Exclusive PJ listening party West Hollywood 1.31.24 - Confirmed DARK MATTER and wish I was there

Spiritual_Chaos

Gonzo1977 said:

This whole album release approach is so antiquated and dumb. This band operates like it's still the 90's. Nobody outside of the core pearl jam fan base actually gives a fuck whether this thing is released today, tomorrow, or released so that that it perfectly lines up with a solar eclipse. If Dark Matter or whatever this thing is called, truly is the bands best work...then just release the fucking album already !!. Announce the tour and get on with it!! Delaying this release is just a stupid cock tease that serves no purpose other than to get a handful of remaining pearl jam fans anxious; fans that will buy this album and love it regardless. If it's good enough to pick up a few new fans...great! But does it really matter when it's released?  Why sit on it for a year like Jeff said? I don't get it. Even if this thing is better than TEN & VS & Sgt. Pepper's it won't matter...It will get chewed up, spit out and forgotten about in a week. It's just the way things are today. Sitting on it for a year and delaying the release makes it seem more like the band is unsure of it...rather than proud of it.   

Lol

Spunkie

Gonzo1977 said:

This whole album release approach is so antiquated and dumb. This band operates like it's still the 90's. Nobody outside of the core pearl jam fan base actually gives a fuck whether this thing is released today, tomorrow, or released so that that it perfectly lines up with a solar eclipse. If Dark Matter or whatever this thing is called, truly is the bands best work...then just release the fucking album already !!. Announce the tour and get on with it!! Delaying this release is just a stupid cock tease that serves no purpose other than to get a handful of remaining pearl jam fans anxious; fans that will buy this album and love it regardless. If it's good enough to pick up a few new fans...great! But does it really matter when it's released?  Why sit on it for a year like Jeff said? I don't get it. Even if this thing is better than TEN & VS & Sgt. Pepper's it won't matter...It will get chewed up, spit out and forgotten about in a week. It's just the way things are today. Sitting on it for a year and delaying the release makes it seem more like the band is unsure of it...rather than proud of it.   

No strip tease, didn't igot/sumone refer to surprise all at once weeks back?

BF25394

Gonzo1977 said:

This whole album release approach is so antiquated and dumb. This band operates like it's still the 90's. Nobody outside of the core pearl jam fan base actually gives a fuck whether this thing is released today, tomorrow, or released so that that it perfectly lines up with a solar eclipse. If Dark Matter or whatever this thing is called, truly is the bands best work...then just release the fucking album already !!. Announce the tour and get on with it!! Delaying this release is just a stupid cock tease that serves no purpose other than to get a handful of remaining pearl jam fans anxious; fans that will buy this album and love it regardless. If it's good enough to pick up a few new fans...great! But does it really matter when it's released?  Why sit on it for a year like Jeff said? I don't get it. Even if this thing is better than TEN & VS & Sgt. Pepper's it won't matter...It will get chewed up, spit out and forgotten about in a week. It's just the way things are today. Sitting on it for a year and delaying the release makes it seem more like the band is unsure of it...rather than proud of it.   

The songs are recorded, mixed and mastered, but the album may not actually be ready for release. There are long lead times now for manufacturing vinyl. And we learned last night that a certain four-time Album-of-the-Year Grammy winner who is going to sell more records in an hour than Pearl Jam will sell in a year has a new album in the pipeline.

Whether this surmise is correct or not, there's nothing nefarious going on here. Bear in mind also that the band hasn't really said or done much of anything to feed this rumor mill, so I'm not sure what you're so exercised about. They had a listening party that they didn't actually publicize. There have been a few stray, vague comments in interviews over a period of about a year. A person who was not following these threads would have no idea there is anything in the offing. So much of this is self-generated smoke by the obsessives here (myself included).

dwjmu84

Gonzo1977 said:

This whole album release approach is so antiquated and dumb. This band operates like it's still the 90's. Nobody outside of the core pearl jam fan base actually gives a fuck whether this thing is released today, tomorrow, or released so that that it perfectly lines up with a solar eclipse. If Dark Matter or whatever this thing is called, truly is the bands best work...then just release the fucking album already !!. Announce the tour and get on with it!! Delaying this release is just a stupid cock tease that serves no purpose other than to get a handful of remaining pearl jam fans anxious; fans that will buy this album and love it regardless. If it's good enough to pick up a few new fans...great! But does it really matter when it's released?  Why sit on it for a year like Jeff said? I don't get it. Even if this thing is better than TEN & VS & Sgt. Pepper's it won't matter...It will get chewed up, spit out and forgotten about in a week. It's just the way things are today. Sitting on it for a year and delaying the release makes it seem more like the band is unsure of it...rather than proud of it.   

Can’t think that way around here bro. You’ll get your pee pee slapped. 

Let’s see how this plays out. You’re def right about this: outside of the core base the masses aren’t really going to care. “Oh PJ has new music? Nice to see those old guys still kicking”

we will adore it of course! I just hope to see a little evolution of the process. But new music is a bonus either way!

se7v7en

Gonzo1977 said:

This whole album release approach is so antiquated and dumb. This band operates like it's still the 90's. Nobody outside of the core pearl jam fan base actually gives a fuck whether this thing is released today, tomorrow, or released so that that it perfectly lines up with a solar eclipse. If Dark Matter or whatever this thing is called, truly is the bands best work...then just release the fucking album already !!. Announce the tour and get on with it!! Delaying this release is just a stupid cock tease that serves no purpose other than to get a handful of remaining pearl jam fans anxious; fans that will buy this album and love it regardless. If it's good enough to pick up a few new fans...great! But does it really matter when it's released?  Why sit on it for a year like Jeff said? I don't get it. Even if this thing is better than TEN & VS & Sgt. Pepper's it won't matter...It will get chewed up, spit out and forgotten about in a week. It's just the way things are today. Sitting on it for a year and delaying the release makes it seem more like the band is unsure of it...rather than proud of it.   

I couldn't disagree with this more.   There could be many reasons, business related or personal why they sat on it, but  whatever those reasons are I'd bet they boil down to the band wanting to release it at a time when they felt they could do it right and give it the roll out they feel it warrants.  And why not build it up?  What's the rush?  A new album only happens once and awhile and who knows when the next one will be, if at all.  We live in the era of immediacy and instant gratification.  It's nice to have something to marinate, something to anticipate and be excited for.  Also, why do we appreciate PJ for doing things differently than other bands, but then get upset when they don't conform to the particular current industry trends that we like, say just throwing it up on Spotify.  No, they put more thought and effort into the release than that.  I'm sure they realize there will be those then complaining that they aren't getting what they want when they want it, and imagine they just expect the majority to have patience and appreciate what they are doing.  

BloodMeridian80

Gonzo1977 said:

This whole album release approach is so antiquated and dumb. This band operates like it's still the 90's. Nobody outside of the core pearl jam fan base actually gives a fuck whether this thing is released today, tomorrow, or released so that that it perfectly lines up with a solar eclipse. If Dark Matter or whatever this thing is called, truly is the bands best work...then just release the fucking album already !!. Announce the tour and get on with it!! Delaying this release is just a stupid cock tease that serves no purpose other than to get a handful of remaining pearl jam fans anxious; fans that will buy this album and love it regardless. If it's good enough to pick up a few new fans...great! But does it really matter when it's released?  Why sit on it for a year like Jeff said? I don't get it. Even if this thing is better than TEN & VS & Sgt. Pepper's it won't matter...It will get chewed up, spit out and forgotten about in a week. It's just the way things are today. Sitting on it for a year and delaying the release makes it seem more like the band is unsure of it...rather than proud of it.   

I'd guess the main reason for any delay is that they wanted to release it in conjunction with a "large" touring year/announcement. Whether you or I think that is a valid reason is kind of moot. It's hard for me to work up this level of disgust/anger/frustration about nearly anything, so I appreciate your passion!

dwjmu84

se7v7en said:

Gonzo1977 said:

This whole album release approach is so antiquated and dumb. This band operates like it's still the 90's. Nobody outside of the core pearl jam fan base actually gives a fuck whether this thing is released today, tomorrow, or released so that that it perfectly lines up with a solar eclipse. If Dark Matter or whatever this thing is called, truly is the bands best work...then just release the fucking album already !!. Announce the tour and get on with it!! Delaying this release is just a stupid cock tease that serves no purpose other than to get a handful of remaining pearl jam fans anxious; fans that will buy this album and love it regardless. If it's good enough to pick up a few new fans...great! But does it really matter when it's released?  Why sit on it for a year like Jeff said? I don't get it. Even if this thing is better than TEN & VS & Sgt. Pepper's it won't matter...It will get chewed up, spit out and forgotten about in a week. It's just the way things are today. Sitting on it for a year and delaying the release makes it seem more like the band is unsure of it...rather than proud of it.   

I couldn't disagree with this more.   There could be many reasons, business related or personal why they sat on it, but  whatever those reasons are I'd bet they boil down to the band wanting to release it at a time when they felt they could do it right and give it the roll out they feel it warrants.  And why not build it up?  What's the rush?  A new album only happens once and awhile and who knows when the next one will be, if at all.  We live in the era of immediacy and instant gratification.  It's nice to have something to marinate, something to anticipate and be excited for.  Also, why do we appreciate PJ for doing things differently than other bands, but then get upset when they don't conform to the particular current industry trends that we like, say just throwing it up on Spotify.  No, they put more thought and effort into the release than that.  I'm sure they realize there will be those then complaining that they aren't getting what they want when they want it, and imagine they just expect the majority to have patience and appreciate what they are doing.  

I understand where you're coming from. but I would posit another possibility. It's not JUST about instant gratification. maybe some of us want to see a different method to the release of new music, irrespective of the time element. and, to address that, we've sort of been waiting on this album for a few years. early in 22 ed mentioned in a variety article that watt was already lined up and I think there had even been one session. of course we've had a slew of updates since, many of which suggested that music was ready since summer of '23.  but, don't take it from me.  watt himself told the guys they "took to long to write/record/release records". and this is coming from the guy who they entrusted to help change their processes.

whatever happens, we will all be psyched to hear the new stuff, but I think this board could stand to be a tad more open minded to other schools of thought.  we shall see how it all plays out. can't wait to hear it at home and on the road!

on2legs

BloodMeridian80 said:

Gonzo1977 said:

This whole album release approach is so antiquated and dumb. This band operates like it's still the 90's. Nobody outside of the core pearl jam fan base actually gives a fuck whether this thing is released today, tomorrow, or released so that that it perfectly lines up with a solar eclipse. If Dark Matter or whatever this thing is called, truly is the bands best work...then just release the fucking album already !!. Announce the tour and get on with it!! Delaying this release is just a stupid cock tease that serves no purpose other than to get a handful of remaining pearl jam fans anxious; fans that will buy this album and love it regardless. If it's good enough to pick up a few new fans...great! But does it really matter when it's released?  Why sit on it for a year like Jeff said? I don't get it. Even if this thing is better than TEN & VS & Sgt. Pepper's it won't matter...It will get chewed up, spit out and forgotten about in a week. It's just the way things are today. Sitting on it for a year and delaying the release makes it seem more like the band is unsure of it...rather than proud of it.   

I'd guess the main reason for any delay is that they wanted to release it in conjunction with a "large" touring year/announcement. Whether you or I think that is a valid reason is kind of moot. It's hard for me to work up this level of disgust/anger/frustration about nearly anything, so I appreciate your passion!

This seems most likely.  And they can tour again next year ( ) and still make it part of the Dark Matter tour if they want.  If they released the album last year it would already feel stale by now, let alone next year.

The Juggler

Gonzo1977 said:

This whole album release approach is so antiquated and dumb. This band operates like it's still the 90's. Nobody outside of the core pearl jam fan base actually gives a fuck whether this thing is released today, tomorrow, or released so that that it perfectly lines up with a solar eclipse. If Dark Matter or whatever this thing is called, truly is the bands best work...then just release the fucking album already !!. Announce the tour and get on with it!! Delaying this release is just a stupid cock tease that serves no purpose other than to get a handful of remaining pearl jam fans anxious; fans that will buy this album and love it regardless. If it's good enough to pick up a few new fans...great! But does it really matter when it's released?  Why sit on it for a year like Jeff said? I don't get it. Even if this thing is better than TEN & VS & Sgt. Pepper's it won't matter...It will get chewed up, spit out and forgotten about in a week. It's just the way things are today. Sitting on it for a year and delaying the release makes it seem more like the band is unsure of it...rather than proud of it.   

tldr

Lizard

The Juggler said:

tldr

what is tldr?  the last damn record?

100 Pacer

Lizard said:

The Juggler said:

tldr

what is tldr?  the last damn record?

Too long didn’t read

Gern Blansten

pjl44 said:

Gonzo1977 said:

This whole album release approach is so antiquated and dumb. This band operates like it's still the 90's. Nobody outside of the core pearl jam fan base actually gives a fuck whether this thing is released today, tomorrow, or released so that that it perfectly lines up with a solar eclipse. If Dark Matter or whatever this thing is called, truly is the bands best work...then just release the fucking album already !!. Announce the tour and get on with it!! Delaying this release is just a stupid cock tease that serves no purpose other than to get a handful of remaining pearl jam fans anxious; fans that will buy this album and love it regardless. If it's good enough to pick up a few new fans...great! But does it really matter when it's released?  Why sit on it for a year like Jeff said? I don't get it. Even if this thing is better than TEN & VS & Sgt. Pepper's it won't matter...It will get chewed up, spit out and forgotten about in a week. It's just the way things are today. Sitting on it for a year and delaying the release makes it seem more like the band is unsure of it...rather than proud of it.   

now that's funny...

mace1229

kmcmanus said:

lastexitlondon said:

All we got was an empty pssst. 

Man you guys seem psst off.
i think the psst was well intentioned since there was some unofficial news going on, but it seems to have raised expectations in a way that isn’t getting paid off.  I know my expectation changed when I saw it.

I don't think so. There were already threads and announcements about the listening party. It was a tease. I'm not upset, I think it was harmless trolling in good fun, but there was no good intentions about it. Did anyone think some big news was not imminent? I'm sure Santos got a good laugh out of it, and no hard feelings here from me.

bootlegger10

Some of you (rather foolishly) think that because the band finishes a record it intends to release it right away.  PJ could easily have a cadence they like to release records and that is they want to release one in 2024.  So, in 2021 the band could have decided the goal is to release a new record in 2024 with a larger tour.  They then said “we have three years to get the record done.  How about we get the record done in 2022?  Does that work for everyone’s schedule?  Great.”  

They probably want to spread the records out, but they can make them when they feel like it.  

dwjmu84

bootlegger10 said:

Some of you (rather foolishly) think that because the band finishes a record it intends to release it right away.  PJ could easily have a cadence they like to release records and that is they want to release one in 2024.  So, in 2021 the band could have decided the goal is to release a new record in 2024 with a larger tour.  They then said “we have three years to get the record done.  How about we get the record done in 2022?  Does that work for everyone’s schedule?  Great.”  

They probably want to spread the records out, but they can make them when they feel like it.  

I suppose that's not impossible, but I judge it to be highly unlikely. I don't think these guys (with families and tons of side projects) think that far ahead. No way.  

100 Pacer

dwjmu84 said:

bootlegger10 said:

Some of you (rather foolishly) think that because the band finishes a record it intends to release it right away.  PJ could easily have a cadence they like to release records and that is they want to release one in 2024.  So, in 2021 the band could have decided the goal is to release a new record in 2024 with a larger tour.  They then said “we have three years to get the record done.  How about we get the record done in 2022?  Does that work for everyone’s schedule?  Great.”  

They probably want to spread the records out, but they can make them when they feel like it.  

I suppose that's not impossible, but I judge it to be highly unlikely. I don't think these guys (with families and tons of side projects) think that far ahead. No way.  

A friend was told about the US and European tour specifics in September of last year. Things get planned a year in advance is my impression.

bootlegger10

dwjmu84 said:

bootlegger10 said:

Some of you (rather foolishly) think that because the band finishes a record it intends to release it right away.  PJ could easily have a cadence they like to release records and that is they want to release one in 2024.  So, in 2021 the band could have decided the goal is to release a new record in 2024 with a larger tour.  They then said “we have three years to get the record done.  How about we get the record done in 2022?  Does that work for everyone’s schedule?  Great.”  

They probably want to spread the records out, but they can make them when they feel like it.  

I suppose that's not impossible, but I judge it to be highly unlikely. I don't think these guys (with families and tons of side projects) think that far ahead. No way.  

I think they definitely pencil it out.  When you have more going on, that is exactly when you have to plan things out more in advance.

if they had nothing else going on, then they would be able to play it by ear.

anyway, point is they make the record any time they want, and then can release it any time they want.  Just because it is done doesn’t mean they are obligated to release it.

dwjmu84

yeah.....I don't think they were sitting around in 2021 saying "hey, let's make sure our next record comes out in 2024".

I don't even think the band agreed the album was done until very late summer/early fall.  so....sure, things like tours may be planned more in advance, but I bet you'd be surprised at how simple and ad hoc the sausage making was if you could get on "the inside".

bootlegger10

dwjmu84 said:

yeah.....I don't think they were sitting around in 2021 saying "hey, let's make sure our next record comes out in 2024".

I don't even think the band agreed the album was done until very late summer/early fall.  so....sure, things like tours may be planned more in advance, but I bet you'd be surprised at how simple and ad hoc the sausage making was if you could get on "the inside".

Jeff said it was done a year ago.  

I would be surprised if they don’t have a vision of the next three years.  In pencil.  Sure some bands make an album and push it out on a whim, but I don’t think that is the case for Pearl Jam.  

Backspacer - 2009
Lightning Bolt - 2013
Gigaton - 2020
New Album - 2024

If not for planning, they probably waited to finish up their Gigaton run of shows that were delayed due to Covid.   They clearly waited for a reason because they waited.  End of the day that is my only point.  They release the album when they want to, not after it is recorded.

dwjmu84

bootlegger10 said:

dwjmu84 said:

yeah.....I don't think they were sitting around in 2021 saying "hey, let's make sure our next record comes out in 2024".

I don't even think the band agreed the album was done until very late summer/early fall.  so....sure, things like tours may be planned more in advance, but I bet you'd be surprised at how simple and ad hoc the sausage making was if you could get on "the inside".

Jeff said it was done a year ago.  

I would be surprised if they don’t have a vision of the next three years.  In pencil.  Sure some bands make an album and push it out on a whim, but I don’t think that is the case for Pearl Jam.  

Backspacer - 2009
Lightning Bolt - 2013
Gigaton - 2020
New Album - 2024

If not for planning, they probably waited to finish up their Gigaton run of shows that were delayed due to Covid.   They clearly waited for a reason because they waited.  End of the day that is my only point.  They release the album when they want to, not after it is recorded.

Jeff also said in the Kyle Meredith interview on 6/30 he didn't even know what they had at that point. So, I take his recent comment as: they finished last year (late summer) and have been waiting (meanwhile mixing, mastering, pressing etc) for other plans (tour dates) to crystalize before building a promo schedule for Dark Matter.  Again, from the horses mouth. MC said right at Thanksgiving that the record was ready to go and they were simply waiting for a tour to be finalized.  

I honestly don't think much is even penciled in beyond about a year with these guys any more.  THey're probably looking to tour most of '24 and beyond that, I doubt any one of them knows what the future of PJ looks like.

Let's just hope there IS a future beyond that