J Mascis has always been a deeply spiritual fellow. Normally, his soul finds its expression in Neil Young-esque guitar wails. Occaisionally, Mascis defers to people whose spiritual power is much more well established, such as M?t? Amritanandamay? Dev, "the hugging saint," who has become one of the world faces of humanitarianism and the Hindu faith. Amma has proven to be a huge influence on the Dinosaur Jr. guitarist, and in 2005 Mascis released the solo album J + Friends Sing + Chant for Amma, all of the proceeds of which went to charity. It's taken three years, but the album will finally be available in a digital version, on J's own Baked Goods label.

The digital release will be available on December 2, and once again all proceeds will go to M?t? Amritanandamay?'s charity. Free hugs not included.

[Pitchfork]