Maybe it's an age thing

Black Diamond

I am right around the Median age of the band and maybe after years of angst and the Bush Administration and other things to throw stones at, perhaps like me, it's time to reflect on the good things in life like having kids and family. I hear a lot of that in here. Mortality too which is something on my mind as well. They still rock it out but in a more refined way. Kind of like a fine wine.

Curious to see if those that don't like it as much fall into a younger age bracket.

AmentsChick

Black Diamond wrote:

I am right around the Median age of the band and maybe after years of angst and the Bush Administration and other things to throw stones at, perhaps like me, it's time to reflect on the good things in life like having kids and family. I hear a lot of that in here. Mortality too which is something on my mind as well. They still rock it out but in a more refined way. Kind of like a fine wine.

Curious to see if those that don't like it as much fall into a younger age bracket.

Yeah, agreed on that. But I found it to be really morbid as well...and dark. Hard for me to get through dealing with the death of my grandpa.

AmentsChick

As I just posted to you in a PM:

Maybe it is that I'm in a different place than the band. I'm still ready to rock, whilst you old geezers are slowing down...and talking about death relentlessly.

Flagg

I was having that same thought. A lot of these new songs speak to me and fit me because I find myself in similar circumstances. Grown up, job, married, kids, getting a little older (37), more responibility, and generally happy with life.

The same way they spoke to me when I was young, disaffected, angry, depressed, unsure of my place in the world and Ten, Vs, and Vitalogy spoke to me in my late teens, early 20s.

norm

Black Diamond wrote:

I am right around the Median age of the band and maybe after years of angst and the Bush Administration and other things to throw stones at, perhaps like me, it's time to reflect on the good things in life like having kids and family. I hear a lot of that in here. Mortality too which is something on my mind as well. They still rock it out but in a more refined way. Kind of like a fine wine.

Curious to see if those that don't like it as much fall into a younger age bracket.

totally agree...being close to ed's age, it seems with each album his lyrics seems speak to me and this album more than others

and i've thought the same thing...i'd be interested to see the ages of the people that aren't getting the album...

AmentsChick

Seriously...bunch of dirty old men. :roll:

analogueaddict72

I think You've hit on something here, there are probably younger fans that really like it but I wouldn't mind betting those who think it's a bit light and too cheery are younger although I might be wrong.

I'm 37 and I have to be honest grown a little tired of the angry sound of the band, I liked S/T allot but Backspacer for me at least is much better, it flows better, it's the most consistent since Yield, I just love it and it speaks to me like yourself, soon to become a Father hopefully, what Eddie is writing about here, really strikes a chord with me.

I still think Vs (one of PJ's angriest albums), Vitalogy (probably still their darkest) & Yield ( a mixture of both with some optimism thrown in) are better albums but we have those album to listen to when we want that kind of vibe from the band. To me Backspacer has come at the right time in my life and although some don't feel tracks like Just Breathe, Amongst The Waves & Unthought Known, I just love the hell outta of them.

So yes it might very well be an age factor, though I'm sure there will be exceptions to that rule.

norm

AmentsChick wrote:

Seriously...bunch of dirty old men. :roll:

:P

hey you want me to be dirty, i'll head over to the shaved thread

decides2dream

norm wrote:

Black Diamond wrote:

I am right around the Median age of the band and maybe after years of angst and the Bush Administration and other things to throw stones at, perhaps like me, it's time to reflect on the good things in life like having kids and family. I hear a lot of that in here. Mortality too which is something on my mind as well. They still rock it out but in a more refined way. Kind of like a fine wine.

Curious to see if those that don't like it as much fall into a younger age bracket.

totally agree...being close to ed's age, it seems with each album his lyrics seems speak to me and this album more than others

and i've thought the same thing...i'd be interested to see the ages of the people that aren't getting the album...

well you know my age and i am right up there with ya ...and yet, i am not getting into some of the album. some of it is style, reminds me a bit too much of the ramones....and the other part is some lyrics/delivery-phrasing.....so it's not just an age thing. i am older, married, in a good place in life, overall happy...and happy to hear pj/ed happy but i am just not feelin' the love here. it may come, or it may not.....i am liking it more and more, but about the only tune i connected with on very first listen, just breathe. LOVE that, and really...it belongs on itw. now i am liking more, but as i said, i am hearing 2 different albums here......and i am also really enjoying some lyrivcs and others, errrrr.....not so much. overall i am enjoying the music, so it samazes me that lyrics/phrasings i am having a lot more difficulty. never thought i'd ever say that about pj. time will tell......

AmentsChick

analogueaddict72 wrote:

I think You've hit on something here, there are probably younger fans that really like it but I wouldn't mind betting those who think it's a bit light and too cheery are younger although I might be wrong.

I'm 37 and I have to be honest grown a little tired of the angry sound of the band, I liked S/T allot but Backspacer for me at least is much better, it flows better, it's the most consistent since Yield, I just love it and it speaks to me like yourself, soon to become a Father hopefully, what Eddie is writing about here, really strikes a chord with me.

I still think Vs (one of PJ's angriest albums), Vitalogy (probably still their darkest) & Yield ( a mixture of both with some optimism thrown in) are better albums but we have those album to listen to when we want that kind of vibe from the band. To me Backspacer has come at the right time in my life and although some don't feel tracks like Just Breathe, Amongst The Waves & Unthought Known, I just love the hell outta of them.

So yes it might very well be an age factor, though I'm sure there will be exceptions to that rule.

"bit light and cheery"? WTF?! LOL!! It's downright morbid.

gemth

I consider myself 'older' just turned 29 this year and I found all of your comments interesting...I have to admit that when I first bought No Code at age 16, I did not 'get it'...it took me about 2 years to really love that album and same thing with Yield. Sometimes it just takes me a bit to warm up to them or I guess 'relate' to it.

I've listened to Backspacer twice now and I'm really enjoying it.

AmentsChick

gemth wrote:

I consider myself 'older' just turned 29 this year and I found all of your comments interesting...I have to admit that when I first bought No Code at age 16, I did not 'get it'...it took me about 2 years to really love that album and same thing with Yield. Sometimes it just takes me a bit to warm up to them or I guess 'relate' to it.

I've listened to Backspacer twice now and I'm really enjoying it.

I'm 29 (30 in November) and don't consider myself "older". Maybe I am. :?

norm

decides2dream wrote:

well you know my age and i am right up there with ya ...and yet, i am not getting into some of the album. some of it is style, reminds me a bit too much of the ramones....and the other part is some lyrics/delivery-phrasing.....so it's not just an age thing. i am older, married, in a good place in life, overall happy...and happy to hear pj/ed happy but i am just not feelin' the love here. it may come, or it may not.....i am liking it more and more, but about the only tune i connected with on very first listen, just breathe. LOVE that, and really...it belongs on itw. now i am liking more, but as i said, i am hearing 2 different albums here......and i am also really enjoying some lyrivcs and others, errrrr.....not so much. overall i am enjoying the music, so it samazes me that lyrics/phrasings i am having a lot more difficulty. never thought i'd ever say that about pj. time will tell......

what's funny is i think the exact opposite...ed's lyrics are superb and i love the phrasing...the lyrics to amongst the waves, unthough known, speed of nature really speak to me...i'm enjoying happy ed

the album is down and dirty...no bullshit just straight rock and roll...it was their objective and i think they succeeded...and i'm glad they did...i love all the albums because each one is an individual piece of art...yes the band has a sound but with each album they take it a different direction...this direction is simple and unfettered from grandiose ideas (musically and lyrically)...it's like a breath of fresh air :oops:


and if someone doesn't like just breathe they have no soul

AmentsChick

norm wrote:

decides2dream wrote:

well you know my age and i am right up there with ya ...and yet, i am not getting into some of the album. some of it is style, reminds me a bit too much of the ramones....and the other part is some lyrics/delivery-phrasing.....so it's not just an age thing. i am older, married, in a good place in life, overall happy...and happy to hear pj/ed happy but i am just not feelin' the love here. it may come, or it may not.....i am liking it more and more, but about the only tune i connected with on very first listen, just breathe. LOVE that, and really...it belongs on itw. now i am liking more, but as i said, i am hearing 2 different albums here......and i am also really enjoying some lyrivcs and others, errrrr.....not so much. overall i am enjoying the music, so it samazes me that lyrics/phrasings i am having a lot more difficulty. never thought i'd ever say that about pj. time will tell......

what's funny is i think the exact opposite...ed's lyrics are superb and i love the phrasing...the lyrics to amongst the waves, unthough known, speed of nature really speak to me...i'm enjoying happy ed

the album is down and dirty...no bullshit just straight rock and roll...it was their objective and i think they succeeded...and i'm glad they did...i love all the albums because each one is an individual piece of art...yes the band has a sound but with each album they take it a different direction...this direction is simple and unfettered from grandiose ideas (musically and lyrically)...it's like a breath of fresh air :oops:


and if someone doesn't like just breathe they have no soul

(raises hand) I have no soul. I couldn't even make it through JB. Make me think of my Gpa who recently died and made me cry.

Personally I didn't think this album was "no bullshit just straight rock and roll". Quite the opposite. I found it to be really tame almost boppy....with hints of death ballads.

decides2dream

norm wrote:

decides2dream wrote:

well you know my age and i am right up there with ya ...and yet, i am not getting into some of the album. some of it is style, reminds me a bit too much of the ramones....and the other part is some lyrics/delivery-phrasing.....so it's not just an age thing. i am older, married, in a good place in life, overall happy...and happy to hear pj/ed happy but i am just not feelin' the love here. it may come, or it may not.....i am liking it more and more, but about the only tune i connected with on very first listen, just breathe. LOVE that, and really...it belongs on itw. now i am liking more, but as i said, i am hearing 2 different albums here......and i am also really enjoying some lyrics and others, errrrr.....not so much. overall i am enjoying the music, so it amazes me that lyrics/phrasings i am having a lot more difficulty. never thought i'd ever say that about pj. time will tell......

what's funny is i think the exact opposite...ed's lyrics are superb and i love the phrasing...the lyrics to amongst the waves, unthough known, speed of nature really speak to me...i'm enjoying happy ed

the album is down and dirty...no bullshit just straight rock and roll...it was their objective and i think they succeeded...and i'm glad they did...i love all the albums because each one is an individual piece of art...yes the band has a sound but with each album they take it a different direction...this direction is simple and unfettered from grandiose ideas (musically and lyrically)...it's like a breath of fresh air :oops:


and if someone doesn't like just breathe they have no soul

i love just breathe...i like unthought known, amongst the waves......it's more like the fixer, johnny guitar, etc....not as much. i love straight up rock and roll, i love 80s music, and i love the deeper, more complex stuff too...i just find on some songs, great lyrics...others.....not so much. what can i say, i hold pj and ed to a higher standard. also, as i said, while i can enjoy some ramones, not really a fan....and in songs like johnny guitar and such, i just hear too much. so i find some lyrics, superb....a lot of the music is great....but as a sum total, i am not feeling it as much. it may change, and it may not.



btw - i don't find it 'down and dirty' at all.....there is too much polish in the background to be down and dirty. i might like some of the songs better if they were straight down and dirty....;) there definitely is that new wave/80s/synth pop vibe mixed in there and that ain't down and dirty...just my 2 cents.

analogueaddict72

AmentsChick wrote:

analogueaddict72 wrote:

I think You've hit on something here, there are probably younger fans that really like it but I wouldn't mind betting those who think it's a bit light and too cheery are younger although I might be wrong.

I'm 37 and I have to be honest grown a little tired of the angry sound of the band, I liked S/T allot but Backspacer for me at least is much better, it flows better, it's the most consistent since Yield, I just love it and it speaks to me like yourself, soon to become a Father hopefully, what Eddie is writing about here, really strikes a chord with me.

I still think Vs (one of PJ's angriest albums), Vitalogy (probably still their darkest) & Yield ( a mixture of both with some optimism thrown in) are better albums but we have those album to listen to when we want that kind of vibe from the band. To me Backspacer has come at the right time in my life and although some don't feel tracks like Just Breathe, Amongst The Waves & Unthought Known, I just love the hell outta of them.

So yes it might very well be an age factor, though I'm sure there will be exceptions to that rule.

"bit light and cheery"? WTF?! LOL!! It's downright morbid.

It might have it's dark moments but are trying to tell me this as dark as Vitalogy, yes Ed's reflecting on some heavy stuff but I'm getting allot of optimism from this album , maybe your not but tracks like Amongst & Unthought really are uplifting. I just think some people will think it too cheery for their tastes.

It's only when you analyse the lyrics that you get that dark vibe but the delivery at times is far more upbeat than they've been for ages and I have been into this band since 1992, I know my Pearl Jam thank you.

gemth

I'm 29 (30 in November) and don't consider myself "older". Maybe I am.

Amentschick...I think i'm just trying to get used to the fact that I am getting older . Do I think we are old at 29? Not at all but I'm easing into it.

Well Happy early Birthday for you!

decides2dream

this is superb, and so ed....


Yes, I understand that every life must end, uh-huh
As we sit alone, I know someday we must go, uh-huh
Oh I'm a lucky man, to count on both hands the ones I love
Some folks just have one, yeah, others, they've got none

Stay with me...
Let's just breathe...

Practiced all my sins, never gonna let me win, uh-huh
Under everything, just another human being, uh-huh
I don't wanna hurt, there's so much in this world to make me believe

Stay with me
You're all I see...

Did I say that I need you?
Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn't I'm a fool you see
No one knows this more than me

As I come clean...
I wonder everyday, as I look upon your face, uh-huh
Everything you gave
And nothing you would save, oh no

Nothing you would take
Everything you gave...

Did I say that I need you?
Oh, did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn't I'm a fool you see
No one knows this more than me
And I come clean, ah...

Nothing you would take
Everything you gave
Hold me til I die
Meet you on the other side...



and no, i am not wanting pj to be all ed, sound just like ed, like itw, not at all......honestly, it took me a long time to warm up to itw. i LOVEd it in the film, but listening to the album, it was just too short! hahaha. it took many, many listens before i fell in love with it. and yes, i do love it now....and i do love pj's love/introspective songs.....but i like their hard-edged songs just as much, maybe more.....and what can i say? this is just a far different pj delivery for me on this new album, and some of the lyrics just don't speak to me....but hey, it's pj....and i will keep listening and hoping....

AmentsChick

Not once in listening did I feel "uplifted" (Avocado I would describe that way, though!). Do I consider it an angry album? Absolutely not. Doesn't have the animosity and ferocity that early albums did. Which I totally understand...they ARE less angry (especially Ed). And I think BlackDiamond hit the nail on the head. Their music has grown with them. I'm just not in the same place (as I said before). I'm single, no kids, not married...can't "count on both hands the ones I love". It's definitely an age thing, at least for me.

AmentsChick

gemth wrote:

Amentschick...I think i'm just trying to get used to the fact that I am getting older . Do I think we are old at 29? Not at all but I'm easing into it.

Well Happy early Birthday for you!

I think 30 is just harder for chicks to accept. Thanks for the early bday wishes, although I prefer not to think about it.

Fahka

its defiantly an age thing.. I always thought i responded/related to the guys very well, even though they've always been easily twice my age.. but i think with this new album, myself along with alot of other younger fans (im 21) might have hit a road bump in the "relating" area.. Its not bad persay.. Its just like when a friend or older sibling you are close to gets married, has kids... and you feel kind of "left out" or not left out per-say but, left behind.. Or unable to relate as much as you used to... That's probably a horrible example but i hope it at least sort of makes sense.