wide artistic spectrum.

To help celebrate 25 years of the album and the alternative movement, overwhelmingly talented and influential guests made special joint performances at the anniversary show. Lee Ranaldo, Sonic Youth guitarist and Binghamton University alumnus, helped open the set by singing “Little Fury Things,” the opening track of the album. Black Francis, fellow Massachusetts native and Pixies front man, joined Dinosaur Jr. unannounced and fulfilled the dreams of fans with a cover of the Pixies’ “Tame.” Kim Gordon, also of Sonic Youth, blew everyone away with her chilling performance of Dinosaur Jr.’s “Don’t,” hauntingly screeching “Why don’t you like me?!” over and over with increasing intensity. And that’s not even half of the star-studded list of guests. Opener Kurt Vile shredded on guitar on a few songs as well. Johnny Marr, guitarist for The Smiths, played a heavy version of The Smiths’ “The Boy With the Thorn in His Side” with Melvins’ Dale Crover on drums. Even The Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson joined in for a Stooges cover. To conclude the monumental conglomerate of alternative music celebration, Dinosaur Jr. guitarist and singer-songwriter J Mascis thanked everyone over and over again for coming to their “very special show.”

So if you’ve never heard Dinosaur Jr. and you like the Pixies, Sonic Youth, The Smiths, The Replacements, Melvins, Nirvana, any other artist part of the alternative movement of the late ‘80s and ‘90s or even the hundreds of other alternative artists influenced by the sound, check out “You’re Living All Over Me.” You’ll see where a lot of techniques and sounds in your favorite alternative bands are rooted, and you’ll add another solid record to your collection.