Pearl Jam's Relevance

Caught a bolt of lightning

I recently overheard a conversation at a record store about certain bands not being "RELEVANT" anymore, one of these bands mentioned was our friends Pearl Jam.

To say that I was frustrated by these statements would be an understatement. (Being a purple belt in Brazilian JiuJitsu the temptation to slap on an arm bar was there ....HOWEVER then I thought...)

It seems more and more obvious that when people dicuss a band's relevance in popular music, one can infer that a band's relevancy is based upon either (1) their ability to change musical trends or influence other bands (as PJ did in the 90's) or (2) their ability to be packaged for sale. Most bands that seem to "stay relevant" seem to keep with the latest trends to fit into a package rather than growing musically. As PJ resisted being packaged, and went on to produce GREAT music, there went their relevance (because you know if you are not creating music videos to advertise for your records then your music can't be good or "relevant" (sarcasm of course)
Then I thought to look back at things that were relevant and thought while Destiny's Child was popular for Bootylicious Pearl Jam was releasing 'Save You.' When Sisqo was releasing the thong song Pearl Jam was releasing Nothing As it Seems (yes I had to google those dates ....I am sure my IT guy will think my music taste is pretty interesting).....and to think that the Grammy award for best record this year went to Taylor Swift, whose lyrical comparison of girls who wear short skirts to those who wear t-shirts clearly blows Just Breathe out of the water....Maybe not being relevant aint so bad after all

CantKeepMeHere

neilybabes86

they wanted to be off the radar and they got it

mysticweed

If everyone was aware of just how relevant they have ALWAYS been, then the rest of us would not have anyone to make fun of.
Yes I am aware of my grammatical boo boo.
Look there goes another one!!!
And by the way - fuck a grammy!

Yes Way

It seems to me that "relevance" is cyclical. One day a generation wakes up and says, "Wait a minute, all this pre-packaged pop/country stuff really is crap," and they start searching for something meaningful. I remember when I was in high school how Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd had a renaissance and it was organic. The Doors too. At that time we were stuck with crappy hair metal and Paula Abdul. The the Grateful Dead got huge, and music was off and running. Most here would agree that what was "relevant" in the 90's was much better than it's been since.

Of course I put relevant in quotes because it doesn't matter. We still know where to find our favorite bands (or do we? ) and that's all that matters. But ever since it became obvious that PJ submarined their fame, I've always thought that they'd be at the forefront when meaningful and good music starts to matter again. And then we'll have to contend with a bunch of 16-year-olds at concerts. So be careful what you ask for... :shock:

BALLBOY

They are more relevant now than when they selling millions & being put on the cover of every magazine going. They still release & play kick arse music, you cannot get any more relevant.

Lizard

Only smart people still like PJ.

I'm pretty sure of that.



Oh.....and don't give a shit if they are relevant!!!
That conversation WOULD have been maddening to hear!!

BinauralJam

Please i remember a few years ago when people thought Franz Feridand was the second coming, what a Joke. 1 hit 1ders wana b mofo's.

mikepegg44

I know my muay thai elbows would have been flying!!!!

Relevent to whom? the teenie bops? good.

the twenty somethings? they will learn

thirty somethings, too late, they are on to raffi for the kids, if they haven't figured it out by now they never will

I am just glad they are relevent to me and my life

SOLAT319

If you're taking it in from the main vein and one of your biggest worries nowadays is hen you will see them next instead of your kid's report card or your kitchen needing a renovation or your growing credit card debt, yeah, I'd say you're pass the point where you care about whether they're relevant or not

and can I just add that THANK FUCK they're not in the sense that is referred here in this thread?

Dru_Cortez

"Relevant" is an adejective that apparently means bearing upon or connected with the matter in hand. Synonyms include pertinent or applicable.
This is a subjective question, where either side could logically be argued depending on the person making the argument.
PJ has been together since... what, 1991? How many other artists can say the same? How many current artists will be able to eventually make that claim?
Relevant? Hell yeah, but that's just my opinion.
Cheers.