That part in React/Respond where he sings "The incandescence that is your essence. The unexpected embrace, embrace the unexpected" is one of his best vocal moments.
Yes! "there's no book on this life, there's no use as directed"
But "don't let the sky hook, beat you to submission" is pretty good too
There's not any song I don't like, which hasn't happened in a long time. Even my favorite album, Vs, has a couple I don't like. I really like several of them, but none have jumped out as an easy favorite. I thought Waiting for Stevie would be from what everyone was saying, and it hasn't clicked for me. I really like it, but it isn't in the running for my favorite. Maybe #3 or 4 spot. React, Respond hasn't clicked either, and I see a lot of love for that one. It's probably my least favorite right now (or tied with Running for that honor). I don't dislike it, but just doesn't do anything for me yet. One of my least favorites my first 2 or 3 listens was Upper Hand, but after a few more spins that one is in the running for the top spot.
Got To Give is a sneaky banger. Kind of under our radars after first few listens, due to where it's placed. I love that song, along with the rest. I find Waiting For Stevie a top tier track as well.
That part in React/Respond where he sings "The incandescence that is your essence. The unexpected embrace, embrace the unexpected" is one of his best vocal moments.
Yes!!! I love the cadence he uses. I mentioned a while back in a thread somewhere that it's another song where his delivery on parts really stands out. I also love his cadence for the bridge of Dark Matter. Those 2 songs and WES have some of my favorite vocals from the last few albums.
I've listened twice now and still am not completely sold. I like it enough with some songs better than others, but I'm still in the camp that I'll listen a few more times before the Sacramento concert and then probably rarely play it again. Hope this changes over the next listen or 2. This has basically been the MO for the past few records- know it well enough to know the songs live and then (almost) never listen again. However, hearing the new ones live might give me a better appreciation for them, which will keep me listening after the concert. That has happened with other bands. We'll see.
You've listened twice in ten days? This, combined with your description of your M.O. for the past few records, suggests that you have an aversion to new music more than it suggests anything about the quality of the music. You make it sound like these records are holding you hostage. If it's that much of a chore for you to listen to a band, why not go find a band that's not a chore for you to listen to? I don't meant to sound like I'm being snarky; I'm genuinely wondering why not just move on if something doesn't do if for you anymore. The posture of resignation in your post is so odd to me. No one's forcing you to be a fan of Pearl Jam, let alone to pay to belong to its fan club.
Weird reply, but OK. Why doesn't loving a new record make it seem like it's a chore to listen? Maybe I'm busy and haven't had time to listen much. Maybe I was planning on listening to it more as it closer to the show I'm attending. I didn't find a ton of relisten value of the past few records, though there are songs on each I like.
I've listened the DM twice since posting this on Monday and like it more each listen. Lots of great guitar work which will be great live. Waiting for Stevie, Scared of Fear, Upper Hand, Setting Sun and Dark Matter are all great.
I'm actually going to listen to Gigaton again since it's been a while as noted.
Got To Give is a sneaky banger. Kind of under our radars after first few listens, due to where it's placed. I love that song, along with the rest. I find Waiting For Stevie a top tier track as well.
Waiting For Stevie is a good song, but the production isn't good. I'd listen to a bootleg version. May 4, here we come!
I don't believe nothin', even if it's true. "That's a vibe" - Ryan Miller
9/11/2022 - Madison Square Garden, New York Other bands Guster - 8/12/2023 Guster - 3/30/2024 Guster - 8/11/2024 Built to Spill - 9/1/2024
I've listened twice now and still am not completely sold. I like it enough with some songs better than others, but I'm still in the camp that I'll listen a few more times before the Sacramento concert and then probably rarely play it again. Hope this changes over the next listen or 2. This has basically been the MO for the past few records- know it well enough to know the songs live and then (almost) never listen again. However, hearing the new ones live might give me a better appreciation for them, which will keep me listening after the concert. That has happened with other bands. We'll see.
You've listened twice in ten days? This, combined with your description of your M.O. for the past few records, suggests that you have an aversion to new music more than it suggests anything about the quality of the music. You make it sound like these records are holding you hostage. If it's that much of a chore for you to listen to a band, why not go find a band that's not a chore for you to listen to? I don't meant to sound like I'm being snarky; I'm genuinely wondering why not just move on if something doesn't do if for you anymore. The posture of resignation in your post is so odd to me. No one's forcing you to be a fan of Pearl Jam, let alone to pay to belong to its fan club.
Weird reply, but OK. Why doesn't loving a new record make it seem like it's a chore to listen? Maybe I'm busy and haven't had time to listen much. Maybe I was planning on listening to it more as it closer to the show I'm attending. I didn't find a ton of relisten value of the past few records, though there are songs on each I like.
I've listened the DM twice since posting this on Monday and like it more each listen. Lots of great guitar work which will be great live. Waiting for Stevie, Scared of Fear, Upper Hand, Setting Sun and Dark Matter are all great.
I'm actually going to listen to Gigaton again since it's been a while as noted.
I used the word "chore" based on your description that you'd listened to it only twice and were already expecting to rarely play it after May 13. You seemed only interested in it to the extent that you want to be familiar with the songs for the show, as if it were an assignment but, once the show is over, it will be something you will have little interest in or time for.
I've listened twice now and still am not completely sold. I like it enough with some songs better than others, but I'm still in the camp that I'll listen a few more times before the Sacramento concert and then probably rarely play it again. Hope this changes over the next listen or 2. This has basically been the MO for the past few records- know it well enough to know the songs live and then (almost) never listen again. However, hearing the new ones live might give me a better appreciation for them, which will keep me listening after the concert. That has happened with other bands. We'll see.
You've listened twice in ten days? This, combined with your description of your M.O. for the past few records, suggests that you have an aversion to new music more than it suggests anything about the quality of the music. You make it sound like these records are holding you hostage. If it's that much of a chore for you to listen to a band, why not go find a band that's not a chore for you to listen to? I don't meant to sound like I'm being snarky; I'm genuinely wondering why not just move on if something doesn't do if for you anymore. The posture of resignation in your post is so odd to me. No one's forcing you to be a fan of Pearl Jam, let alone to pay to belong to its fan club.
Weird reply, but OK. Why doesn't loving a new record make it seem like it's a chore to listen? Maybe I'm busy and haven't had time to listen much. Maybe I was planning on listening to it more as it closer to the show I'm attending. I didn't find a ton of relisten value of the past few records, though there are songs on each I like.
I've listened the DM twice since posting this on Monday and like it more each listen. Lots of great guitar work which will be great live. Waiting for Stevie, Scared of Fear, Upper Hand, Setting Sun and Dark Matter are all great.
I'm actually going to listen to Gigaton again since it's been a while as noted.
I used the word "chore" based on your description that you'd listened to it only twice and were already expecting to rarely play it after May 13. You seemed only interested in it to the extent that you want to be familiar with the songs for the show, as if it were an assignment but, once the show is over, it will be something you will have little interest in or time for.
Ah. I see. Well, if I like the album I'll keep listening to it. If I don't I won't. I didn't love Gigaton, but wanted to know the songs before the shows I saw and enjoyed them live. Even songs I don't like all that much are usually great live. I did just relisten to Gigaton. DM is a lot better and growing on me with each listen.
I can’t stop listening to this album. I don’t remember the last Pearl Jam album I felt that way about. This album has no business being this good. What a fucking gift
Joins Binaural and Riot Act in the band of albums not quite as good as the first 5 but easily better than the rest.
2010: London 2012: Manchester I, Manchester II, Manchester (EV) 2014: Milan, Leeds, Milton Keynes 2017: London II (EV) 2018: Amsterdam I, London I, Prague, London II 2019: London (EV) 2022: London I, London II, Budapest, Krakow, Amsterdam
Joins Binaural and Riot Act in the band of albums not quite as good as the first 5 but easily better than the rest.
I find it significantly better than those 2. I was concerned the newness was having me rank it higher than it should...and now I'm starting to wonder if the newness has me raking it lower than it will end up. It's a top 5 album for sure for me. Maybe top 4.
Ranking the songs is so tough. I had Waiting for Stevie on top after a few listens but I’m not sure, there’s too many good ones. Today I’m thinking:
Scared of Fear Waiting for Stevie (they’ve tried their whole career not to write something like this; yet they finally did it, 90s throwback). Won’t Tell (a single if there ever was one) React, Respond Got to Give (very underrated!) Running (love that seague from Stevie; wish the song went longer)
Setting Sun Upper Hand (just like the others more atm) Dark Matter (music on this is 🔥) Wreckage (really warming to it) Something Special (actually don’t mind it; something has to be last)
Setting Sun and Dark Matter are the best on the album, and better than anything they've put out since Avocado, including Avocado.
So you're actually saying you think it's better than anything they've put out since Riot Act.
Since yield.
come on Mike!!..better than Binaural, Riot Act and Avocando??..no way IMO..nice record but not great..
Plenty of skip songs on those three. Nothing will ever top their first five albums but I do feel Dark matter is number six.
What do skip on Binaural????????????????? Except for maybe Evacuation sometimes. You've lost the plot dude.
I like DM a lot but come on.
For me I skip god s dice, evacuation and sleight of hand. I skip insignificance every other listen.
I don't skip anything, but "Gods' Dice" is not particularly good, and "Soon Forget" is a trifle. And I know at least one person who skips "Writer's Block": Bill Simmons based on the fact that he was apparently completely shocked to learn that Eddie Vedder uses a typewriter.
Comments
But "don't let the sky hook, beat you to submission" is pretty good too
I really like several of them, but none have jumped out as an easy favorite. I thought Waiting for Stevie would be from what everyone was saying, and it hasn't clicked for me. I really like it, but it isn't in the running for my favorite. Maybe #3 or 4 spot.
React, Respond hasn't clicked either, and I see a lot of love for that one. It's probably my least favorite right now (or tied with Running for that honor). I don't dislike it, but just doesn't do anything for me yet.
One of my least favorites my first 2 or 3 listens was Upper Hand, but after a few more spins that one is in the running for the top spot.
Right now, its between:
Scared of Fear
Dark Matter
Upper Hand
Waiting for Stevie
Setting Sun
Got to Give keeps jumping up here too.
Nuclear fission
I've listened the DM twice since posting this on Monday and like it more each listen. Lots of great guitar work which will be great live.
Waiting for Stevie, Scared of Fear, Upper Hand, Setting Sun and Dark Matter are all great.
I'm actually going to listen to Gigaton again since it's been a while as noted.
"That's a vibe" - Ryan Miller
9/11/2022 - Madison Square Garden, New York
Other bands
Guster - 8/12/2023
Guster - 3/30/2024
Guster - 8/11/2024
Built to Spill - 9/1/2024
The gap between these 2 albums is huge.
I don't dislike Gigaton or anything, DM is just so much better.
Philadelphia 10/22/2013
Baltimore 10/27/2013
Hampton 4/18/2016
Ft. Worth 9/13/2023
Ft. Worth 9/15/2023
Philadelphia 10/22/2013
Baltimore 10/27/2013
Hampton 4/18/2016
Ft. Worth 9/13/2023
Ft. Worth 9/15/2023
Prague Krakow Berlin 2018. Berlin 2022
EV, Taormina 1+2 2017.
I wish i was the souvenir you kept your house key on..
2012: Manchester I, Manchester II, Manchester (EV)
2014: Milan, Leeds, Milton Keynes
2017: London II (EV)
2018: Amsterdam I, London I, Prague, London II
2019: London (EV)
2022: London I, London II, Budapest, Krakow, Amsterdam
ever top their first five albums but I do feel Dark matter is number six.
Except for maybe Evacuation sometimes. You've lost the plot dude.
I like DM a lot but come on.
You never really had to begin with.
Sometimes it's not the song that makes you emotional it's the people and things that come to your mind when you hear it.
Scared of Fear
Waiting for Stevie (they’ve tried their whole career not to write something like this; yet they finally did it, 90s throwback).
Won’t Tell (a single if there ever was one)
React, Respond
Got to Give (very underrated!)
Running (love that seague from Stevie; wish the song went longer)
Upper Hand (just like the others more atm)
Dark Matter (music on this is 🔥)
Wreckage (really warming to it)
Something Special (actually don’t mind it; something has to be last)
Melbourne #2 '03
Melbourne #3 '03
Melbourne #1 '06
Melbourne #3 '06
Melbourne '09
Melbourne '14
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 -