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The fixer - a change of mind

nazcanlinesnazcanlines Posts: 26
edited July 2009 in The Porch
Is anyone like me in that i originally thought the fixer was a completely standard single, but now i am loving it and can't stop listening!
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • orig_long redorig_long red Posts: 2,029
    I heard it on the radio driving to work and that completely changed my perception of the song. It works a whole lot better in a moving car as opposed to lonely computer speakers.
    Jam out with your clam out.
  • PJammin'PJammin' Posts: 1,902
    let the flip-flopping begin!
    I died. I died and you just stood there. I died and you watched. I died and you walked by and said no. I'm dead.
  • Waves4to6ftWaves4to6ft Jerz Posts: 108
    Some Pearl Jam songs do that to me too....I felt like it was so poppy, then I realized that it kinda is describing a fabric in my way of being, in my soul....def. can't wait to hear it in Philly!
    If I don't see you no more in this world, I'll meet you on the next one...
  • pleathermanpleatherman Posts: 472
    edited September 2009
    My first reaction to the song was "Whuh??" I probably sympathized with some of the negative posts on this board. But if I learned anything from listening to music, it is that songs I don't necessarily get the first go around can tend to be my favorite. The Fixer was no exception. It's almost like it was designed to be that way. In fact, when I played the song for another person I gave a warning it was natural to not like it the first time. I was right. By the next day the song was in their head, so I played it a few more times and it registered for them in a big way. It usually works that way for more eccentric music, not some pop song. Foo Fighters songs, for example, I think are initially amazing but over a week or so later it runs its course and I can go a year w/o hearing it again. On the other hand, I will listen to a more unconventional tune by Wilco like "I am Trying to Break your Heart", not really understand it, but eventually it becomes one of my favorite songs of all time. The Fixer is that rare catchy tune that actually grows in time. Perhaps, people are changing their mind about the Fixer because it is so blatantly catchy, we can mistake it's underlying simplicity for dumbness. Once that hurdle is overcome, the song presents itself in a manner that draws you into its grip. Its straightforwardness provide a direct route to sheer unabashed enjoyment. It's a testament to its greatness that the Fixer can work within the parameters of a certain musical formula, yet still sound fresh and exciting.
    Post edited by pleatherman on
  • kiljoythemercifulkiljoythemerciful Posts: 549
    pleatherman wrote:
    Perhaps, people are changing their mind about the Fixer because it is so blatantly catchy, we can mistake it's underlying simplicity for dumbness. Once that hurdle is overcome, the song presents itself in a manner that draws you in its grip. Its straightforwardness provide a direct route to sheer unabashed enjoyment. It's a testament to its greatness that the Fixer can work within the parameters of a certain musical formula, yet still sound fresh and exciting.

    I like the way you put this. I think vitalogy has a couple of songs like this, but they present a much different attitude, more angry and desperate. There is a different vibe with The Fixer but I think the quality of songwriting is there.
  • U R A Crazy BreedU R A Crazy Breed Posts: 8,370
    hearing Stone talk about how they intentionally made it that way(poppy) as kinda a refreshing change of pace stepping away from the heaviness of the last few albums, which then allows them to return to that heaviness later down the road....I'm not in love with the song...but his insight has helped me not hate it and give it a "second listen"..and i said from day one that i think the live version..like most PJ songs...will kick much more ass!
  • pleathermanpleatherman Posts: 472
    kiljoythemerciful wrote:
    pleatherman wrote:
    Perhaps, people are changing their mind about the Fixer because it is so blatantly catchy, we can mistake it's underlying simplicity for dumbness. Once that hurdle is overcome, the song presents itself in a manner that draws you in its grip. Its straightforwardness provide a direct route to sheer unabashed enjoyment. It's a testament to its greatness that the Fixer can work within the parameters of a certain musical formula, yet still sound fresh and exciting.

    I like the way you put this. I think vitalogy has a couple of songs like this, but they present a much different attitude, more angry and desperate. There is a different vibe with The Fixer but I think the quality of songwriting is there.

    Hey thanks. And another thing... ;) I've been looking back at an article about Pearl Jam in a Feb. 2009 issue of Rolling Stone. In it, the writer recounts his initial impressions of the demos in-progress. He refers to The Fixer as a surprise in the batch of songs he heard. Maybe, after we listen to Backspacer in its entirety, we will come to the realization that the Fixer shares the same quality as their most challenging lead singles, 'Nothing as it Seems' and 'Who You Are'. Both of those pointed out the mood of their respective albums. The songs themselves were rather extreme when compared to our perceptions of Pearl Jam at the time, but they prepared you for what the band had become. I think that same extremity garnered from the sound of the Fixer is what people are latching onto right now. However, Binaural wasn't full of Pink Floyd-ish guitar leads (NAIS) and No Code did not mainly consist of polyrhythmic patterns (Who You Are). And yet, NAIS encapsaluted the somberness of Binaural, and Who You Are made apparent the experimental deconstruction of the "Pearl Jam sound" on No Code. So, just as some of us are having a change of mind concerning our opinion of the new single; in Backspacer we may find Pearl Jam has had a change of spirit.
  • kiljoythemercifulkiljoythemerciful Posts: 549
    I like the way you think, Pleatherman. I hope all pj faithful are as willing as you to trust the possible new form of pj on this record. I agree with your thoughts, but who knows maybe this will be s/t v2.0. I just don't see it, all signs point to a creative rejuvenation.
  • josevolutionjosevolution Posts: 30,525
    At least you realized it now ;) thank god you crossed over to this side instead of being stuck on the clueless line along with so many others ........ :roll: ..
    jesus greets me looks just like me ....
  • mrfrogmanmrfrogman Posts: 31
    edited July 2009
    As someone who absolutely hated this song on first few listens, I have to say that I recant. I mean I really "end of Pearl Jam" hated it. Guess that shows not to judge the song until after quite a few listens. It's really grown on me. The first few times I listened to it, it came off as way to "pop" and I hated it. But the more I listen the less I get that. It's just an upbeat song. Certainly some "pop" to it, but in a good way. My favorite pearl jam song "Down", I don't know that people consider pop, but more of an upbeat, positive song. I liken Fixer to that, and I'm really liking it. To this day, while I understand why they didn't put "Down" on Riot Act (didn't fit the tone of that album at all) I really wish they would have. Would have made one of their weaker albums (in my opinion, apologies to Riot Act fans) a lot stronger.
    Post edited by mrfrogman on
  • mattcozmattcoz Chicago Posts: 2,220
    I keep going back and forth on it. I loved it at first, although I would have loved Eddie farting on a snare drum* as long as it was new Pearl Jam. After a bunch of listens I started to not care for it, "oh it's too poppy, blah blah blah". Recently though I'm starting to love it again, should be a real fun song live.

    * 10 points to whoever first gets the reference ;)
    1998: East Troy 2000: East Troy, Rosemont 2003: Champaign 2006: Chicago (UC), Milwaukee 2007: Chicago (Lolla) 2009: Chicago (UC), Chicago (UC) 2010: Noblesville 2011: East Troy (PJ20), East Troy (PJ20) 2013: Chicago (WF), Seattle 2014: St. Louis 2016: Chicago (WF), Chicago (WF) 2018: Chicago (WF), Chicago (WF) 2022: St. Louis 2023: Chicago (UC), Chicago (UC) 2024: Chicago (WF), Chicago (WF)
    Coming soon... 2025: Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
  • kid canadakid canada Toronto Posts: 446
    mattcoz wrote:
    I keep going back and forth on it. I loved it at first, although I would have loved Eddie farting on a snare drum* as long as it was new Pearl Jam. After a bunch of listens I started to not care for it, "oh it's too poppy, blah blah blah". Recently though I'm starting to love it again, should be a real fun song live.

    * 10 points to whoever first gets the reference ;)

    It's from Airheads. Pay up!
    '96: Toronto / '00: Toronto, Montreal / '03: Buffalo, State College, Toronto, Montreal, NYC I & II, Hershey / '04: Toledo, Grand Rapids / '05: Kitchener, London, Hamilton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto / '06: Toronto I & II / '07: Chicago (The Vic), Lolla / '09: Toronto / '11: PJ20 I & II, Montreal, Toronto I & II / '13: London ON, Wrigley, Buffalo, Brooklyn I & II / '16: Toronto I & II, Fenway I & II / '18: London UK I, Wrigley I & II, Fenway I
  • VOLITIONVOLITION Posts: 328
    looks like The Fixer might be starting to catch on.
    According to allaccess.com it has jumped up to #17 on the alternative charts and #25 on the Rock charts after just a few days on the radio. Although i doubt this song has the lasting power to make a real impact when you look at the God awful songs at the top of the charts
    "it feels like it's the end of the world and we all got a good seat. you know -- step right up, get your tickets...here we go."

    - EV
  • rwmartin71rwmartin71 Posts: 24
    It took a few times, but now im diggin it, I've been playing it so much, just caught my wife singing it while cleaning the bathroom!! Awesome!!!
  • eddieved24eddieved24 Posts: 107
    To be honest I find this whole not likeing the fixer thing very bizarre. I am only saying this because after the first listen I had visons of Yied, and thought, Damn I really love Brenden O'Brian. So I log on to see whateveryone else thinks, and DAM!! everyone is all crazy up in arms about how bad the song sucks! I was totally shocked. I think its a mix of a couple of things. First off, people are pretty resistant to change. Toss in a song that doesn't fit the mold of a rockin, once/go/whipping PJ tune and all chaos breaks loose. I also feel like there is a certin segment of the pearl jam fan base that hasn't really got what they wanted to hear since maybe no code and they are not willing to except that Pearl jam is more than just a hard rock band. That said I guess I represent maybe a fan that has always loved all pearl jam songs and especially ones that are a little more outside of the box. I mean come on, No Way, otherside, wishlist, the entire Bineural album, these are all amazing. I think once people listen to the song in the album context they will relax. But maybe the album will be all upbeat and pearljam meets the beachboysish, and really what would be so bad about that. I have full confidence in the band. The bottom line is, this is the album they want us to hear and enjoy. If its way different from anything else they have ever done, why is that so disapointing? Ok and in reading back what I just wrote, I am in no way trying to start shit about this type of fan or that type of fan. I am just trying to say that some of us are maybe easier to please?
    all those paper plates......
  • kiljoythemercifulkiljoythemerciful Posts: 549
    I, too, was at first taken aback by the mixed and passionate response to The Fixer. But the more I thought about it, I realized it was a good thing because all of PJ's best material post-Ten had this occur as well. It will be interesting to see if people change their opinion of this song, especially after they hear the full album and where and how this song fits. I have not been this excited for a release since Binaural. Hopefully (although I've come to love aspects of that album) this time the excitement pays off.
  • PJammin'PJammin' Posts: 1,902
    eddieved24 wrote:
    To be honest I find this whole not likeing the fixer thing very bizarre. I am only saying this because after the first listen I had visons of Yied, and thought, Damn I really love Brenden O'Brian. So I log on to see whateveryone else thinks, and DAM!! everyone is all crazy up in arms about how bad the song sucks! I was totally shocked. I think its a mix of a couple of things. First off, people are pretty resistant to change. Toss in a song that doesn't fit the mold of a rockin, once/go/whipping PJ tune and all chaos breaks loose. I also feel like there is a certin segment of the pearl jam fan base that hasn't really got what they wanted to hear since maybe no code and they are not willing to except that Pearl jam is more than just a hard rock band. That said I guess I represent maybe a fan that has always loved all pearl jam songs and especially ones that are a little more outside of the box. I mean come on, No Way, otherside, wishlist, the entire Bineural album, these are all amazing. I think once people listen to the song in the album context they will relax. But maybe the album will be all upbeat and pearljam meets the beachboysish, and really what would be so bad about that. I have full confidence in the band. The bottom line is, this is the album they want us to hear and enjoy. If its way different from anything else they have ever done, why is that so disapointing? Ok and in reading back what I just wrote, I am in no way trying to start shit about this type of fan or that type of fan. I am just trying to say that some of us are maybe easier to please?

    i really like what you wrote. i guess i'm just one of those people who is just open to whatever they decide to throw my way. now if they decided to throw some raps in their songs...i'm totally out.
    I died. I died and you just stood there. I died and you watched. I died and you walked by and said no. I'm dead.
  • FahkaFahka Posts: 3,187
    eddieved24 wrote:
    To be honest I find this whole not likeing the fixer thing very bizarre. I am only saying this because after the first listen I had visons of Yied, and thought, Damn I really love Brenden O'Brian. So I log on to see whateveryone else thinks, and DAM!! everyone is all crazy up in arms about how bad the song sucks! I was totally shocked. I think its a mix of a couple of things. First off, people are pretty resistant to change. Toss in a song that doesn't fit the mold of a rockin, once/go/whipping PJ tune and all chaos breaks loose. I also feel like there is a certin segment of the pearl jam fan base that hasn't really got what they wanted to hear since maybe no code and they are not willing to except that Pearl jam is more than just a hard rock band. That said I guess I represent maybe a fan that has always loved all pearl jam songs and especially ones that are a little more outside of the box. I mean come on, No Way, otherside, wishlist, the entire Bineural album, these are all amazing. I think once people listen to the song in the album context they will relax. But maybe the album will be all upbeat and pearljam meets the beachboysish, and really what would be so bad about that. I have full confidence in the band. The bottom line is, this is the album they want us to hear and enjoy. If its way different from anything else they have ever done, why is that so disapointing? Ok and in reading back what I just wrote, I am in no way trying to start shit about this type of fan or that type of fan. I am just trying to say that some of us are maybe easier to please?


    Pearl jam is a ROCK band.. and people like them because they rock.. not because they can write catchy pop tunes;p If that were the case, Britney spears would be better at the craft. So i understand completely why people are all up in arms about this.. I just think this song takes a big shit on what pj used to be about but im not suprised.. they are going somewhere different, i just hope the younger fans like myself can still relate..
  • PJammin'PJammin' Posts: 1,902
    LeatherMandi wrote:
    eddieved24 wrote:
    To be honest I find this whole not likeing the fixer thing very bizarre. I am only saying this because after the first listen I had visons of Yied, and thought, Damn I really love Brenden O'Brian. So I log on to see whateveryone else thinks, and DAM!! everyone is all crazy up in arms about how bad the song sucks! I was totally shocked. I think its a mix of a couple of things. First off, people are pretty resistant to change. Toss in a song that doesn't fit the mold of a rockin, once/go/whipping PJ tune and all chaos breaks loose. I also feel like there is a certin segment of the pearl jam fan base that hasn't really got what they wanted to hear since maybe no code and they are not willing to except that Pearl jam is more than just a hard rock band. That said I guess I represent maybe a fan that has always loved all pearl jam songs and especially ones that are a little more outside of the box. I mean come on, No Way, otherside, wishlist, the entire Bineural album, these are all amazing. I think once people listen to the song in the album context they will relax. But maybe the album will be all upbeat and pearljam meets the beachboysish, and really what would be so bad about that. I have full confidence in the band. The bottom line is, this is the album they want us to hear and enjoy. If its way different from anything else they have ever done, why is that so disapointing? Ok and in reading back what I just wrote, I am in no way trying to start shit about this type of fan or that type of fan. I am just trying to say that some of us are maybe easier to please?


    Pearl jam is a ROCK band.. and people like them because they rock.. not because they can write catchy pop tunes;p If that were the case, Britney spears would be better at the craft. So i understand completely why people are all up in arms about this.. I just think this song takes a big shit on what pj used to be about but im not suprised.. they are going somewhere different, i just hope the younger fans like myself can still relate..

    pearl jam is a BAND and they've always played different types of songs. strangest tribe certainly doesn't rock, nor does unemployable. elderly woman? all those yesterdays? arc? bee girl? U? i certainly don't think they want to be put in a box. they cover the spectrum of music...so they aren't "shitting" on anything. bottomline, if you can't relate...oh well. they play music that THEY enjoy playing and they happen to share it with us.
    I died. I died and you just stood there. I died and you watched. I died and you walked by and said no. I'm dead.
  • PatrickBatemanPatrickBateman Posts: 2,243
    3rd listen in and after 10 beers it fucking jams
    FIGHT TO GET IT BACK AGAIN (whatever that may be be)
    If a man speaks in a forest and there is no woman around to hear him, is he still wrong?
  • PatrickBatemanPatrickBateman Posts: 2,243
    FUCKING A I LOVE IT
    i wanna try to love again........fuck me this song.....yeah yeah yeah
    If a man speaks in a forest and there is no woman around to hear him, is he still wrong?
  • PatrickBatemanPatrickBateman Posts: 2,243
    Fixer is PEarl jam....evolved.....i love tis
    If a man speaks in a forest and there is no woman around to hear him, is he still wrong?
  • Gary CarterGary Carter Posts: 14,067
    PatrickBateman wrote:
    3rd listen in and after 10 beers it fucking jams
    FIGHT TO GET IT BACK AGAIN (whatever that may be be)
    could be the beer talking for ya, lol. btw nice gravy av, rags suck, hehe.
    Ron: I just don't feel like going out tonight
    Sammi: Wanna just break up?

  • DiRtyFranK38DiRtyFranK38 Posts: 3,131
    eddieved24 wrote:
    To be honest I find this whole not likeing the fixer thing very bizarre. I am only saying this because after the first listen I had visons of Yied, and thought, Damn I really love Brenden O'Brian. So I log on to see whateveryone else thinks, and DAM!! everyone is all crazy up in arms about how bad the song sucks! I was totally shocked. I think its a mix of a couple of things. First off, people are pretty resistant to change. Toss in a song that doesn't fit the mold of a rockin, once/go/whipping PJ tune and all chaos breaks loose. I also feel like there is a certin segment of the pearl jam fan base that hasn't really got what they wanted to hear since maybe no code and they are not willing to except that Pearl jam is more than just a hard rock band. That said I guess I represent maybe a fan that has always loved all pearl jam songs and especially ones that are a little more outside of the box. I mean come on, No Way, otherside, wishlist, the entire Bineural album, these are all amazing. I think once people listen to the song in the album context they will relax. But maybe the album will be all upbeat and pearljam meets the beachboysish, and really what would be so bad about that. I have full confidence in the band. The bottom line is, this is the album they want us to hear and enjoy. If its way different from anything else they have ever done, why is that so disapointing? Ok and in reading back what I just wrote, I am in no way trying to start shit about this type of fan or that type of fan. I am just trying to say that some of us are maybe easier to please?

    fucking great post. couldn't agree more
    2006: Hartford
    2008: MSG 1, Hartford, Mansfield 2, Ed Solo NYC 1
    2009: London (O2), Philly 1, 2, 3, & 4
    2010: Hartford, Boston, MSG 1 & 2
    2011: Ed Solo Hartford
    2012: Philly (MIA Fest)
    2013: Worcester 2, Brooklyn 1 & 2, Hartford
  • eddieved24eddieved24 Posts: 107
    Thanks for the positive comments. I actually considered chiming into the super long " don't like the fixer but still like pj thread" however, it just seemed way too negative and I honestly didn't want to bump it up. I just want to represent for all of us that are out there and do love the "wierd" stuff. I am the person that skips evenflow and would rather hear gods dice or thin air instead. I think the craziest part is all this talk of Ed's lyrics. I think they are great and well so eddie. I guess I just thought people would be more amped, I just loved the overall feeling of the song
    all those paper plates......
  • dimitrispearljamdimitrispearljam Posts: 139,721
    the whole thing is this..live the song is gonna ROCK.so no worries ;)
    "...Dimitri...He talks to me...'.."The Ghost of Greece..".
    "..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
    “..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
  • FahkaFahka Posts: 3,187
    dimitrispearljam wrote:
    the whole thing is this..live the song is gonna ROCK.so no worries ;)


    though it has no fist pump potential, im sure i can bounce along while waiting for "Rival" :D:mrgreen:
  • dimitrispearljamdimitrispearljam Posts: 139,721
    LeatherMandi wrote:
    dimitrispearljam wrote:
    the whole thing is this..live the song is gonna ROCK.so no worries ;)


    though it has no fist pump potential, im sure i can bounce along while waiting for "Rival" :D:mrgreen:
    :D:D:D
    "...Dimitri...He talks to me...'.."The Ghost of Greece..".
    "..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
    “..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
  • Marcus MaximusMarcus Maximus Posts: 282
    no its still a piece of carbage of a song and ive given it alot of listens.
    Speaking as a child of the 90's
  • fortyshadesfortyshades Posts: 1,834
    All songs of Pearl Jam do that to me; I listened to it and think "what the fu@#!" and then it "clicks". If I wasn't stranded on vacation with a cassette deck/walkman with Vitalogy in Prague some time - where I was forced to listen to the album over and over again out of sheer boredom - I would probably never have come a fan...

    Corduroy did it for me...

    That said, I liked Fixer from the start tho. Nice tune. And not pretentieus.
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