don't read/post often, but felt compelled to comment.
i join those who prefer the current "voice" (sound, melodic choices, etc..)...i rarely listen to earlier bootlegs, or even earlier studio albums.
my reason for posting, however, is to mention ev's use of an inner ear monitor. not sure exactly when he began using it, but i have to think that using it changed how he approaches live shows. (i'm not a musician, have no basis for the thought)
2003 just pure stamina night in and night out, amazing tour
2006 less power overall, but a more refined singing style. Showed great energy as well.
Really kicked it into high gear for the European shows.
2008 - noticed the choppy singing on certain songs (can't remember whats it actually called right now, but you know what im talking about). Seemed out of breathe on some songs, but was still holding it together. LROM and the real me on vh1 were amazing though.
2009- Aside from the occasional gem, it sounds like hes one note away from cracking at any point, out of breathe quite a bit. The shows are still enjoyable, but Im concerned and would like to see them take some time to recover (if its possible at this point)
I used to be one of those guys who wished Ed's voice was like it was in the old days, but I've changed my tune. I agree his voice has deteriorated since 1996, but he is a much, much better singer now. Perhaps a combination of his range in 1991 and his singing ability now would be the best, but I take Eddie now.
I'll take 2009 Vedder over 2003 Vedder in a heartbeat. I loved the Benaroya boot, but after going to Eddie's solo shows in 2008 and 2009, the boot is kinda boring. I've noticed that Ed's delivery on that boot was very monotone and Ed didn't add a lot to the vocals. I think Ed touring on his own with just a guitar forced him to step up his vocal delivery, and I think it shows on the 2008 and 2009 tours.
smoking (BIG PART)
drinking
drugs (lets be honest here) in moderation???
and the biggest reason: getting older, your voice just gets deeper and you cannot do what you could when you were younger
coupled with over 20 years of singing, it is bound to sound different
+1
Barrie 08/22/98 Montreal 10/04/00 Toronto 10/05/00 Toronto 06/28/03 Kitchener 09/11/05 Ottawa 09/16/05 Toronto 08/21/09 Toronto 09/11/11 Ottawa 09/14/11 Buffalo 10/12/13 Ottawa 05/08/16 Chicago 08/20/18 Ottawa 09/03/22 Nashville 09/16/22
I think there's two different arguments here, and they should be kept separate.
The first argument of whether he has consciously changed his style, whether maturing as a singer, to preserve his voice, or to avoid pigeonholing himself. Whether or not you prefer this style is entirely personal preference.
the second argument is whether or not he can still sing in the style he did in the early 90's. This argument has very little bearing on which you prefer, just whether he's physically capable of singing in the manner he did in the first few CD's.
Personally, I don't think he's capable of singing as he did in the Ten/Vs/Vitalogy days. Even if you prefer the current sound, I think this is a shame, as having the ability to go back in time and hit the early songs in the way they were originally recorded would be great for nostalgic purposes. Regardless of preference, losing that ability (if true) is a shame. After Yield, most of my favorite PJ studio songs have been slower tempo songs, as I think they fit his current voice better. When he does try to go up-tempo, I find more mumbling than growling. It's great that he's adapted his style (frankly, a necessity), but I can't say I wouldn't love to hear a couple of uptempo songs per album like the past. I don't think he can physically perform something like Porch in a studio setting nowadays.
I think Backspacer was balance for his current voice for uptempo rockers.
not saying it's not understandable, after 20 years of aging and live performances, but denying the change (in ability as well as style) isn't doing anyone any service.
I also think his range and singing ability were underrated back in the early days. Release, Black, Small Town. Great changes of pace from the norm back then.
That being said, I still absolutely love them live, and I enjoyed Backspacer tremendously. Recognizing the change (some of which I believe was mandated out of a change in his voice) doesn't mean I don't still greatly enjoy the band, both in the studio and in concert.
This clip is slightly unfair as an example. To be honest, I don't see how he sounded as good as he did then. That was a massive tour, and he had been sick just prior to that as was mentioned. I think most people would have had a hard time talking, much less singing.
I think there's two different arguments here, and they should be kept separate.
The first argument of whether he has consciously changed his style, whether maturing as a singer, to preserve his voice, or to avoid pigeonholing himself. Whether or not you prefer this style is entirely personal preference.
the second argument is whether or not he can still sing in the style he did in the early 90's. This argument has very little bearing on which you prefer, just whether he's physically capable of singing in the manner he did in the first few CD's.
Personally, I don't think he's capable of singing as he did in the Ten/Vs/Vitalogy days. Even if you prefer the current sound, I think this is a shame, as having the ability to go back in time and hit the early songs in the way they were originally recorded would be great for nostalgic purposes. Regardless of preference, losing that ability (if true) is a shame. After Yield, most of my favorite PJ studio songs have been slower tempo songs, as I think they fit his current voice better. When he does try to go up-tempo, I find more mumbling than growling. It's great that he's adapted his style (frankly, a necessity), but I can't say I wouldn't love to hear a couple of uptempo songs per album like the past. I don't think he can physically perform something like Porch in a studio setting nowadays.
I think Backspacer was balance for his current voice for uptempo rockers.
not saying it's not understandable, after 20 years of aging and live performances, but denying the change (in ability as well as style) isn't doing anyone any service.
I also think his range and singing ability were underrated back in the early days. Release, Black, Small Town. Great changes of pace from the norm back then.
That being said, I still absolutely love them live, and I enjoyed Backspacer tremendously. Recognizing the change (some of which I believe was mandated out of a change in his voice) doesn't mean I don't still greatly enjoy the band, both in the studio and in concert.
Agree with this. He can still sing. I preffer the early sound and I don't think he can physically sing like that anymore.. even on a slow song like Oceans... He can't blast it out like he did on unplugged. The power isn't there anymore.. and thats ok. He still has an amazing voice.
what 20 years are you talking about girl? I cant be the only one who hears a significant difference just since 05! :shock: He still can have great nights, or even great performances on certain songs. But there is NO doubt that he is struggling on some songs that only 4 short years ago were automatic. I expect everybody's voice to change, but its clear that Eddie abused himself and his voice for many years, now he is starting to pay the price.....Im 40 and once the decline starts, it can be startling how steep the slope can be! The ACL show and the Seattle shows, plus the shows when he was "sick" in Aus are great examples of this. sorry, the truth hurts. My only hope is that Eddie himself gets fed up with struggling and gives up some of his vices....."practiced all my sins, never gonna let me win, uh-huh"----lets hope not!
I think there's two different arguments here, and they should be kept separate.
The first argument of whether he has consciously changed his style, whether maturing as a singer, to preserve his voice, or to avoid pigeonholing himself. Whether or not you prefer this style is entirely personal preference.
the second argument is whether or not he can still sing in the style he did in the early 90's. This argument has very little bearing on which you prefer, just whether he's physically capable of singing in the manner he did in the first few CD's.
Personally, I don't think he's capable of singing as he did in the Ten/Vs/Vitalogy days. Even if you prefer the current sound, I think this is a shame, as having the ability to go back in time and hit the early songs in the way they were originally recorded would be great for nostalgic purposes. Regardless of preference, losing that ability (if true) is a shame. After Yield, most of my favorite PJ studio songs have been slower tempo songs, as I think they fit his current voice better. When he does try to go up-tempo, I find more mumbling than growling. It's great that he's adapted his style (frankly, a necessity), but I can't say I wouldn't love to hear a couple of uptempo songs per album like the past. I don't think he can physically perform something like Porch in a studio setting nowadays.
I think Backspacer was balance for his current voice for uptempo rockers.
not saying it's not understandable, after 20 years of aging and live performances, but denying the change (in ability as well as style) isn't doing anyone any service.
I also think his range and singing ability were underrated back in the early days. Release, Black, Small Town. Great changes of pace from the norm back then.
That being said, I still absolutely love them live, and I enjoyed Backspacer tremendously. Recognizing the change (some of which I believe was mandated out of a change in his voice) doesn't mean I don't still greatly enjoy the band, both in the studio and in concert.
I prefer his live voice now to then, BUT I will agree in the fact that I do not believe he can hit some of the things he used to be able to...everyone rants and raves about the "gems and rhinestones" bit, but while I had my iphone on random in the car today, the WMA demo session came on...I forgot how high and powerful he used to be! Definitely puts that one small peak in Unthought Known to shame IMO...
Hmm...am I the only one that prefers his voice now to the way it used to be?
I wasn't a huge fan of his tone, before...seemed his higher notes (live) were all very rough and less controlled (IMO) when compared to the howls he puts out now.
I agree I think Ed sounds BETTER than he did during the early 90's. He was unpolished and sounded like a child
I wish he once would absorb all the energy from the crowd in his palm, put it to his throat and heal it
But seriously, when I listen to some of the boots from the 09 tour I think he sounds amazing. I thought he was perfect at the one show I've been to so far (the rush of just being there, perhaps), but on the boot during some songs you can barely hear him (RVM in Manchester). Maybe it is caused by technical issues.
Sorry, but I think you're high if you actually think Ed sounds better now than he did in 1994. Either that or you never saw the band live back then. IMO, the last tour Ed sounded great on was 1998 and ever since 2000 it has consistently become worse. To be honest, I'd rather the band play almost nothing from Ten, VS, and Vitalogy, rather than have to listen to another 2009 version of Why Go, Blood, Alive, etc. The official bootlegs only make it worse as Ed's voice is way too high in the mix.
It happens to nearly every rock singer, so it's nothing new. Regardless, I'll still see the band every time they come through town. It's just now I find myself focusing on other aspects of the band. The core of Matt, Jeff, and Stone sounded as good or better in '09 than they ever have.
Sorry, but I think you're high if you actually think Ed sounds better now than he did in 1994. Either that or you never saw the band live back then. IMO, the last tour Ed sounded great on was 1998 and ever since 2000 it has consistently become worse. To be honest, I'd rather the band play almost nothing from Ten, VS, and Vitalogy, rather than have to listen to another 2009 version of Why Go, Blood, Alive, etc. The official bootlegs only make it worse as Ed's voice is way too high in the mix.
It happens to nearly every rock singer, so it's nothing new. Regardless, I'll still see the band every time they come through town. It's just now I find myself focusing on other aspects of the band. The core of Matt, Jeff, and Stone sounded as good or better in '09 than they ever have.
you said pretty much what I planned to say. I'll take Eddie's voice from '92-'94 any day over the way it is now. I'm not knocking it altogether, because I was floored when I saw them twice back in October by how he could keep going and going through a 2 1/2 hour concert after I had blown my voice out after 5 songs from singing along. I'm of the same opinion that '98 was the best year for Eddie's voice after the early days... a lot of it seemed to bounce back... kinda how Robert Plant started to re-gain his voice in '76/'77 after how shitty it was during the 1975 tour. but anyone with a pair of ears can clearly tell that Eddie's voice has lost a lot of the boom and other ingredients that made people fall in love with it back at the beginning. I cringe at some of the recent bootlegs. after seeing him twice on his solo tour, I realized that his voice is now so much better suited to his Into The Wild, folky type of material. he sounded great.
You're being either ignorant, or just plain stupid if you think Eddie sounded "immature" or "like a child" in the early 90's. His voice was beautiful on the slower tempo songs they did back then.
I'm with the fans that prefer his voice now over the previous years, I think since like 2005 onward his voice is amazing live. Sure, he can't do things he use to be able to...but he can do things now that he hadn't been able to
Sorry, but I think you're high if you actually think Ed sounds better now than he did in 1994. Either that or you never saw the band live back then. IMO, the last tour Ed sounded great on was 1998 and ever since 2000 it has consistently become worse. To be honest, I'd rather the band play almost nothing from Ten, VS, and Vitalogy, rather than have to listen to another 2009 version of Why Go, Blood, Alive, etc. The official bootlegs only make it worse as Ed's voice is way too high in the mix.
It happens to nearly every rock singer, so it's nothing new. Regardless, I'll still see the band every time they come through town. It's just now I find myself focusing on other aspects of the band. The core of Matt, Jeff, and Stone sounded as good or better in '09 than they ever have.
after conan show and got some first time,alot of people post that ed voice is bad,quit sminking and stuff..and 2 months after was amazing in europe shows..check the europe bootlegs and u get it..+the last video of master of wars in sneak people..
"...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.....”
There is a lot of stuff I can't do when I was 25, like just rolling out of bed.
Cant believe how spry Ed stil is. He is a bad ass mofo
I couldn't agree more. I just turned 36 and there's a whole lot of shit I wouldn't even try to get away with anymore. Sure, Ed's voice might not be as suited to that raw scream in "Blood" anymore, but he sounds fuckin' great on the new stuff and even better singing his mellow, solo tunes. And as far as his inability to howl nowadays, just listen to the the studio cut of "Love Reign O'er Me" and try to tell me the dude can't do it anymore.
I think people are getting confused between the health of his voice and his singing style.
Yes, 90s Eddie had a more powerful, youthful voice, but I like his singing style now much better.
Exactly!
Style = MUCH better.
Health = significant downfall.
Oh, and for those within this thread who mention a certain song or part of a show that "Ed really nailed"...that's exactly "our" point. He can still nail a song from time to time, but there are so many that boarderline hurt to listen to.
Sorry guys. While Ed is one of the best rock vocalists ever, he's really lost something of late.
The equivalent I can think of is Mike losing a finger. Sure he could STILL play the guitar but it takes some retraining but still isn't quite right and it's a little harder to listen to despite him being as good as he is...
the only problem is that it is nutural to compare Eddie Vedder to a God. A God shouldn't get sore throats after screaming and singing for three hours a night for a few weeks or months. A God should have the same voice at 44 that he had at 24.
He is fucking incredible and there is no singer of any age that can compare!
I saw some killer shows this year (and last) and the signing was amazing. amazing. in a class of his own.
I saw him solo and that was the sweetest sound that could be created.
Ed can smoke and drink and do whatever the fuck he wants to - he has managed himself to be able to produce mind blowing lyrical, musical and emotional intensity continually.
I cannot see any way to criticize his voice right now.
the only problem is that it is nutural to compare Eddie Vedder to a God. A God shouldn't get sore throats after screaming and singing for three hours a night for a few weeks or months. A God should have the same voice at 44 that he had at 24.
He is fucking incredible and there is no singer of any age that can compare!
I saw some killer shows this year (and last) and the signing was amazing. amazing. in a class of his own.
I saw him solo and that was the sweetest sound that could be created.
Ed can smoke and drink and do whatever the fuck he wants to - he has managed himself to be able to produce mind blowing lyrical, musical and emotional intensity continually.
I cannot see any way to criticize his voice right now.
Whatever someones opinion is...for me, Eddies voice is still unrivaled!
up here in my tree in Vienna 2006: Vienna 2009: Berlin 2010: London ~ Berlin 2012: Amsterdam 1+2 ~ Werchter ~ Arras ~ Berlin 1+2 2014: Milano ~ Trieste ~ Vienna ~ Berlin 2018: Padova ~ Rome 2022: Budapest ~ Vienna EV London/Hammersmith 2012 EV Berlin/Zitadelle 2017
Comments
i join those who prefer the current "voice" (sound, melodic choices, etc..)...i rarely listen to earlier bootlegs, or even earlier studio albums.
my reason for posting, however, is to mention ev's use of an inner ear monitor. not sure exactly when he began using it, but i have to think that using it changed how he approaches live shows. (i'm not a musician, have no basis for the thought)
2000 he had great power and his range was better
2003 just pure stamina night in and night out, amazing tour
2006 less power overall, but a more refined singing style. Showed great energy as well.
Really kicked it into high gear for the European shows.
2008 - noticed the choppy singing on certain songs (can't remember whats it actually called right now, but you know what im talking about). Seemed out of breathe on some songs, but was still holding it together. LROM and the real me on vh1 were amazing though.
2009- Aside from the occasional gem, it sounds like hes one note away from cracking at any point, out of breathe quite a bit. The shows are still enjoyable, but Im concerned and would like to see them take some time to recover (if its possible at this point)
I'll take 2009 Vedder over 2003 Vedder in a heartbeat. I loved the Benaroya boot, but after going to Eddie's solo shows in 2008 and 2009, the boot is kinda boring. I've noticed that Ed's delivery on that boot was very monotone and Ed didn't add a lot to the vocals. I think Ed touring on his own with just a guitar forced him to step up his vocal delivery, and I think it shows on the 2008 and 2009 tours.
+1
Montreal 10/04/00
Toronto 10/05/00
Toronto 06/28/03
Kitchener 09/11/05
Ottawa 09/16/05
Toronto 08/21/09
Toronto 09/11/11
Ottawa 09/14/11
Buffalo 10/12/13
Ottawa 05/08/16
Chicago 08/20/18
Ottawa 09/03/22
Nashville 09/16/22
The first argument of whether he has consciously changed his style, whether maturing as a singer, to preserve his voice, or to avoid pigeonholing himself. Whether or not you prefer this style is entirely personal preference.
the second argument is whether or not he can still sing in the style he did in the early 90's. This argument has very little bearing on which you prefer, just whether he's physically capable of singing in the manner he did in the first few CD's.
Personally, I don't think he's capable of singing as he did in the Ten/Vs/Vitalogy days. Even if you prefer the current sound, I think this is a shame, as having the ability to go back in time and hit the early songs in the way they were originally recorded would be great for nostalgic purposes. Regardless of preference, losing that ability (if true) is a shame. After Yield, most of my favorite PJ studio songs have been slower tempo songs, as I think they fit his current voice better. When he does try to go up-tempo, I find more mumbling than growling. It's great that he's adapted his style (frankly, a necessity), but I can't say I wouldn't love to hear a couple of uptempo songs per album like the past. I don't think he can physically perform something like Porch in a studio setting nowadays.
I think Backspacer was balance for his current voice for uptempo rockers.
not saying it's not understandable, after 20 years of aging and live performances, but denying the change (in ability as well as style) isn't doing anyone any service.
I also think his range and singing ability were underrated back in the early days. Release, Black, Small Town. Great changes of pace from the norm back then.
That being said, I still absolutely love them live, and I enjoyed Backspacer tremendously. Recognizing the change (some of which I believe was mandated out of a change in his voice) doesn't mean I don't still greatly enjoy the band, both in the studio and in concert.
This clip is slightly unfair as an example. To be honest, I don't see how he sounded as good as he did then. That was a massive tour, and he had been sick just prior to that as was mentioned. I think most people would have had a hard time talking, much less singing.
Agree with this. He can still sing. I preffer the early sound and I don't think he can physically sing like that anymore.. even on a slow song like Oceans... He can't blast it out like he did on unplugged. The power isn't there anymore.. and thats ok. He still has an amazing voice.
what 20 years are you talking about girl? I cant be the only one who hears a significant difference just since 05! :shock: He still can have great nights, or even great performances on certain songs. But there is NO doubt that he is struggling on some songs that only 4 short years ago were automatic. I expect everybody's voice to change, but its clear that Eddie abused himself and his voice for many years, now he is starting to pay the price.....Im 40 and once the decline starts, it can be startling how steep the slope can be! The ACL show and the Seattle shows, plus the shows when he was "sick" in Aus are great examples of this. sorry, the truth hurts. My only hope is that Eddie himself gets fed up with struggling and gives up some of his vices....."practiced all my sins, never gonna let me win, uh-huh"----lets hope not!
I agree I think Ed sounds BETTER than he did during the early 90's. He was unpolished and sounded like a child
But seriously, when I listen to some of the boots from the 09 tour I think he sounds amazing. I thought he was perfect at the one show I've been to so far (the rush of just being there, perhaps), but on the boot during some songs you can barely hear him (RVM in Manchester). Maybe it is caused by technical issues.
He should stop smoking, though
He is still going strong.
Kudos Ed.
It happens to nearly every rock singer, so it's nothing new. Regardless, I'll still see the band every time they come through town. It's just now I find myself focusing on other aspects of the band. The core of Matt, Jeff, and Stone sounded as good or better in '09 than they ever have.
me too.... :roll:
you said pretty much what I planned to say. I'll take Eddie's voice from '92-'94 any day over the way it is now. I'm not knocking it altogether, because I was floored when I saw them twice back in October by how he could keep going and going through a 2 1/2 hour concert after I had blown my voice out after 5 songs from singing along. I'm of the same opinion that '98 was the best year for Eddie's voice after the early days... a lot of it seemed to bounce back... kinda how Robert Plant started to re-gain his voice in '76/'77 after how shitty it was during the 1975 tour. but anyone with a pair of ears can clearly tell that Eddie's voice has lost a lot of the boom and other ingredients that made people fall in love with it back at the beginning. I cringe at some of the recent bootlegs. after seeing him twice on his solo tour, I realized that his voice is now so much better suited to his Into The Wild, folky type of material. he sounded great.
You're being either ignorant, or just plain stupid if you think Eddie sounded "immature" or "like a child" in the early 90's. His voice was beautiful on the slower tempo songs they did back then.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZprx2hmdio&fmt=18
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luz7CgTM ... 18#t=2m10s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e2hvo4aAvQ&fmt=18
Oh and for the people that used him being ill as an excuse for that terrible Jeremy performance, I'm not buying it.
See here ----> the night before http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL0iR8G1mrM&fmt=18
There is a lot of stuff I can't do when I was 25, like just rolling out of bed.
Cant believe how spry Ed stil is. He is a bad ass mofo
HOLD ON sounded EXACTLY like it was in the original recording when they played it on 10/30/09.
The whole world will be different soon the whole world will be RELIEVED
#resistgezi #resistturkey #resisttaksim #direnturkiye #direngezi
#standingman #duranadam
+1
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
I couldn't agree more. I just turned 36 and there's a whole lot of shit I wouldn't even try to get away with anymore. Sure, Ed's voice might not be as suited to that raw scream in "Blood" anymore, but he sounds fuckin' great on the new stuff and even better singing his mellow, solo tunes. And as far as his inability to howl nowadays, just listen to the the studio cut of "Love Reign O'er Me" and try to tell me the dude can't do it anymore.
Unless you're talking about the unreleased version. There is a version with original vocals.
Yes, 90s Eddie had a more powerful, youthful voice, but I like his singing style now much better.
Exactly!
Style = MUCH better.
Health = significant downfall.
Oh, and for those within this thread who mention a certain song or part of a show that "Ed really nailed"...that's exactly "our" point. He can still nail a song from time to time, but there are so many that boarderline hurt to listen to.
Sorry guys. While Ed is one of the best rock vocalists ever, he's really lost something of late.
The equivalent I can think of is Mike losing a finger.
He is fucking incredible and there is no singer of any age that can compare!
I saw some killer shows this year (and last) and the signing was amazing. amazing. in a class of his own.
I saw him solo and that was the sweetest sound that could be created.
Ed can smoke and drink and do whatever the fuck he wants to - he has managed himself to be able to produce mind blowing lyrical, musical and emotional intensity continually.
I cannot see any way to criticize his voice right now.
Certain songs, if he wants to, he can sound just as good as he did in 94.
8/7/08, 6/9/09
Do you really think I'd say that referring to the Lost Dogs recording?
The whole world will be different soon the whole world will be RELIEVED
#resistgezi #resistturkey #resisttaksim #direnturkiye #direngezi
#standingman #duranadam
+1
2006: Vienna 2009: Berlin 2010: London ~ Berlin 2012: Amsterdam 1+2 ~ Werchter ~ Arras ~ Berlin 1+2
2014: Milano ~ Trieste ~ Vienna ~ Berlin 2018: Padova ~ Rome 2022: Budapest ~ Vienna
EV London/Hammersmith 2012
EV Berlin/Zitadelle 2017