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So, how do you grade Dark Matter?

Spiritual_ChaosSpiritual_Chaos Posts: 30,529
in The Porch
So, a day after release. How do you sum the single up?
"Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"

So, how do you grade Dark Matter? 294 votes

5 - Top Tier Pearl Jam song
4%
droptheleash2216bigbiggzyGo AnimalrmachughDC29940BH107178CM189191BG285137Stixumdrummer1D-RodSugarloafer04wilson25JmCat46 14 votes
4 - One of the greater Pearl Jam songs
25%
YoyomaVedd Heddigotid88jack cameronEdVedder_1VINNY GOOMBANaked JohnhalvsmalltownfateDevilsCotbucklyshranknooramsachtrivhugepjfanon2legsforiginalsinvedpunkshadowcastSPJjust_one 74 votes
3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
58%
CantKeepmedowncincybearcatboneAmple JarhenchmanNewJPagenot4u10evenflow82SOLAT319primussucksTheSkyEtcHorse2345AllNiteThingNiko80scorp65A.G. PennypackerLedbetterman10stateofloveandpjHailHailVitalogyohdeardad 173 votes
2 - Below average Pearl Jam song
10%
mca47fall by the waysidemy_waveTheGossmansmile6680DPrival78mckayDP13nadahombreprlLiftedtexasistheSTEVENpledgeagrievanceHabit4meFlying MXZfrisbiecFW46778SputNicksaldingjv76 30 votes
1 - In the bottom tier of Pearl Jam songs
1%
ceskaewok pantsddeschler 3 votes
«134

Comments

  • lastexitlondonlastexitlondon Posts: 13,881
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    I've listened a fair bit. This is my take.
    I love the drums. I can't hear the bass.
    I love Ed's voice but I'm not a fan of stretching words like heart in second line.on reflection when the excitement of new music settled I find it a bit of an empty one string guitar riff I would like more meat to that guitar. I like it. Interested to hear more to see where this leads. Just my worthless opinion though.
    brixton 93
    astoria 06
    albany 06
    hartford 06
    reading 06
    barcelona 06
    paris 06
    wembley 07
    dusseldorf 07
    nijmegen 07

    this song is meant to be called i got shit,itshould be called i got shit tickets-hartford 06 -
  • beano.79beano.79 Posts: 762
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    I like it. It's a good song, but it will work better within an album amongst a few songs with hopefully a little more substance.

    I like that the guitars are heavier and that Matt doesn't sound so restrained.
  • 3days3days Posts: 1,158
    I think there should be a 3.5 option that is "A good Pearl Jam song".

    Instrumentally I like it. Lyrically, from what I gather, I like it. It doesn't exactly sound typical of Pearl Jam, so I dig the Soundgarden-esque departure.

    Hard to hear EV in the mix, which made it harder to discern the lyrics. Perhaps a smidge repetitive. I wonder if a Jeff/Matt power section or additional soloing would've created more balance.

    That being said, I'm a big fan of respecting artistic decisions. This song is a banger, and I ike it. Is it great? Maybe. For now, I know it's really good. 
  • JPPJ84JPPJ84 Posts: 3,464
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    It’s good but I miss a melody. It just doesn’t get stuck in my head
  • Weston1283Weston1283 Posts: 4,858
    edited February 14
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    JPPJ84 said:
    It’s good but I miss a melody. It just doesn’t get stuck in my head
    This exactly for me as well.  I’ve listened to it like 20 times and feel like I haven’t really memorized a line of it.
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  • SaravaSarava Posts: 2,027
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    Love the guitar solo and drumming. It's definitely not a sing along type song. Gives me a bit of Cant Deny Me vibes, though its a better song than Cant Deny Me. Overall I would rate it as solid.

  • MH143221MH143221 Posts: 37
    edited February 14
    4 - One of the greater Pearl Jam songs
    It’s exactly what I want in a rock hard/rock song. The drums, the riff, the solo. I can totally see the crowd bouncing and screaming “for someone else’s mistake.” I will be at least. 
    Post edited by MH143221 on
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  • josevolutionjosevolution Posts: 29,567
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    Good song yes but like someone else stated it’s not sticking in my head even after 10 listens! I’m not walking around humming or trying to sing it but it’s probably just me! 
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  • omcollinsomcollins Posts: 29
    4 - One of the greater Pearl Jam songs
    I think it’s one of their best songs since yield, I love it.  Overall wouldn’t make my top 10 so I can’t say top tier, but it’s close.
  • BagCzechBagCzech Posts: 464
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    3days said:
    I think there should be a 3.5 option that is "A good Pearl Jam song".

    Instrumentally I like it. Lyrically, from what I gather, I like it. It doesn't exactly sound typical of Pearl Jam, so I dig the Soundgarden-esque departure.

    Hard to hear EV in the mix, which made it harder to discern the lyrics. Perhaps a smidge repetitive. I wonder if a Jeff/Matt power section or additional soloing would've created more balance.

    That being said, I'm a big fan of respecting artistic decisions. This song is a banger, and I ike it. Is it great? Maybe. For now, I know it's really good. 
    Concur with having a 3.5. This is why you see a lot of polls now that are a 6 point scale vs 5 point. With a 5 point you can just pick 3 if you’re in the middle, but with a 6 point scale, you’re forced to pick either 3 or 4. There’s no option for just average. 
  • Spiritual_ChaosSpiritual_Chaos Posts: 30,529
    edited February 14
    BagCzech said:
    3days said:
    I think there should be a 3.5 option that is "A good Pearl Jam song".

    Instrumentally I like it. Lyrically, from what I gather, I like it. It doesn't exactly sound typical of Pearl Jam, so I dig the Soundgarden-esque departure.

    Hard to hear EV in the mix, which made it harder to discern the lyrics. Perhaps a smidge repetitive. I wonder if a Jeff/Matt power section or additional soloing would've created more balance.

    That being said, I'm a big fan of respecting artistic decisions. This song is a banger, and I ike it. Is it great? Maybe. For now, I know it's really good. 
    Concur with having a 3.5. This is why you see a lot of polls now that are a 6 point scale vs 5 point. With a 5 point you can just pick 3 if you’re in the middle, but with a 6 point scale, you’re forced to pick either 3 or 4. There’s no option for just average. 
    3 is average, it clearly states:  "3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs"

    Is it in the middle pack of PJ songs (3) or is it one of the greater PJ songs (4). Two clear tiers. I think.
    Post edited by Spiritual_Chaos on
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • DissidentRival74DissidentRival74 Posts: 150
    edited February 14
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    I like the song, but honestly, it didn't give me the same feeling DoTC did when I first heard that.  That one really made me excited to hear the new album.  Like, I couldn't wait for Gigaton to come out after hearing Dance. But this one - meh..  And I feel bad that's how I feel about it bc I truly am excited for some new Pearl Jam. I don't dislike it, but, as someone else said, it's not "stuck in my head"....  Reminds me of how I felt when Mind Your Manners was released.  Though now I really really dig MYM, so maybe this one will grow on me like that one did.  Definitely can see where live this one could be killer though - kind of like the album Quick Escape Mike vs the live Quick Escape Mike...
    "I'm only civil because I don't know any swear words."
  • know1know1 Posts: 6,794
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    Middle of the pack overall for me, but the best song by far they've put out since Lightning Bolt.
    The only people we should try to get even with...
    ...are those who've helped us.

    Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
  • SpunkieSpunkie Posts: 6,673
    edited February 14
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    This song was unappreciated by two non-fan relatives in my car. Kinda grinding in the background when they didn't want it loud. I dislike the negative words, especially as a lost love, although I like the dip in Ed's voice as he sings that part. Hard to understand the lyrics and not sure what they mean yet, as I'm still trying to hear them. Gonna have to read along to the words this week til they stick so I don't make my own shit up.

    Good drums and Mike screech. Woke up early with it playing in my head. I'm happy the guys jammed one out! Can't wait to rock to it!

    Edit: If I had to grade this as a teacher in real life, I'd give it a 4, for overall effort.
    Post edited by Spunkie on
  • pledgeagrievancepledgeagrievance Posts: 2,861
    2 - Below average Pearl Jam song
    Not into Pro tools Pearl Jam 
  • Kearn5yKearn5y Posts: 2,879
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    I hope it grows on me. Way better than DOC
    Kearnsy
  • spankyMPspankyMP Posts: 1,854
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    I love it, but still putting it in the middle of the pack for now, which is not too shabby if we are being honest. Could easily be a 4 upon further reflection. I'm trying to think of comparable rockers that it should be above or below in order to really rank it appropriately in time. 
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  • primussucksprimussucks Posts: 2,360
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    I just wish it was longer!  The solo at the end feels like that should be the middle of the song and there should be another minute or 2.  Very good song but there's alot of songs in their catalog that are better.
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  • lastexitlondonlastexitlondon Posts: 13,881
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    primussucks said:
    I just wish it was longer!  The solo at the end feels like that should be the middle of the song and there should be another minute or 2.  Very good song but there's alot of songs in their catalog that are better.
    Agreed 
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    this song is meant to be called i got shit,itshould be called i got shit tickets-hartford 06 -
  • lastexitlondonlastexitlondon Posts: 13,881
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    Spunkie said:
    This song was unappreciated by two non-fan relatives in my car. Kinda grinding in the background when they didn't want it loud. I dislike the negative words, especially as a lost love, although I like the dip in Ed's voice as he sings that part. Hard to understand the lyrics and not sure what they mean yet, as I'm still trying to hear them. Gonna have to read along to the words this week til they stick so I don't make my own shit up.

    Good drums and Mike screech. Woke up early with it playing in my head. I'm happy the guys jammed one out! Can't wait to rock to it!

    Edit: If I had to grade this as a teacher in real life, I'd give it a 4, for overall effort.
    I took like the dip in ed s voice there and agree with your take too
    brixton 93
    astoria 06
    albany 06
    hartford 06
    reading 06
    barcelona 06
    paris 06
    wembley 07
    dusseldorf 07
    nijmegen 07

    this song is meant to be called i got shit,itshould be called i got shit tickets-hartford 06 -
  • Spiritual_ChaosSpiritual_Chaos Posts: 30,529
    Are you allowed to feel that the tone/sound of the guitar solo is a tad "squeaky" ?
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • lastexitlondonlastexitlondon Posts: 13,881
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    It is and  may I say it's not very technical and generic I love mike's blues and wah style 
    brixton 93
    astoria 06
    albany 06
    hartford 06
    reading 06
    barcelona 06
    paris 06
    wembley 07
    dusseldorf 07
    nijmegen 07

    this song is meant to be called i got shit,itshould be called i got shit tickets-hartford 06 -
  • We All BelieveWe All Believe Posts: 590
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    It's different, which I am all for at this point, even if it's not as much of a departure as DOTC. Ed's vocals are tough to make out, and I'm not crazy about the overall Wattage. I LOVE Mike and Matt unleashed. Overall I'm meh about it.
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  • Kearn5yKearn5y Posts: 2,879
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    Spiritual_Chaos said:
    Are you allowed to feel that the tone/sound of the guitar solo is a tad "squeaky" ?
    Yes
    Kearnsy
  • Ledbetterman10Ledbetterman10 Posts: 16,882
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    It's a 3 for me as far as the overall discography goes. But if we were just looking at the post-90's albums, I'd rate it a 4. 
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  • on2legson2legs Posts: 15,125
    4 - One of the greater Pearl Jam songs
    I give it a solid B to B+ after the first 24 hours.  I do feel like I will like it more as time goes on.  Especially after hearing it live.  
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  • Gern BlanstenGern Blansten Posts: 20,281
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    In the middle only because there are so many great ones. I love it...can't wait for the rest.

    It will be great live and I bet they will have a blast playing it.
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  • mace1229mace1229 Posts: 9,367
    edited February 14
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    Kind of hard to say. Would probably be my favorite if it was on the last 2 albums, but below average if compared to the early ones.
    It reminded me of Avocado, which is a middle tier album for me. Not because of the sound, but because of how it made me feel and the quality of it. Decent song, not great.
  • AA295481AA295481 Posts: 111
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    Spiritual_Chaos said:
    So, a day after release. How do you sum the single up?
    Spiritual_Chaos said:
    So, a day after release. How do you sum the single up?
    Spiritual_Chaos said:
    So, a day after release. How do you sum the single up?
    Spiritual_Chaos said:
    So, a day after release. How do you sum the single up?

  • GibsonGibson Posts: 2,646
    3 - In the middle of the pack of Pearl Jam songs
    I like it and it's still growing on me. 

    Always hard (nearly impossible) to give it the same level of credibility against the songs we grew old with and attached memories and emotion to.
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