I Am No Guide: Pearl Jam: Song by Song by Brian Stipelman and Brandon Rector

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Hey everyone!  I was on the radio this week!  Check me out at 97.9 The Hill WCHL as part of the Talking Culture series sponsored by DukeArts.org.

Talking Culture: Brandon Rector Is ‘No Guide’ to Pearl Jam

Posted by Aaron Keck | Feb 5, 2025 | Talking Culture

Welcome to Talking Culture! In this weekly interview series from 97.9 The Hill WCHL, you’ll hear from writers, performers, musicians and individuals involved in advancing and promoting cultural arts in our community.

This week, Aaron welcomes Chapel Hill’s Brandon Rector, who’s just co-authored a book that takes a deep dive into Pearl Jam. “I Am No Guide – Pearl Jam: Song By Song” discusses and analyzes every song in Pearl Jam’s legendary oeuvre, from their iconic debut “Ten” to their latest album, 2024’s “Dark Matter.”

Along the way, the book explores the band’s politics, running threads, humanistic themes, and personal journeys – and spotlights some of their best live performances as well, many of which Rector has been present for.

Buy the book if you haven't already! https://bookshop.org/p/books/i-am-no-guide-pearl-jam-song-by-song-brian-stipelman/20414166

Dr. Stip Zoidberg

"Like so much of Binaural, Of the Girl is a story of someone looking for human connection and unable to bridge that gap between themselves and others. Through ignorance, self-sabotage, or both, they are trapped in a pattern they refuse to escape."

I Am No Guide Amazon orders have slowly started to ship. If you've gotten yours, let us know what you think!

Dr. Stip Zoidberg

Parachutes floats effortlessly along, keeping the listener safe and secure as they fall through the world. It is wistful and off-kilter but still melodic, appropriate for an optimistic and mature celebration of a love that saves, whose legacy lingers beyond loss

Dr. Stip Zoidberg

The Fixer culminates with the bridge's ringing promise to do whatever it takes to help us lay down our burdens and embrace the possibilities of the moment. It holds onto the singular instant of discovery when we realize that, right now, if we own our power, we can do anything.

Dr. Stip Zoidberg

If I could bring any song back into heavy rotation, it would be this. I love it so much