Miami Herald's Bad Review of West Palm Beach Show.....
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Pearl Jam picks puzzling song selection
By Michael Hamersly, The Miami Herald
McClatchy-Tribune Regional News
12 June 2008
The Miami Herald (MCT)
Jun. 12--Seattle grunge-rock pioneers Pearl Jam haven't rocked South Florida in five years -- nor have they released a new studio album since 2006. So logic would suggest that the "greatest American rock band of all time" (according to a 2005 USA Today reader's poll) would treat fans to their greatest hits, the songs that truly put the group on the rock 'n' roll map.
Instead, over their two-hour set Wednesday night at a sold-out Cruzan Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Pearl Jam chose to offer a semi-obscure selection of songs that excluded many massive hits. Fans cheered predictably throughout the night, but ended up grumbling afterward, frustrated that favorites such as Jeremy, Black, Daughter, Elderly Woman Behind the Counter In a Small Town, I Got Id and Release were passed over for songs the majority of the crowd struggled to identify.
Lead singer Eddie Vedder, looking appropriately grungy with long, unkempt hair, white jeans and flannel shirt, took the stage with the rest of the band just before 9 p.m. to perform Oceans, from 1991's Ten, Pearl Jam's first album -- and clear crowning achievement. That primal-scream song was followed by Severed Hand, a track from the group's 2006 self-titled album that's reminiscent of Guns 'N Roses' Welcome to the Jungle. But other than the fifth song, Given To Fly, which sounds like a more rocking version of Led Zeppelin's Going to California, and the ninth, Dissident, no one but the most ardent fans had much to truly howl about.
Until Even Flow, from Ten, which drew absolutely deafening cheers that should have steered Pearl Jam toward their biggest hits -- I mean, what are they thinking?
Gone, Do the Evolution and Why Go highlighted the back-end of the set and were politely appreciated, but they couldn't match the rabid reception for Better Man and Rearviewmirror, which led into the encore.
Initially, the encore was disappointing, with Vedder performing solo, Springsteen-like Americana anthems with an acoustic guitar while joking that he looked like Larry the Cable Guy, because he was wearing a baseball cap. But then the full band appeared and ripped into Pearl Jam's signature hit Alive, inspiring the crowd to sway their arms in unison (but not crowd-surf -- is that passe now?). Yellow Ledbetter followed, with guitarist Mike McCready nailing its signature Red Hot Chili Peppers-like guitar riff.
Unfortunately, Pearl Jam decided to end its night with McCready seemingly at random performing The Star-Spangled Banner on guitar, Hendrix-style, leaving many to wonder why the band didn't deliver a few of its biggest hits instead.
Opening act Kings of Leon -- a quartet of siblings from Tennessee -- kicked the night off with progressive Southern-rock tunes, including Crawl, Fans, Molly's Chambers, On Call and Charmer, which layers a Sting bassline over Pixies-like screeching.
By Michael Hamersly, The Miami Herald
McClatchy-Tribune Regional News
12 June 2008
The Miami Herald (MCT)
Jun. 12--Seattle grunge-rock pioneers Pearl Jam haven't rocked South Florida in five years -- nor have they released a new studio album since 2006. So logic would suggest that the "greatest American rock band of all time" (according to a 2005 USA Today reader's poll) would treat fans to their greatest hits, the songs that truly put the group on the rock 'n' roll map.
Instead, over their two-hour set Wednesday night at a sold-out Cruzan Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Pearl Jam chose to offer a semi-obscure selection of songs that excluded many massive hits. Fans cheered predictably throughout the night, but ended up grumbling afterward, frustrated that favorites such as Jeremy, Black, Daughter, Elderly Woman Behind the Counter In a Small Town, I Got Id and Release were passed over for songs the majority of the crowd struggled to identify.
Lead singer Eddie Vedder, looking appropriately grungy with long, unkempt hair, white jeans and flannel shirt, took the stage with the rest of the band just before 9 p.m. to perform Oceans, from 1991's Ten, Pearl Jam's first album -- and clear crowning achievement. That primal-scream song was followed by Severed Hand, a track from the group's 2006 self-titled album that's reminiscent of Guns 'N Roses' Welcome to the Jungle. But other than the fifth song, Given To Fly, which sounds like a more rocking version of Led Zeppelin's Going to California, and the ninth, Dissident, no one but the most ardent fans had much to truly howl about.
Until Even Flow, from Ten, which drew absolutely deafening cheers that should have steered Pearl Jam toward their biggest hits -- I mean, what are they thinking?
Gone, Do the Evolution and Why Go highlighted the back-end of the set and were politely appreciated, but they couldn't match the rabid reception for Better Man and Rearviewmirror, which led into the encore.
Initially, the encore was disappointing, with Vedder performing solo, Springsteen-like Americana anthems with an acoustic guitar while joking that he looked like Larry the Cable Guy, because he was wearing a baseball cap. But then the full band appeared and ripped into Pearl Jam's signature hit Alive, inspiring the crowd to sway their arms in unison (but not crowd-surf -- is that passe now?). Yellow Ledbetter followed, with guitarist Mike McCready nailing its signature Red Hot Chili Peppers-like guitar riff.
Unfortunately, Pearl Jam decided to end its night with McCready seemingly at random performing The Star-Spangled Banner on guitar, Hendrix-style, leaving many to wonder why the band didn't deliver a few of its biggest hits instead.
Opening act Kings of Leon -- a quartet of siblings from Tennessee -- kicked the night off with progressive Southern-rock tunes, including Crawl, Fans, Molly's Chambers, On Call and Charmer, which layers a Sting bassline over Pixies-like screeching.
Up here so high I start to shake, Up here so high the sky I scrape, I've no fear but for falling down, So look out below I am falling now, Falling down,...not staying down, Could’ve held me up, rather tear me down, Drown in the river
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments
what a weird-ass review.
for the least they could possibly do
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=288334
clearly the most out of touch music critic ive read in awhile... and not just out of touch with PJ... out of touch in general... the most contrived, sophomoric attempt ive seen... DO YOUR RESEARCH
i hope if enough of us comment and write his editor this guy wont get anymore big shows in the future... its not like it effects any of us directly but honestly, ass hats like this should not be paid for this SHIT when i struggle to make the $ i need
the funniest part is reading the comments of people that agree with him... one person said their music got too "worldly" after vs... not sure what to take from that... :rolleyes:
http://seanbriceart.com/
The critic's a douchebag, no question.
for the least they could possibly do
Tampa 00'
West Palm Beach 03'
House of Blues 03'
Tampa 03'
Kissimmee 04'
West Palm Beach 08'
Tampa 08'
Eddie Vedder Clearwater both nights 2012
maybe before these things should be reviewed the author should have a clue first. this guy has absolutely ZERO idea of what he's even written. hitlists belong at places like lollapalooza, not at a regular tour date. (and believe me i know i'm preaching to the choir, but it needs to be said!!)
hmm... i think that pearl jam should be voted "best live act" not "best american rock band" i think the reason fans keep on coming back is because they don't play ALL their hits EVERY time. that's what this band is about. if i were anyone in the band and had read this, i would feel sorry for this writer because of his clear lack of knowledge. i've been to a lot of concerts, and pearl jam is the only band who pays attention to past album regular tracks. for instance, the song "Line Up" by aerosmith is a fantastic rocker. i don't think they've ever played it live. why???
i'm glad to hear songs like low light, faithfull, in hiding, grievance, you are... i could go on and on and on...
i know one thing - when i keep coming back to shows every time they're around, i certainly want to hear all the same songs over and over again!!
get a clue, tool.
EDIT: Chili Peppers-like..???????? REALLY???????????????
And not to mention the first time it's been played in over 10 years.
Male, 34
I'm on Facebook - facebook.com/christopher.leesye1
1998 Brisbane 2
2003 Brisbane 1
2006 LA 1 & 2
2008 LA 2, San Diego 1 (EV)
2009 LA 1, 2, 3 & 4, San Diego
2011 St. Louis (EV)
2012 Tulsa 1 & 2 (EV)
2013 Chicago, Dallas & OKC
But with PJ, where they have a ton of songs they can pick from to rouse the crowd, in fact so many, that years go by before some are played to a big crowd, I have been happy with every show I have seen. Ecstatic at some.
Of course you guys all know that.
The only thing I have ever regretted about a PJ show, is that I didn't start attending their concerts at the beginning. The off hand remark from a DJ combined with the daughter of a friend who was a big PJ fan was what it took to finally get me to a show 13 years ago. WOW. WOW.
My admiration and appreciation for the band has only grown since then.
Inspirational more than musically, although that would be enough.
I have seen many tours over the years- Led Zep. The Who. Nugent/Aerosmith/KISS, Clapton,Journey,Styx/Foghat/Foreigner,Blue Oyster Cult, the original members of Lynryd Skynyrd , Beach Boys , Rush, Peter Frampton, Tower of Power,Earth, Wind & Fire, Judas Priest, Angel... & those aren't even counting local bands.
Some great shows certainly. The Aerosmith/KISS show was especially on fire
I've also seen great shows since I have been listening to Pearl Jam. Bands that I found through them.Flight to Mars <B, Jeff Fielder, North Twin, Kristen Ward, Liam Finn, Kings Of Leon....
But the rapport & respect that PJ has for each other and with their fans-
brings the experience to a new level that I never anticipated. ( Dare I use a sex analogy?
When critics like the one at the Herald show their narrow perspective of the show they are reviewing, I laugh but then I sigh, because they are really missing out & doing a disservice to their readers who are looking for accurate information.
Thankfully, reviews like that are few & far between.
They are more like this.
http://www.thestate.com/weekend/story/431653.html
-Gandhi
BY MICHAEL HAMERSLY
mhamersly@MiamiHerald.com
Male, 34
I'm on Facebook - facebook.com/christopher.leesye1
1998 Brisbane 2
2003 Brisbane 1
2006 LA 1 & 2
2008 LA 2, San Diego 1 (EV)
2009 LA 1, 2, 3 & 4, San Diego
2011 St. Louis (EV)
2012 Tulsa 1 & 2 (EV)
2013 Chicago, Dallas & OKC
yea!!! lets bombard a writer's email because we don't agree with his article.... great idea... :rolleyes:
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News flash- writers want to be read- when you respond to something they have written, they know they have an audience.
I've gotten a response from almost all editors/columnists I have contacted. Some replies have begun an ongoing dialog about an issue we were both interested in.
I think it is time well spent because the writer may have additional contacts or perspective I haven't considered.
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-Gandhi