Pearl Jam - The New Reality

tinkerbell

Most musicians make music for the love of the music, not to please others. Luckily most of Pearl Jams music has pleased / excited me. Bitching about their music or tour schedules isn't going to change the outcome.

I personally feel in love with Ten in '91 when I was just a kid but then lost interest till No Code and it wasn't really until 2003 that my true love for PJ developed. My tastes change as I grow older (thank god I grew out of that New Kids on the Block phase when I was 9!) as I hope do Eddie & Stones. I love the fact that the band has evolved and even though I don't absolutely love every song they have ever released I still rank them as my all time favourite band.

As for the huge debate on this thread about whether having children changes people, I know that since my children have arrived I have definitely changed! I try to focus more on the positives in life but also find the suffering of others hard to ignore, having children has absolutely affected the way I see the world and so it should to all!

Gardenparty

The song selection was exactly what i was expecting......and perfect!

pearlhawk

Great post!

South of Seattle

I think they should name the new EP: The New Reality

amethgr8

really I just look at it as growth. life is about growth weather you're a fly and live 3 days or live to be 120 year turtle.

new music challenges me in ways. when you grow and realize how complex the world is and life is, you hope you can keep some of the passion and conviction you had when you were young or just starting out that gave you the drive and motivation to go beyond, to push yourself beyond your previous bounds, that hopefully makes you a positive force in this life. I think PJ has realized what a huge impact they are on their fans and I'm sure they remember going to the ramones show and wanting to hear the big song, or the popular song, or the song they wanted to hear. I would love to hear the Who do teenage wasteland or Zepplin do dazed and confused cause those songs were there for me at times in my life, and still are. my brother has learned babe I'm gonna leave by zepplin on the acoustic guitar and I get goosebumps when I hear him play it. when I heard mike play the star spangled banner for the 1st time live, like I heard the hendricks recording when I was a kid, wow. you cant buy that feelling..it just happened cause I had faith and I showed up.

I'm in for the long haul for whatever it has to offer.

KingJeremyD

Hi Lauri,

I am sorry I couldn't add your quote to the post...But, yeah I agree with you somewhat..But here is my point...Stone in a radio interview or one online...He said along the lines of this...We will do whatever it takes to sale records...Whatever takes?...So, I don't think that is making the music the most important thing...I take it that they will produce songs that will sale records..When pearl jam decided to go on their own record label...They knew it would be tough..At least at the beginning...It is the price for freedom in the music business...

I still think pearl jam stands for things still..But, now it is more about staying afloat as a band making money to keep going on...Which was their own choice right?....They have the freedom to do whatever want and whenever they want...But, that comes with a price..

Like I posted previously...Pearl jam the band can do whatever they want..It is their careers..I am just having a hard time coming to realize that they have changed as a band...Whatever I think or want them to be...It isn't going to change anything.....Now they are sponsored by all kinds of companies...I guess they have to do whatever it takes to make money and stay out of the red..


Pearl jam will be always be my fav band and I will always support them..
Jeremy

Thoughts_Arrive

Let us all just be grateful they have been around as long as they have been and have given us many memorable songs, album, tours and moments in general and that they are still a band!

What songs were played on SNL?
Any youtube links?

KingJeremyD

Thoughts_Arrive wrote:

Let us all just be grateful they have been around as long as they have been and have given us many memorable songs, album, tours and moments in general and that they are still a band!

What songs were played on SNL?
Any youtube links?

Yeah those are good points..You can go to theskyiscrape.com and watch the performances...They played just breathe and unthought unknown..

Jeremy

Zod

Johnny Sitar wrote:

Over the last year or so, I've been seeing a noticeable backlash against the band from their seemingly hardcore fanbase. In other words, people here. Extremely critical on every facet of what they do. Some have been able to roll with the punches, but they are in the minority. It really hit me last night while watching SNL and being very disappointed with their song selection for the performances.

Many years ago, PJ would buck the system and do whatever the hell they wanted to; it seemed selling records was very low on their priority list. They were young, angry, and hungry to tell their side of the story. I was young and angry once too. But over time, especially when you have a family, you tend to lose that anger (or at least you should), and your focus tends to get reevaluated.

Some think it is the sign of the times, with Bush being gone and Obama being in office, but I think it's more than that. I think they have taken a step back and realized that life doesn't have to be a constant fight against something. Sometimes you just have to embrace it as it is.

People didn't like the way Backspacer was promoted, apparently the band sold out by doing that Target commerical. People didn't like the lead off single, The Fixer, upset that is was too radio-friendly.

However, after seeing SNL last night, and also re-reading the Spin article, it has been made crystal clear to me. They have finally realized that this is not only their passion, but also their job and what puts food on their tables.

I was disappointed, like I said above, with the song selection last night on SNL. I wanted some hard rockers, something upbeat. We got one Ed number (with Mike just standing there like a statue-isn't it a BAND performance?), and a mid-tempo number. Ick. But you know what? They aren't doing this to shock people with playing something no one has heard before. They are there to promote their new record, and what better way to sell records than to play what the majority of viewers would dig? Then those people go out and buy the record, and also hear the big rockers like GSMF and SS, and possibly explore the back catalogue.

They are no longer here just for the amusement of their hardcore fans. They are getting older. They aren't touring as much, and in this day and age, it's a no-brainer that touring is every band's bread and butter. So they have to compromise. Do magazine interviews with a reporter hanging out at your house for 2 days, do commercials, do late-night TV that isn't just Letterman, etc. I have no problem with that, and if I do, I am fine with them not caring that I do.

They have finally evolved with the realities of the inudstry and many of us have been unable to accept that. But personally, if Ed was still the anti-social recluse of 1996, I'd probably be thinking "hey, Ed, here's my shrink's card, it might be time".

I'd like to introduce you to the new Pearl Jam. I have accepted this new reality. I mean, really, it's not our band, it's theirs, and always has been. We just wanted to believe they were ours.

The bottom line is, do you like the music? If you do, stay for the ride. It's been a doozie so far. And I think it's only going to get better.

I'll be sticking around for the long haul. Hopefully you will too.

they do SNL now, and they've completely changed? I don't thing the target thing was bad.. if you're trying to avoid a record label, but still want a way to sell it other then your website, it seems a good method to do so. The plus side being target doesn't require to censor like other stores.

They don't really do many more interviews then they used to... and they've done a few more tv appearances, but not many.

The big change is the touring, but not the total amount of shows, but they change in format. They used to do a 2 leg north american tour, and 1 leg some place else.. usually alternating between europe and australia... then they'd take 2 or 3 years completely off and do it again. I think they did that in '98, '00, '03 and '06. Now they do smaller tours but do them every year. The hard part is the tours aren't as extensive as they used to be, but they do play nearly every summer.

I don't really think they've changed all that much.. they still avoid most media, added SNL to their repetoir and did a public tv event on public television (which kind of seems pj'ish).

The only difference to me really, is the pattern change in touring. instead of a big 3 legs tour every few years, we get 1 leg or so worth of dates every year....

I guess I feel its the same old band, and the touring change prevents them from having to leave their families for extended periods of time while still being able to afford to go to hawaii to surf

Thorns2010

Didn't read everything that was said, because well......yeah, bleh, same old same old.

I can't say for sure what is and isn't different about Pearl Jam now, but.......I just feel like something is different, something is wrong.

This really, truly is the only band that I've ever really have cared about. In my short time here on this earth, I've seen many bands come and go, but as they go along, as they get older, I don't know if where they are going is a place I want to go.

And that saddens me, because I still remember the first time I saw them in concert, the summer of 1998, and I was a very young soul at age 17. And I remember, at that moment, sitting way, way, way up in the nosebleeds, that this, right here, right in front of me, so small they were, but, this was MY band. From that day forward, I dove more headstrong into them then any other band.

But now? Things have changed, for the good, and the bad, and I just don't know if I can still be around for it. I like the constant, I like the way things were, not the way that they will be. And, in all things, the thing I fear most is change. This, I know isn't the bands fault, and I would never, ever blame them, but...........I find myself drifting further away from them.

Be it the fact that they don't seem to care anymore to do an extensive tour of the US, to the fact that,to this day, while yes, I've listened to Backspacer many more times than I can count, I can't say that I've connected to it, AT ALL.

They are good songs, don't get me wrong, but......while it is what the band needs right now, its not what I need. I suppose I'm just burnt out, and should probably just go away from the board for a while, but, somedays I wonder if I'll ever come back.

And, while I have no problems with them trying new things to make a buck, because, well, you gotta do what you gotta do, but if the rumors are true, and they do play the annual corporate party for Target.........well, I just don't know anymore. This to me, is a shell of the band I fell in love with many, many years ago.

SolarWorld

South of Seattle wrote:

I think they should name the new EP: The New Reality

Or "This is Us : Fuck all the Haters"

moozeekfan

So does that mean everyone's cool with them playing the annual Target corporate party on Tuesday in Minneapolis?

Apparently this was part of the deal to release Backspacer, so don't jump on their heads too much.

SolarWorld

moozeekfan wrote:

So does that mean everyone's cool with them playing the annual Target corporate party on Tuesday in Minneapolis?

Apparently this was part of the deal to release Backspacer, so don't jump on their heads too much.

I could give two shits...

moozeekfan

SolarWorld wrote:

moozeekfan wrote:

So does that mean everyone's cool with them playing the annual Target corporate party on Tuesday in Minneapolis?

Apparently this was part of the deal to release Backspacer, so don't jump on their heads too much.

I could give two shits...

I'd hope most people wouldn't care. Still, I couldn't see them doing this in 1995. I know, I know...the Industry's changed a bunch.

I think I'm more upset that they're in town, and I can't go see them.

SolarWorld

moozeekfan wrote:

SolarWorld wrote:

moozeekfan wrote:

So does that mean everyone's cool with them playing the annual Target corporate party on Tuesday in Minneapolis?

Apparently this was part of the deal to release Backspacer, so don't jump on their heads too much.

I could give two shits...

I'd hope most people wouldn't care. Still, I couldn't see them doing this in 1995. I know, I know...the Industry's changed a bunch.

I think I'm more upset that they're in town, and I can't go see them.

I don't know about most, but I know a lot will loose their shit if they do. People are fucking stupid... they are not fucking 25 anymore. Kids and families are expensive, why don't they deserve to get paid for twenty years of blood and sweat? (More as individuals) They should be able to get money where ever they can after the careers they have had. Get paid Pearl Jam, this is one fan that wont hold it against you.

sling

I think that the only thing we can truly ask of the band is that they remain completely true to themselves as to what feels right. As long as they do that, they are not "selling out". "Selling out" is going against what you know to be right to make a buck. What feels right to people can change as they go through life. This may or may not line up with our individual beliefs or tastes, but that is what will keep their music honest in emotion & passion. (& what makes it good music) Don't ask that they take their politics out; that's what they were passionate about during the Bush years. Don't ask them to remove any reference to maturing & enjoying their family; that's part of their passion & who they are now. Don't ask them to bring back their old anger in the same way; that's not who they are now. Maybe they feel like they can rage against things in a different way now, but still find their own piece of happiness simultaneously.

Just like friends that change in ways that may match up with you or not, (& they you may want to keep on the exact wavelength you're at, for your own selfish reasons) give the guys the freedom to change in the way that is right for them & appreciate them for what's at their core. (not for how much it lines up with you exactly) If it doesn't line up with where you are right now, who knows, maybe it will be what you come back to it in 5 or 10 years; you might be on the same wavelength then. If they play in a way YOU like, but not in a way that they're truly feeling, the music will come across as false & will have nothing of real substance left in it. The guys would soon lose interest (as would we, as you can tell if people's hearts are really into it) & the band would probably fade away.

For me personally, I loved Ten, but then had a period of only listening to classical music. When I was ready to get back to rock was when Yield came out. It brought me back in, but not completely for the harder-edged stuff yet. (just because of where I was at myself, at that time) That's only come more recently, after seeing them live again for the first time since 2000. (I'd only seen them with Nirvana & RHCP New Year's Eve '91 otherwise) I was blown away by the energy and range of emotions & just crazy talent musically that were put out there. And their love of music that shined through. To me the combination of all of that is at the peak for them right now. (& since my Sept. concert I've gone back to play ALL of their records over & over & LOVE the hard stuff!)

So... I guess I'm just saying... Let the guys do their thing... & let us all make of it what we will.

(Sorry for the diatribe!)

stankratz

Johnny Sitar wrote:

Over the last year or so, I've been seeing a noticeable backlash against the band from their seemingly hardcore fanbase. In other words, people here. Extremely critical on every facet of what they do. Some have been able to roll with the punches, but they are in the minority. It really hit me last night while watching SNL and being very disappointed with their song selection for the performances.

Many years ago, PJ would buck the system and do whatever the hell they wanted to; it seemed selling records was very low on their priority list. They were young, angry, and hungry to tell their side of the story. I was young and angry once too. But over time, especially when you have a family, you tend to lose that anger (or at least you should), and your focus tends to get reevaluated.

Some think it is the sign of the times, with Bush being gone and Obama being in office, but I think it's more than that. I think they have taken a step back and realized that life doesn't have to be a constant fight against something. Sometimes you just have to embrace it as it is.

People didn't like the way Backspacer was promoted, apparently the band sold out by doing that Target commerical. People didn't like the lead off single, The Fixer, upset that is was too radio-friendly.

However, after seeing SNL last night, and also re-reading the Spin article, it has been made crystal clear to me. They have finally realized that this is not only their passion, but also their job and what puts food on their tables.

I was disappointed, like I said above, with the song selection last night on SNL. I wanted some hard rockers, something upbeat. We got one Ed number (with Mike just standing there like a statue-isn't it a BAND performance?), and a mid-tempo number. Ick. But you know what? They aren't doing this to shock people with playing something no one has heard before. They are there to promote their new record, and what better way to sell records than to play what the majority of viewers would dig? Then those people go out and buy the record, and also hear the big rockers like GSMF and SS, and possibly explore the back catalogue.

They are no longer here just for the amusement of their hardcore fans. They are getting older. They aren't touring as much, and in this day and age, it's a no-brainer that touring is every band's bread and butter. So they have to compromise. Do magazine interviews with a reporter hanging out at your house for 2 days, do commercials, do late-night TV that isn't just Letterman, etc. I have no problem with that, and if I do, I am fine with them not caring that I do.

They have finally evolved with the realities of the inudstry and many of us have been unable to accept that. But personally, if Ed was still the anti-social recluse of 1996, I'd probably be thinking "hey, Ed, here's my shrink's card, it might be time".

I'd like to introduce you to the new Pearl Jam. I have accepted this new reality. I mean, really, it's not our band, it's theirs, and always has been. We just wanted to believe they were ours.

The bottom line is, do you like the music? If you do, stay for the ride. It's been a doozie so far. And I think it's only going to get better.

I'll be sticking around for the long haul. Hopefully you will too.

Fuckin A.

Lifted

Thorns2010 wrote:

Didn't read everything that was said, because well......yeah, bleh, same old same old.

I can't say for sure what is and isn't different about Pearl Jam now, but.......I just feel like something is different, something is wrong.

This really, truly is the only band that I've ever really have cared about. In my short time here on this earth, I've seen many bands come and go, but as they go along, as they get older, I don't know if where they are going is a place I want to go.

And that saddens me, because I still remember the first time I saw them in concert, the summer of 1998, and I was a very young soul at age 17. And I remember, at that moment, sitting way, way, way up in the nosebleeds, that this, right here, right in front of me, so small they were, but, this was MY band. From that day forward, I dove more headstrong into them then any other band.

But now? Things have changed, for the good, and the bad, and I just don't know if I can still be around for it. I like the constant, I like the way things were, not the way that they will be. And, in all things, the thing I fear most is change. This, I know isn't the bands fault, and I would never, ever blame them, but...........I find myself drifting further away from them.

Be it the fact that they don't seem to care anymore to do an extensive tour of the US, to the fact that,to this day, while yes, I've listened to Backspacer many more times than I can count, I can't say that I've connected to it, AT ALL.

They are good songs, don't get me wrong, but......while it is what the band needs right now, its not what I need. I suppose I'm just burnt out, and should probably just go away from the board for a while, but, somedays I wonder if I'll ever come back.

And, while I have no problems with them trying new things to make a buck, because, well, you gotta do what you gotta do, but if the rumors are true, and they do play the annual corporate party for Target.........well, I just don't know anymore. This to me, is a shell of the band I fell in love with many, many years ago.

all of your words feel like they came right out of my mouth. only i had my moment in 2003 at the age of 19. been a fan since i was a little kid, became a die-hard that year after seeing them live for the first time. pearl jam circa 2003 and pearl jam circa 2010 is night and day. there is no denying it. i even felt they were on point for the 2006 tour, although the self-titled was the first album they released that didn't do much for me. ever since then, my interest has been on a decline. oh well, there is so much great music in the world. i'm not upset, it's just the way things go. nothing lasts forever. i still love the band and will continue to buy their albums and try to go to at least one show for any major tours. but i'm passed the point where i was buying tickets to every show in the northeast + some.

it's nice that i can go back and listen to the old bootlegs whenever i want and relive the glory days. not too many bands provide their fans with that option.

Flagg

SolarWorld wrote:

moozeekfan wrote:

So does that mean everyone's cool with them playing the annual Target corporate party on Tuesday in Minneapolis?

Apparently this was part of the deal to release Backspacer, so don't jump on their heads too much.

I could give two shits...

Something we can agree on.

NacreRock

MrSmith wrote:

positivity nazis must enforce the positivity!!!!! happiness is compulsory!

And I think it's only going to get better.

nah no its not, it going to get progressively worse over time, but thats ok. They've wrote so many brilliant albums and even the later albums that arent brilliant have a few brilliant songs. they dont tour as much anymore and will probably only play a show once a decade that i can go to, but thats ok too. we're all getting older.

im just going to enjoy it until they finally break down and do the Toto and Loverboy cover albums they are dying to do and stop touring altogether. but for now i can still get plenty of enjoyment out of the band.

Ummmm....what?