The "Post Your Own Backspacer Reviews Here" Thread
Post your reviews of Backspacer here (in keeping with Kats to many threads thread 
), lets keep them all together.
OK I dont usually do reviews as I am not overly articulate (as anyone who has met me will no doubt verify) but I cant be arsed working today and am looking for any excuse not to work so here goes.....
Gonna See My Friend:
First listen to this tune and every subsequent listen, I have the initial urge to skip on, not cause I don’t like it but because I love the Got Some. The things is though, I don’t skip on and at the end of the tune I am thinking “thank fook I didn’t skip it” cause its a great little tune and I think it’ll be overlooked in the grand scheme of the album but I really bloody like it! I don’t know about anyone else but at times sounds very like Black Red Yellow to me.
Got Some:
When I first saw this on the Conan show I thought, “yes nice little rocker” and having seen it live 3 times, I kinda was getting a bit bored of it (think its to do with the lads feckin up the start nearly everytime
) but on the album it fits perfectly and really kicks on from Gonna See My Friend. The volume gets kicked up a notch when it starts. Absolutely love Matts drums at the start!
The Fixer:
Absolutely love this song from the first listen and it gets better with each one. It is also a GREAT tune live. I do think the lyrics are a bit U2ish in their make up but that doesn’t take away from the rockin tune. I love the fact that the band appear to be free from the demons that have kept them from just making music for the love of a great hook. Great 1st single.
Johnny Guitar:
One of my favourites from the start. I’ve heard that some people don’t feel this is a “proper” PJ tune, but I think its exactly where this band is at right now. It’s like a slap in the chops followed by a passionate kiss from the sexiest woman you have ever seen!
Just Breathe:
I’m generally not one for ballady tunes and was expecting to be not bothered with this, having heard the previews but there is something about this tune that just grabs your gut and wrenches it upwards, making you wipe a tear from your face. I think its the way that it builds up and you can almost feel every inch of Ed’s pain, hopelessness, lack of control over the situation and remorse. I hate to say it but it is beautiful. “hold me til I die, meet you on the other side”
Amongst The Waves:
Again from the previews this was the tune I was MOST looking forward to...and it doesn’t disappointed. My #1 from the first listen. Love the lyrics, the music, the tempo...the best way to describe it is that it makes me sing at the top of my voice, bounce in my chair and bang on the steering wheel (yes looking like a total eijit) and I am ed on stage singing this tune to you all. I also have to mention Mr Mike Mc-Fuckin-Cready....this tune has all the hallmarks of a Mike 10min solo when playing this live.....as I repeatedly said in SBE....”MIKE YOUR A FOOKIN LEGEND!!”
Unthought Known:
I cant describe this any better than those before me...its like being part of a wave that slowly starts far out at sea, and builds and builds as it gets closer and closer to the shore before crashing onto the beach blowing everything out of its path. Love the way Ed uses his range in this tune although I never thought I’d hear the words “gems & rhinestones” in a PJ song...makes me laugh everytime! I can see the crowds holding their hands outstretched singing “nothing left....” right at the end. “Dream the dreams of other men, then you’ll be no-ones rival”...superb.
Supersonic:
Didnt really make an impression on me when I heard it for the first time in London, and has taken a few listens to appreciate but I’m getting it, definitely written while listening to Mankind..haha!! Great little album tune, a few more cheesey lyrics though...”I wanna live my life with the volume full”...erm ok
Speed of Sound:
Unlike most people, I wasn’t pushed on the demo version of this when I heard it. Many people are complaining that Brendon ruined it with all the bells and whistles on the album version but for me its made the song much more complete and has made me appreciate it much more. I’ve always been more a music man than a lyrics man but these, for me, are some of Ed’s finest ever lyrics...absolutely stunning, honest and they way he opens himself up (across the album in general also) is so trusting of the listener, thanks Ed.
Force Of Nature:
Had it stuck in my head all bloody night, and couldn’t get to sleep. Needs to be LOUDER though IMO. Again great lyrics and a real catchy hook (which really doesn’t need to be a bad thing people). Superbly placed in between SOS and the End just to break up the down tempo of both those songs (maybe thats why its not as loud as I want it to be).
The End:
Heard it live and thought it was ok...but I really feel this is Brendan’s masterpiece on the album, superb arrangement and the lyrics just kick you in the nuts and make you feel the pain. Beautiful, beautiful song.
Overall this is the first PJ album since Ten that I haven’t wanted to skip as song on straight off the bat. I really do think it has potential to be a masterpiece (although it does need to be digested and revisited in a few years to see how it can stand the test of time). I loved Avocado but I felt it was let down by Comeback and Parachutes (2 of the worst ever PJ songs IMHO – waits for the flames) but with backspacer the band have pulled out all the stops. Maybe because they recorded this ablum similar to Ten, I love it so much but I just cant stop pressing repeat, even when I’ve got to get up for work in a few hours time and even then when I go to bed songs are going over and over in my head. Its grabbed me by the balls and is not letting go!! Only issue I have with the album is that the production is a bit low to me (anyone else think so), like Grant Lee Buffalos Copperopilis, I just find myself having to turn it up with each song..but this is such a minor minor issue.
This album is fucking class.
Thanks for reading...post away, I'm really interested to hear what others think of the album
), lets keep them all together.OK I dont usually do reviews as I am not overly articulate (as anyone who has met me will no doubt verify) but I cant be arsed working today and am looking for any excuse not to work so here goes.....
Gonna See My Friend:
First listen to this tune and every subsequent listen, I have the initial urge to skip on, not cause I don’t like it but because I love the Got Some. The things is though, I don’t skip on and at the end of the tune I am thinking “thank fook I didn’t skip it” cause its a great little tune and I think it’ll be overlooked in the grand scheme of the album but I really bloody like it! I don’t know about anyone else but at times sounds very like Black Red Yellow to me.
Got Some:
When I first saw this on the Conan show I thought, “yes nice little rocker” and having seen it live 3 times, I kinda was getting a bit bored of it (think its to do with the lads feckin up the start nearly everytime
) but on the album it fits perfectly and really kicks on from Gonna See My Friend. The volume gets kicked up a notch when it starts. Absolutely love Matts drums at the start!The Fixer:
Absolutely love this song from the first listen and it gets better with each one. It is also a GREAT tune live. I do think the lyrics are a bit U2ish in their make up but that doesn’t take away from the rockin tune. I love the fact that the band appear to be free from the demons that have kept them from just making music for the love of a great hook. Great 1st single.
Johnny Guitar:
One of my favourites from the start. I’ve heard that some people don’t feel this is a “proper” PJ tune, but I think its exactly where this band is at right now. It’s like a slap in the chops followed by a passionate kiss from the sexiest woman you have ever seen!
Just Breathe:
I’m generally not one for ballady tunes and was expecting to be not bothered with this, having heard the previews but there is something about this tune that just grabs your gut and wrenches it upwards, making you wipe a tear from your face. I think its the way that it builds up and you can almost feel every inch of Ed’s pain, hopelessness, lack of control over the situation and remorse. I hate to say it but it is beautiful. “hold me til I die, meet you on the other side”
Amongst The Waves:
Again from the previews this was the tune I was MOST looking forward to...and it doesn’t disappointed. My #1 from the first listen. Love the lyrics, the music, the tempo...the best way to describe it is that it makes me sing at the top of my voice, bounce in my chair and bang on the steering wheel (yes looking like a total eijit) and I am ed on stage singing this tune to you all. I also have to mention Mr Mike Mc-Fuckin-Cready....this tune has all the hallmarks of a Mike 10min solo when playing this live.....as I repeatedly said in SBE....”MIKE YOUR A FOOKIN LEGEND!!”
Unthought Known:
I cant describe this any better than those before me...its like being part of a wave that slowly starts far out at sea, and builds and builds as it gets closer and closer to the shore before crashing onto the beach blowing everything out of its path. Love the way Ed uses his range in this tune although I never thought I’d hear the words “gems & rhinestones” in a PJ song...makes me laugh everytime! I can see the crowds holding their hands outstretched singing “nothing left....” right at the end. “Dream the dreams of other men, then you’ll be no-ones rival”...superb.
Supersonic:
Didnt really make an impression on me when I heard it for the first time in London, and has taken a few listens to appreciate but I’m getting it, definitely written while listening to Mankind..haha!! Great little album tune, a few more cheesey lyrics though...”I wanna live my life with the volume full”...erm ok
Speed of Sound:
Unlike most people, I wasn’t pushed on the demo version of this when I heard it. Many people are complaining that Brendon ruined it with all the bells and whistles on the album version but for me its made the song much more complete and has made me appreciate it much more. I’ve always been more a music man than a lyrics man but these, for me, are some of Ed’s finest ever lyrics...absolutely stunning, honest and they way he opens himself up (across the album in general also) is so trusting of the listener, thanks Ed.
Force Of Nature:
Had it stuck in my head all bloody night, and couldn’t get to sleep. Needs to be LOUDER though IMO. Again great lyrics and a real catchy hook (which really doesn’t need to be a bad thing people
). Superbly placed in between SOS and the End just to break up the down tempo of both those songs (maybe thats why its not as loud as I want it to be).The End:
Heard it live and thought it was ok...but I really feel this is Brendan’s masterpiece on the album, superb arrangement and the lyrics just kick you in the nuts and make you feel the pain. Beautiful, beautiful song.
Overall this is the first PJ album since Ten that I haven’t wanted to skip as song on straight off the bat. I really do think it has potential to be a masterpiece (although it does need to be digested and revisited in a few years to see how it can stand the test of time). I loved Avocado but I felt it was let down by Comeback and Parachutes (2 of the worst ever PJ songs IMHO – waits for the flames) but with backspacer the band have pulled out all the stops. Maybe because they recorded this ablum similar to Ten, I love it so much but I just cant stop pressing repeat, even when I’ve got to get up for work in a few hours time and even then when I go to bed songs are going over and over in my head. Its grabbed me by the balls and is not letting go!! Only issue I have with the album is that the production is a bit low to me (anyone else think so), like Grant Lee Buffalos Copperopilis, I just find myself having to turn it up with each song..but this is such a minor minor issue.
This album is fucking class.
Thanks for reading...post away, I'm really interested to hear what others think of the album
I need a coffee!
Post edited by Unknown User on
0
Comments
Lisbon '06 (x2)
Katowice '07
London '07 '09 (x2), '10
MSG NY '08 (x2)
Manchester '09 '12
Belfast '10
PJ20 Alpine '11 (x2)
Leeds '14
Favorite song- Force of Nature
Least Favorite Song- Johnny Guitar
9/29/04 Boston, 6/28/08 Mansfield, 8/23/09 Chicago, 5/15/10 Hartford
5/17/10 Boston, 10/15/13 Worcester, 10/16/13 Worcester, 10/25/13 Hartford
8/5/16 Fenway, 8/7/16 Fenway
EV Solo: 6/16/11 Boston, 6/18/11 Hartford,
i still have not heard the album at all yet, just got some on conan. reading all these thoughts and reviews, many from friends...just gets me more excited to finally get to hear the album! hope it's awaiting me in the mailbox tonight or tomrrow.....b/c i have ALL day to myself saturday, and i've got a fixin' to listen to new pearl jam!
really enjoyed your play by play and this...
made me laugh....and sorry i've not kissed ya my dear.
edit - btw, i fully agree with you on parachutes! ouch!
Let's just breathe...
I am myself like you somehow
2 high energy PJ kicksass! I can get a better feel for it now. Saw conan
3 vocals…reminds me of Kings of Leon. This is definitely a different kind of PJ. I like!
4 must look at lyrics. Ed’s going fast on this album! Is that stone? Very cool guitar.
5 missing track off of Into The Wild? Very nice.
6 another song about waves. I like them, I know some people don’t. it’s not PJ without a song about waves. Lol! cool chorus but this one will have to grow on me. glad it has a guitar solo, that’ll help. Lol.
7 beginning-very wishlist-y. hopeful lyrics. Love it. has a given to fly feel.
8 makes me shake my booty!
9 ed’s voice is sweet as molasses. The guys have all aged very well. Keyboard or whatever is like an 80 power ballad. Hehehe
10 nice beat. Blah, dunno what to say. I bet I’d like the lyrics. Must look at them.
11 are we at the end already? Excellent retrospect song. Perfect ending. Don’t be cold Eddie! hehehe
________
Oh yeah just want to say
last night. A day before I got this album I was thinking….
It blows my mind how much longevity this band has. My favorite band. I picked a band to go ga-ga for as a preteen and I’ll be damned, they’re still around! I’m in my 30’s now. It leaves me awestruck. I must admit, Backspacer IMO has been released too quickly after Avocado, I was I’m shock. ‘no, there can’t be another album out already?’ But here it is and it’s pretty slammin! Good job guys.
BTW in my opinion yeild is not pjs best album...ten all he way baby!!!
It's getting a bit of a cliché now with PJ fans but yes this is the most accessible album they've done in ages, as well as these 3 tracks the album kicks off with 4 great rockers, Gonna See my Friend, great opener followed by the brilliant Got Some, then the poptastic but fan based controversial The Fixer. Johnny Guitar sounds different to anything they've done before and gets a great funky Mike McCready guitar work out half way through
The 3 stand outs mentioned are stunning, Just Breathe evokes Vedder's work on the Into the Wild soundtrack and is just heart breaking. Amongst & Thought are like Given to Fly & In Hiding off Yield and just soar and soar like only Pearl Jam can.
It's also the most fun album they've done, they are in good spirits and Vedder laying off the politics for once has done the record the world of good, The optimism in the lyrics is also balanced with some dark stuff as well but unlike the angry young man flavour of their previous self titled 2006 album it doesn't seem heavy and flows so much better plus we don't get anything as dire as Come Back.
The just over 36 minutes is brief but you feel anything but short changed and just feel compelled to to stick right back on. I've only listened to it on MP3 so far but have my vinyl now an intend on savouring this afternoon.
A happier PJ is a nice change and where it doesn't quite touch the brilliance of Vs, Vitalogy and Yield it bests the last 3 studio albums without a doubt. The choice to enlist Brendan O'Brien cannot be underestimated his touch is essential to the overall feel of the album and decision to utilise strings for the first time adds an angle to their music never heard before, for a band who are approaching 20 years old it is an achievement they could release an album this good.
Some may tire at the optimism included in this record and the positive energy and hope Eddie returns to the darkness of Vitalogy but this is a great mix of the freshness that we heard back when Ten was first released alongside the consistency that hasn't been heard since 1998's Yield.
Force Of Nature is gold.
The End is very good.
Just Breathe is very good.
The rest I don't care if I never hear again.
For months this album has been billed as "Pearl Jam makes a happy pop record," and in the hands of a lesser frontman/songwriter, that could have been a recipe for disaster. Ed makes this record with his lyrics, phrasing and vocal delivery.
It's simply stellar work here. Every time I listen to the album, and find another hidden gem of a line (and a couple of rhinestones, too
This album, judging by the early reviews, could have been horrifying. Ed keeps it all together, I think. I had faith that he would.
for the least they could possibly do
I HAVEN'T got it YET from PRE-ORDER.
So I can not comment.
:evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:
Favorites....Gonna See My Friend/Johnny
This is the first album since Yield that I listened to the first time and loved it
I love all the others but it took Binaural/RA/ST a while to sink in
Very happy with this....got my pre-order yesterday...will go to Target today to pick up CD and hopefully grab a shirt
vinyl should be coming soon
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt2
you sound like me after listening to Binaural....give it time and you'll love Backspacer...guaranteed
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt2
I do know this for sure...the ending of the album is the most abrupt, downer ending I've ever heard on any album. It made me do a double take at the CD player to make sure that was really it. Seems like the boys are really broadcasting their sudden "mature" views. But I think it has a good mix of rocking and slow songs...I'm sure I'll like it more once I've listened to it a few more times.
Unthought Known
Just Breathe
Force of Nature
and maybe Got Some and The Fixer, seems like they can be good tunes live, hope too hear them in Van on friday!!
2. Got Some - ahh finally, what we needed! A little rock anthem.. lets bring it back to life!
3. The Fixer - sorry but i absolutely don't look foward to hearing this live at all. A pop side of pearl jam id rather not be acquainted with
4. Johnny Guitar - very modern sounding, My feelings are somewhat lukewarm with this tune..
5. Just Breathe - a cute little ditty. Musically it sounds very Rusted Root like .. (anyone else hear "send me on my way" at all?)
6. Amongst the waves - if my frame of mind was different , id probably like this song.. Sadly though its just not floating my boat at the moment..
7. Unknown Thought - probably the most unique sounding song on the album..
8. Super Sonic - I'll need more time with this one;)
9. Speed Of Sound - absolutely gorgeous.. I only wish the final product had been left a little more untouched (a nice middle ground between the studio and the demo version would have been nice)
10. Force Of Nature - need more time for this one as well..
11. The End - I was bummed that this wasnt the end all be all of Doors covers but i was let down gently with a very sad, darker, slow moving ballad.
GSMF- rocks. Matt really shines here.
Got Some - rocks like no other!
The Fixer - godawful crap i skip so much i've already forgot its on the cd.
Johnny Guitar - I am a known hater of Matt songs, but i love this song! Ed's singing here is so new and yet so natural. love it. groovy funky awesomeness.
Just Breathe - One of the best slow PJ songs ever. Easily top 5.
ATW - pretty bland to me. tries to be GTF or In Hiding, but its missing something. too polished. and the lyrics aren't that great. solo is ok.
UK - great song that starts off really bad to me. the lyrics are just to sappy. once the bass kicks in, this song goes to another level though. i dig it.
Supersonic - big loud dumb rock song, and thats ok with me.
Speed of SOund - Adult contemporary overproduced trash i wouldn't be caught dead listening too. I dont care for this PJ, but i tolerate it. never really cared for the demo either.
Force of Nature - eh. its ok.
The End - beautiful lyrics, boring music. its pretty good though.
Keep'em coming people
Someone above, though, mentioned one of Eddie's songs sounding like a track that didn't make it onto Into the Wild. I think all the songs Eddie wrote sounded like that...like his solo stuff, not like songs that belonged on a PJ record. I would have liked a few more rockers for Stone, Mike, Jeff, and Matt to really be able to melt my face off. There's a reason I didn't go see Eddie on his solo tour.
I am hoping they grow on me after a few more listens, or maybe after listening to them on Vinyl.
\S/
Really? I thought he his high notes were pitched perfectly for where his voice is at now. Lets be honest its not as powerful as it was, but how could it be, he's been wailing for 20 odd years now
a week?
record came out on the 20th...today is the 24th...what world do you live in with a 4 day week?
i LOVE 2 songs...ok, maybe 4/5.....l 'like' a couple more.....and a few others, still not connecting.
i find with some...i like the music...but not the lyrics and/or vocal delivery....
or
i like the lyrics....but the music...not so much.
that's my backspacer conundrum.
:P
but did i mention how i LOVE 2 songs? true love!
Let's just breathe...
I am myself like you somehow
Just Breathe has got to be the most beautiful pj song ever. (lyrically)
Ed is really showing us some feelings in this album. Showing us his heart.
The guitar sounds much better with headphones. Heck, everything does.
I like this album way more now I’ve sat down and listened with headphones and lyrics.
The fast songs all have a 50’s rock n roll feel to them.
My favorite tracks are Just Breathe and Supersonic.
Some folks want/prefer Pearl Jam to be about Blood, Leash, Lukin, Animal, Deep, Why Go and Supersonic. Others want more Black, Daughter, Betterman, Last Kiss, Light Years, Parachutes, Just Breath and The End. And guess what, they’re both.
It’s pretty cool that Backspacer has catered to both crowds – I’d throw Supersonic, See My Friend, Got Some and Johnny Guitar in the hard rock category, while Just Breath, The End and Speed of Sound fall into the soft rock scene.
And they’ve been doing this FOREVER – look at VS and No Code with their hard and soft aspects. I was about to say I can’t recall an album that was as balanced as Backspacer but when I went back and looked, yeah, this is what they do!
I was content and accepted that I was beginning to prefer EV solo to Pearl Jam – I’m just about Eddie’s age, very much dealing with the stuff he’s writing and singing about. Last two years I’ve gathered just about every boot I can of Ed’s presets, and I just can’t get enough of it – it’s like cowbell for me! I’m really looking forward to watching Eddie continue on like so many other elder statesmen of Rock and Roll – like Clapton, say.
But then Backspacer came out and SHAZAM! I like what Eddie does with the band. I just dig it. I’m bouncing between all the songs all week, and one day it’s Supersonic I can’t get enough of, the next it’s Force of Nature, today it was Just Breath. And yeah, Got Some and The Fixer are gonna be staples in setlists for years to come methinks…. Those songs were every bit as kick ass as anything at Outside Lands last month.
As another aside, I found part of any “ho hum” I had about the album was simply because I’D ALREADY HEARD SOME OF THE BEST STUFF ON IT! Got Some, The Fixer, The End and Speed of Sound weren’t new to me – I could skip them on the CD, “Yeah, yeah, heard this already…” And yet those are all seriously kick ass songs … just that some of that new car smell has faded from them. They’ve been staples for me all summer already!
Once I kinda wrapped my head around that – I began to recognize what a great album this is – there’s not a song I’m skipping yet. Sure, I like the solo acoustic SoS better (same as Santa Cruz). But I can just let this album play over and over and over. That hasn’t been true for the past few albums for me. Sorry, just found Severed Hand and Comatose … silly. Love Boat Captain? Oh come on… Too each his own….
But I like ALL the “harder” stuff here, I’d count as five: Friend, Got Some, Fixer, Johnny, Supersonic – and that’s probably because none of it is really on a level with Blood or Deep or their truly hardcore stuff (which I can’t rattle off cause it’s not as much my thing ANY MORE as the softer side -- gimmie a break, I was all Metallica, Motorhead, Megadeath, Mercyful Fate and shit all through the 80s).
And I really love the softer stuff here: Just Breath, Speed of Sound, Unthought Known, The End.
And then, I’m not really sure where Force of Nature and Amongst the Waves belongs – yeah,yeah, it’s soft rock, but not at the delicate level of The End or Just Breath. And I’m really beginning to dig these in-between songs so much more than Off He Goes or Given To Fly. (Again, I think that has to do with the new car smell!)
And c’mon, ya’ll hear that Cowbell in Force of Nature!?!?!?
OMG – If I see Eddie come out with a cowbell in SD or LA, I’m gonna lose it!
Gonna See My Friend
Got Some
Unthought Known
Just Breath
Amongst The Waves
The End
I like, but not so much
The Fixer
Speed of Sound (I love the demo version, but I am not a big fan of the album version)
Supersonic
I don't like
Johnny Guitar
Force of Nature
It's growing up just like me.