When I say I haven’t really been into Pearl Jam for years, I am being dead serious and probably haven’t listened to any songs besides one’s that have been on Ten and VS. It’s not that I don’t like Pearl Jam but it’s the fact I was just burnt out by Junior year in High School and never really liked most of their newer work. I had heard their last album was good and got more interested in them when Eddie Vedder did the Into The Wild Soundtrack which I felt personally was absolutely phenomenal. And to do them even more justice I read a great article about them in Rolling Stone about the anniversary reissue of their legendary album Ten and how important it was on music today. What I found most fascinating about the band was they were between two singer’s for the band and almost didn’t go with Eddie. Apparently one of the member’s of the band is still in shock that they almost went with the other guy because he really didn’t feel they would of ever made it this far if they hadn’t chosen Vedder as their front man. And so history was made and they went on to talk about how the band had been working their new album entitled Backspacer and the hype about it was positive.
Well the hype is right and the album is a great one and ever since I heard the single “The Fixer” on the radio I knew I was going to get back into Pearl Jam. Just the whole allure about the band makes me happy I started listening to them again, they hang out with surfer broski Kelly Slater whom Vedder surfs with frequently, they played the Pipe Masters a year or two ago, they all surf/skate and they survived all these years as a band. And where do I start with the album tracks? The first song off the album “Gonna See My Friend” sounds like it could be a B-Side off of Ten and fits well as the opener for old and new fans. Obviously the song “The Fixer” is my favorite because it renewed my love of Pearl Jam and also the lyrics are so powerful and every time he yells “Yeah, Yeah” you can’t help but sing along. Along with those songs you have key tracks such as “Just Breathe” and “Amongst The Waves” which one could be the single off the next album.
I would suggest this album for anyone who enjoys Pearl Jam old or new because it’s just a great album and the band has stayed true to it’s roots without trying to fit in through all the styles that have come after them. It seems fitting this album is blowing up considering flannel is back in style again but I’m not saying to take your flannel off and tie it around your waist again but picking up this album might be the better option.
