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What's the matter with Speed of Sound?

cyndarious1cyndarious1 Posts: 430
edited September 2013 in Words and Music...Communication
I've read many people talking about Amongst The Waves, Just Breathe and Unthought Known from Backspacer. I really think they're amazing songs but nobody mentions Speed of Sound among the good ones on the last album.
Since I listened to the demo I thought it was wonderful. The words are really powerful and I believe they unveil something about the misteries of this life; how it is to try living in a meaningful way when the world and time are moving faster every time.
But above all, I think the music is one of Pearl Jam's finest. Probably fans don't mention it because it has keybords on it? (i'm just guessing here) but c'mon! that intro with strings and keybords is just exquisitely suspensful and I think kinda dark too. The way the drums kick in is a jolt of energy and it just gets better with the passionate voice harmonies in the chorus.

Don't ever forget this song, please.
November 22nd, 2005.
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • SVRDhand13SVRDhand13 Posts: 26,168
    I love this song and personally feel Unthought Known is way overrated.
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  • tremorstremors Posts: 8,051
    I love Speed of Sound, and I really have got a lot from the album version as well as other versions. Lyrically I think it's very strong, and for me echoes Release in quite a lot of ways; describing that same moment waiting up in the dark night for a single word. I think the song does justice to the lyrics - it is a great great song - and I was genuinely surprised to read a lot of people hating it.
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  • TJ25487TJ25487 Posts: 1,479
    There is not a damn thing wrong with SOS!!!! The song has such a great vibe and completely transports you into space. Strong lyrics and atmospheric melancholy music. The problem on this board is that most people heard the demo first, well I did not and after all the fuss I sought out the demo and was let down because I was not looking for another EV-ITW type of accoustic song. I bought a Pearl Jam CD and thats who I want to hear. Thanks for this thread as I needed to get this off my chest.
  • slightofjeffslightofjeff Posts: 7,762
    Maybe my favorite song on BS at this point.
    everybody wants the most they can possibly get
    for the least they could possibly do
  • PJForceofNaturePJForceofNature Posts: 3,087
    This is such a beautiful song. Does anyone know where I can get a copy of the acoustic version? It could be a demo.
    Thanks! :)
    "A beacon on dry land"
  • HartydogHartydog Posts: 2,060
    Great track. One of my favorites on the album.
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  • WildsWilds Posts: 4,329
    I think the problem was the unfortunate drumgasm that happened.

    But I wasn't a fan of the demo either, so perhaps we just chalk this one up to personal preference. (As all music (art) is subjective).
  • leekstokieleekstokie Posts: 905
    Love SOS, my favourite track on Backspacer
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  • big mickbig mick Posts: 773
    Nothing wrong with Speed Of Sound, I love it!
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  • djklambakedjklambake Posts: 2,522
    It's a solid track
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  • The Waiting Trophy ManThe Waiting Trophy Man Posts: 12,158
    I've always really liked this song.
    Another habit says it's in love with you
    Another habit says its long overdue
    Another habit like an unwanted friend
    I'm so happy with my righteous self
  • brentashbybrentashby Posts: 28
    this one and force of nature are my faves on backspacer. totally agree.
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