Pearl Jam

[Marcfordsfuzz513]

I'm not the biggest Pearl Jam fan. But to me, besides MAYBE the Foo Fighters... They're the Aerosmith of the 2000's if you ask me. No other band has come close to what they've done and do. They make great albums, some songs are pop rock, some are good ole' riff rock and everything in between. Yes theres, bands from the last 20 years I like more, but Pearl Jam is pretty epic. They sellout every show, they mix the set for fans and and the radio fans.. Anyone else agree?

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

I like a lot of their stuff. They can't compare to any early Aerosmith IMO, but they have written some great songs. I got on a Pearl Jam kick a while back and discovered some hidden gems.

[rcl]

Was a big fan back in the day, and never really lost interest. Saw them a couple times back in the day. Sort of attached to the area bands because I lived there at the time. Golden years of sorts. I remember when the guitars from mother love bone were sitting around Mike Lulls because Andy had died and there were some legal questions kicking around or something. Dug the mother love bone stuff as well.

[sws1]

Loved 10. Loved Vs. They lost me after that. The songs just seemed way more garage band than those on 10.

[Bluesman79]

I used to be a huge fan...I've seen them about 10 times and I actually met Eddie a few years back! One of the greatest American bands in my opinion...stayed very true to themselves. C'mon who doesn't like Eddie?

[KCWM]

I'm a huge fan. While I haven't been as fond of recent albums, perhaps that has a little to do with the fact that I don't invest nearly as much listening to them as I did the first five. They are a great live band. I can't wait to see them again.

[semi-hollowbody]

I agree...when I think of big bands of the 90's/2000's foo fighters and pearl jam...

[aaronblues]

I'm a fanatic! My all-time favorite band, for many different reasons. This is going to be a huge PJ year. They are working on a new album, should be doing some kind of multi-day 20th anniversary festival, and have a Cameron Crowe directed 20yr documentary coming in the fall. I've got tix for Vedder solo in June, and the whole band might be doing a short Canadian tour in the summer. Also Jeff's side band, Tres Mts., with Dug from Kings X, is pretty damn good....

I'm not a very big Foo fan, but after listening to a bunch of stuff of the new release, i can see just how influential they are to a lot of younger bands. Foo, more then PJ, seems to be the only rock band still going that a whole mess of different ages can really enjoy.

Here ya go tho...Just yesterday...Dave and Pat from Foo, Ed from PJ, unrehearsed, jump onstage with Mike Watt....
http://blogs.1077theend.com/livemusicblog/2011/04/28/dave-grohl-eddie-vedder-pat-smear-join-mike-watt/

cheers!!!

[Marshalls Law]

Pearl Jam was great with their first few albums but really lost me over the years.

I think Eddie Vedder has one of the best voices in rock but I think the band took themselves too seriously over the past decade.

[aaronblues]

Pearl Jam was great with their first few albums but really lost me over the years.

I think Eddie Vedder has one of the best voices in rock but I think the band took themselves too seriously over the past decade.


I'd say the opposite: They were way over-serious thru the 90's, but have really loosened up since. I loved the sense of purpose and dedication back then, very inspiring to me as a teen, but the only reason they're still going is because they've really relaxed.

Here's a clip from last year:
O8C8atk5sAw

cheers!!

[pickaguitar]

Amazing band...still listen and play their stuff often

[DEMENTED]

Bought "10" when it came out..the first time around. Been a fan ever since and I agree...one of the great American rock bands! I always thought of them as a "rock band" not "grunge".

[FenderBigot]

Huge fan here... I love almost all they do. They're my "stones" as far as I'm concerned.

EDIT... I wish they let Stone play more leads, he's a good rhythm player but I'd like to see him get to shine more often. (I agree with KoKo below!)

[kokohi5]

I just wish that Stone did more like when they first started. He and Rich Robinson made me want to focus a lot more on rhythm guitar and song writing and less on trying to be a shredding lead player. Ever since Eddie started playing guitar it seems like Stone kinda faded into the background. They went from 5 pretty much equal members to being more of the Eddie Vedder band. Not exactly a bad thing for some people, but much I prefer the early PJ years (or Brad, or Temple Of The Dog, or Mother Love Bone).

[ReddRanger]

I've only seen them once live, but they were really good.

[jguitarnash]

I dug 10 but not much after that. I'm not a fan-but I can see why you could say they are the modern Aerosmith.

[KCWM]

I just wish that Stone did more like when they first started. He and Rich Robinson made me want to focus a lot more on rhythm guitar and song writing and less on trying to be a shredding lead player. Ever since Eddie started playing guitar it seems like Stone kinda faded into the background. They went from 5 pretty much equal members to being more of the Eddie Vedder band. Not exactly a bad thing for some people, but much I prefer the early PJ years (or Brad, or Temple Of The Dog, or Mother Love Bone).

I disagree with this. Yes, during the Vitalogy and No Code era, it really did seem like the Eddie Vedder band, which is when it seemed they were closest to breaking up. However, their recent offerings contain offerings from each member, including Matt Cameron. While I find myself enjoying EV's songs more than the others on each album, I'd say that the band has found a great balance between all of the members, especially from a songwriting standpoint.

[CharAznable]

Was blown away with Ten. Bought Vs. the day it came out.
They kind of lost me after Vitalogy but I'd go see them live in a hearbeat.

[sanhozay]

why does admiration always require a previous benchmark for comparisons sake? it ain't a meat penis contest and since great music doesn't really occur within a parameter of standardization, or even the same era - which is PARAMOUNT to the appeal and success of any popular music, comparing is usually a mundane exercise. having said that, both TOTALLY different musical identities and both absolutely, in my opinion, excellent musicians with enough fantastic output to warrant all their praise and success. the only synonymous attribute, i think, is they are a band of men with strong personalities and a lot of charismatic appeal.

[mediocreplayer]

Huge fan. Don't even remember how many times I saw them. To me, PJ is Vedder/Gossard. I think Stone writes slightly better songs on average (Parachutes!), but has less output. My ultimate combo is Stone's songs sung by Eddie, which is a whole bunch but not as much as I'd like lately.

[kokohi5]

I disagree with this. Yes, during the Vitalogy and No Code era, it really did seem like the Eddie Vedder band, which is when it seemed they were closest to breaking up. However, their recent offerings contain offerings from each member, including Matt Cameron. While I find myself enjoying EV's songs more than the others on each album, I'd say that the band has found a great balance between all of the members, especially from a songwriting standpoint.

I was thinking more how they all contributed equally to the songs in general as opposed to everyone writing individual songs that mainly feature the writer with everyone else taking a back seat (especially Stone). It is totally cool how they share the writing and have since Vs. (probably one of the reasons they've lasted as long as they have), but I preferred it when Stone and Jeff wrote the music, Eddie just wrote the (amazing) lyrics and McCready added the SRV/Hendrix style leads. Not that I have a problem with McCready or EV's music, I just like Stone and Jeff's better. I also prefer the Daves on drums.
Plus, when 10 came out they had a lot more to prove so they had a HELLUVA lot more energy. Didn't hurt that they were younger too, I guess. :) If all they ever released was 10, they'd still deserve to be one of the biggest and best bands of the 90's.

[pd1030]

Pearl Jam to me is one of those bands that you can always find a song that you identify with during a bumpy part of your life..Foo Fighters and U2 for me as well.

[Beng2040]

Huge fan. Don't even remember how many times I saw them. To me, PJ is Vedder/Gossard. I think Stone writes slightly better songs on average (Parachutes!), but has less output. My ultimate combo is Stone's songs sung by Eddie, which is a whole bunch but not as much as I'd like lately.

YES, Parachutes is a freaking classic tune! I played for a while in a Pearl Jam tribute band, and those were some of the best gigs ever. Always played to packed houses of rabid fans. You'd have actually thought we were pearl Jam the way these people were digging it. Love PJ!

[silversparkle]

I will say this. Yes their first few albums had the 'magic'...Over the past couple of years I have seen them cover Who songs for a VH1 tribute I think...They are spectacular covers!

[chrisjw5]

LOVE Pearl Jam. I haven't loved every record, but every record has had some truly excellent material on it.

For grins, here's my record rankings. And note, I'll leave Ten out because it's the rawk record that people use to slag them, as in "Ten was a great rawk record, why don't they rawk anymore, dude?". It does rawk and they still do too, just in a slightly less meatheaded way.

GREAT:
Riot Act
Pearl Jam (Avocado)
Yield
Vs.

VERY GOOD
Vitalogy
No Code

DISAPPOINTING
Binaural
Backspacer

The Merkinball/Mirrorball records with Neil Young are explosive and there are some real gems on Lost Dogs. "Down" might be the best song they've ever done.

[prsnstrat]

I agree with FenderBigot. Stone's more melodic and with the song. I love almost all of PJ's songs, but one thing that's always bugged me about their music is the seemingly shameless wanking.

[soulohio]

pearl jam=aerosmith?

that would totally disregard the fact that Guns'n Roses happened. the argument could have been made that Mother Love Bone was the late 80's version and that ended in tragedy, unfortunately.... Pearl Jam was never that dangerous anyhow. Pearl Jam=Allman Bros is a more apt description. No bruthas involved.

[germs]

i like PJ enough to play in a tribute band...

[pickaguitar]

i like PJ enough to play in a tribute band...
Cool!
That's one of the few tribute bands I'd be honored to play in...wish I could find one lol

[Bassomatic]

I've only seen them once live, but they were really good.

Same here. Really really good.

And some of their earlier discs - and some more recent ones - are killer.

[Bassomatic]

Unlike most around here, I think No Code and Vitalogy are both great discs.

[ccpa]

agreed---no code is great. vitalogy is great. if you like old pearl jam, check out their 1994 Atlanta fox theatre appearance. epic.

[Echoes]

I liked Ten and some of Yield...it's just 70's hard rock re-done in the 90's. Anything that has Eddie screaming over a 'punk rock' kinda vibe sucks hard (most of their stuff after Ten)....that's my opinion.

[opdev]

Incredible live band and they have amazing tone. I love that they play the vintage guitars on stage. Front rows of all the shows still reserved for fan club members.

[opdev]

Speaking of Who Covers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vyA21dtQhQ&feature=related

[Rayneman]

Big fan, not my favorite band, but I made the ultra-good decision of joining the fan club in the early 90s so I tend to get reeeeeeaaaaalllllly good seats for shows, and I've seen many. I even won a trip to Seattle to see them play a benefit show quite few years ago.

After Yield, I can't say I've been blown away by any album they've released, but that's just me. Much of what they record takes on an entire new life when played live, so this is what keeps me interested.

I'll probably get flamed here, but I don't like McCready's tone at all anymore. To me, its gotten worse and worse over the years. Its bizarre seeing and hearing him play (something like) "Animal" with a Telecaster and just a mild bit of overdrive. There, I've said it. HA. However, I suppose that the tones of Ten and Vs. were more the exception than the rule, but I wish he'd kick up the drive just a tad.

[small axe]

pearl jam is a great band. i am a fan but they are not the aerosmith of the 80s

[SonicBlue61]

Love Pearl Jam. Been a 10 club member forever. Gone to at least one show from every tour.

...And made more gear choices based on Ed and Mike than I care to admit.

i like PJ enough to play in a tribute band...

Are you by chance from Boston? I'm in :rockin

[aaronblues]

Love Pearl Jam. Been a 10 club member forever. Gone to at least one show from every tour.

...And made more gear choices based on Ed and Mike than I care to admit.



Are you by chance from Boston? I'm in :rockin

You own any Savage amps?!?
I've been eyeing those for awhile...

cheers

[picknpluck]

Vitalogy and No Code are my favorite PJ albums. If you don't really dig those two albums and haven't listened to them in awhile, take the time and give them both a good listen--there's a lot of gems buried in those two discs.

[SonicBlue61]

You own any Savage amps?!?
I've been eyeing those for awhile...

cheers

I wish! I tried a few Savage amps at G Guitars in CT and they are really nice.

It's hard to keep up with all of PJ gear choices unless you have a rock star's wallet. But as far as amps go, I have a Fender Tweed Twin and a Marshall Plexi NMV, inspired by Mike since he used those for the longest time. And I snagged a Hiwatt during Ed's tele-Hiwatt years.

If you want to hear something truly awesome and different from the norm, try a Hiwatt. :dude

[billfoma]

Can't really argue with the OP.

[prsnstrat]

PJ tribute band would be fun.

[jpftribe]

Big fan, 10 is one of the best debut albums ever.

Only saw them once, and it was one of the worst shows I have ever seen. Verizon Amphitheater in Charlotte. Mix was awful, volume was way too low, could barely hear the guitars and Eddie's singing was a garbled mix of mush. I was really disappointed. I had been really wanting to see them and the setlist that night was incredible.

[buddaman71]

TEN is a seminal American rock record. I actually think they've become more interesting and DEFINITELY much better musicians over the years. I definitely appreciate that band and always will.

[amp48]

I'll probably get flamed here, but I don't like McCready's tone at all anymore. To me, its gotten worse and worse over the years. Its bizarre seeing and hearing him play (something like) "Animal" with a Telecaster and just a mild bit of overdrive. There, I've said it. HA. However, I suppose that the tones of Ten and Vs. were more the exception than the rule, but I wish he'd kick up the drive just a tad.


I totally agree. On live recordings the last ten years or so, the guitar tones are mediocre and uninspiring compared to what he was doing in the early to mid 90's. (I really like McCready's playing and tone on Vs.)
The ironic thing is that the early stuff was played on average, affordable gear, while the later stuff has been really expensive vintage gear. I prefer the tone of the former.

[aaronblues]

I wish! I tried a few Savage amps at G Guitars in CT and they are really nice.

It's hard to keep up with all of PJ gear choices unless you have a rock star's wallet. But as far as amps go, I have a Fender Tweed Twin and a Marshall Plexi NMV, inspired by Mike since he used those for the longest time. And I snagged a Hiwatt during Ed's tele-Hiwatt years.

If you want to hear something truly awesome and different from the norm, try a Hiwatt. :dude

Hiwatt?? Got One!!

I picked up mine in '96, if memory serves right, when i was 17. Not sure if its a "never sell" piece of gear, but it's definitely close, especially after 15 years. Funny thing is i don't think i noticed Ed's til a few years later (maybe '98 Letterman show, can't remember. At the time they did no video, no Youtube....) I was probably more inspired to buy it as a Who fan. Tho i probably wouldn't have been a Who fan at that age if it weren't for, u guessed it, Pearl Jam. I felt pretty good about my Hiwatt swap at the time tho, and now also as a TGP'er. LabSeries L9 and 250 bucks for a Hiwatt 50 watt 2 holer and a new no-name 2/12 cab.

Around this time tho i played a bit with a local punk band, and the guitar player had a great early 70's Marshall, that flat out sounded perfect. THAT was the PJ worship amp for me, a Marshall and LP like Stone played. Still haven't gotten the LP.....

cheers!!!

[cg]

Loved them then and now. I think Backspacer was a really great album.

[Furrymonki]

I'm a big fan of Pearl Jam. Personally I'm not all that keen on Aerosmith.

[Bassomatic]

Anything that has Eddie screaming over a 'punk rock' kinda vibe sucks hard (most of their stuff after Ten)....that's my opinion.

That doesn't read as opinion, because it claims that most post-Ten output consists of EV "screaming over" punky music. That's simply untrue.

[Bassomatic]

I'm a big fan of Pearl Jam. Personally I'm not all that keen on Aerosmith.

Rocks?

Toys In The Attic?

V6Wt3a_B7-c

[soulohio]

Vedder probably wishes he could write something as badass as Nobody's Fault...jaja

naw, they guy can write. He gets my undying respect just for writing Black.

[Razz11]

Nobody's Fault is an amazing song....
I was never really into PJ but they have been growing on me a bit since I had to learn a couple of their songs.
Of all the big 90's "Grunge" bands they we're my least favorite for some reason.
Always liked Alice, Nirvana, Soundgarden and STP more...i think its Vedder's voice, which is a good rock voice, but it never seemed to jump out and grab my attention like the others above.

[soulohio]

I have some friends- all younger than me by about 10 years- that really dig pearl jam. I never really got into them...I figured it was because I always looked at them through the prism of what came before them...the mighty Turd Burglers, Who, etc. and I always loved Nirvana from Day One...as well as Alice in Chains and Soundgarden. I guess i just like it heavy.

[germs]

Are you by chance from Boston? I'm in :rockin
Gulf Coast. i'm actually going the guitar alone...i have to really pick and choose what i play, but it's fun (and lucrative) enough.

surprisingly - i have trouble finding a 2nd guitar player. i get a lot of nibbles...but i think the material is a lot more challenging than most people are prepared to play.

[ccpa]

For your listening enjoyment. Pearl Jam radio:

http://75.102.43.202/live.m3u

[Beat Up G]

I don't know why, but I could never get into PJ. I guess it's Vedders vocals, that plus his comments about their drummer befor Irons.

[edgie]

I was a PJ fan during the 90's up until Vitalogy. After that, I couldn't relate to what EV was singing and they seem to have lost that ferocity that was present in those 3 albums. The albums after that seem to be on the safer side of things and just too "calculated", IMHO.

[aaronblues]

At times i agree with the guys who say they need to up the gain on the amps a bit...They had some insane power during the '94 shows..
But overall i'll take the '96 era band, live or recorded, over anything prior.
Here's one from that era, was unreleased 'til their B-side compliation came out few years back...i know they didn't originally put it out because Ed was somewhat bemused with the vocal layering experiments....LOVE the raw guitar tones on this one:

2BZi-J0vsXg

cheers!

[captain_bob]

I love PJ, but they are no Aerosmith.