Reasons to Like All of Pearl Jam's Albums (Pt.2)
pleatherman
Posts: 472
Here is part one- http://forums.pearljam.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=105056
Part 2
Certain circles of the music establishment declare second albums often fall victim to the sophomore slump. The most common basis for this is an artist stockpiles an untold number of years’ worth of material to sculpt their first work. The subsequent album falls under the contingency of creating something of equal or greater value compressed in a few months’ time. The course Pearl Jam laid was contrary to that notion because ‘Ten’ was recorded so close to the band’s inception. Despite that, they emerged with a well-honed identity; perhaps due to Ed’s tireless work ethic in tandem with Jeff and Stone’s prior involvement making music together. In the extensive touring that followed, the band morphed into something unforeseen: one mercilessly charged with chaotic volatility. ‘Vs.’ materializes as the first album by this unhinged creature. So for those taken with the classic, mid-tempo anthems on ‘Ten’, nothing less than an aural assault awaits them on pearl jam’s second record.
‘Vs.’ explodes into spitfire and vagrant ash, consuming hatred; a haze of battle cries for the destitute. Wielding antipathy like a weapon against all the world’s hypocrisies, the music reflects the band’s refusal to resign integrity. And that made them all the more dangerous. This album begs its listener not to rationalize the commitments you already know in your gut is a lie. There is no light in this tunnel. There is no giving up. Yet amidst all the rubble, softer acoustically-led songs emerge to cast another facet unto their paradigm.
Over the years, pearl jam has become renowned for rejecting many aspects associated with maintaining high-level popularity. Even in ’93 that is apparent. Before withdrawing completely, however, they unleash ‘Vs.’ to unlock the potential previously tapped into on ‘Ten’. It is one of those rare sequels that fully lives up to its predecessor. I can only imagine how many speeding tickets RVM is responsible for.
Background Info: Due to the relentless tour in '91-'92, they are more prone to collaborating. While Stone still leaves his imprint, the band ultimately works together to create the music. The role Vedder played on the first album is carried over for this one to some extent. Signs of a creative shift begin to lurk, however. Ed takes responsibility for the more erratic arrangements, like on Glorified G, and offers completed songs for the band to perform.
Part 2
Certain circles of the music establishment declare second albums often fall victim to the sophomore slump. The most common basis for this is an artist stockpiles an untold number of years’ worth of material to sculpt their first work. The subsequent album falls under the contingency of creating something of equal or greater value compressed in a few months’ time. The course Pearl Jam laid was contrary to that notion because ‘Ten’ was recorded so close to the band’s inception. Despite that, they emerged with a well-honed identity; perhaps due to Ed’s tireless work ethic in tandem with Jeff and Stone’s prior involvement making music together. In the extensive touring that followed, the band morphed into something unforeseen: one mercilessly charged with chaotic volatility. ‘Vs.’ materializes as the first album by this unhinged creature. So for those taken with the classic, mid-tempo anthems on ‘Ten’, nothing less than an aural assault awaits them on pearl jam’s second record.
‘Vs.’ explodes into spitfire and vagrant ash, consuming hatred; a haze of battle cries for the destitute. Wielding antipathy like a weapon against all the world’s hypocrisies, the music reflects the band’s refusal to resign integrity. And that made them all the more dangerous. This album begs its listener not to rationalize the commitments you already know in your gut is a lie. There is no light in this tunnel. There is no giving up. Yet amidst all the rubble, softer acoustically-led songs emerge to cast another facet unto their paradigm.
Over the years, pearl jam has become renowned for rejecting many aspects associated with maintaining high-level popularity. Even in ’93 that is apparent. Before withdrawing completely, however, they unleash ‘Vs.’ to unlock the potential previously tapped into on ‘Ten’. It is one of those rare sequels that fully lives up to its predecessor. I can only imagine how many speeding tickets RVM is responsible for.
Background Info: Due to the relentless tour in '91-'92, they are more prone to collaborating. While Stone still leaves his imprint, the band ultimately works together to create the music. The role Vedder played on the first album is carried over for this one to some extent. Signs of a creative shift begin to lurk, however. Ed takes responsibility for the more erratic arrangements, like on Glorified G, and offers completed songs for the band to perform.
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