Dark Matter - Out Now

Of The Aggie

After a few listens I love the first half of the album. Everything through Upper Hand is really good. Best thing since Avocado. But it falls off during the second half. I like Running but nothing else grabs me. I can't get into Waiting For Stevie or Setting Sun. Something Special is too cheesy and Got to Give is just there. Still it's so much better than Gigaton or Lightning Bolt. 

It's hard to pick a favorite. I wasn't sold on Wreckage when it was released but it has really gotten me and I probably would say it and Scared of Fear are my favorites. I'm looking forward to hearing the live versions.

Nathan Logan

I'm pretty surprised that Running and Wreckage were the two singles after Dark Matter - in my opinion, Won't Tell is hands down the best song on the record, followed by DM. That's after about 4 listens all the way through. Just my opinion. Both Running and Wreckage are great tracks too of course, and so is Waiting for Stevie. Overall a pretty damn good album really.

Vedd Hedd

MikeDigs said:

BF25394 said:

MikeDigs said:

jimjam1982 said:

Now that I have had a day of listens with the lyrics - not afraid to think this album stands the test of time to become Pearl Jams 4th Masterpiece album.

Dark Matter joins Ten/Vs/No Code. 

Congrats.

I'm with you.  Dark Matter joins the Pearl Jam Masterpiece collection.  I don't have those albums individual ranked, outside of VS being my all time favorite.  I get heavy enjoyment out of this collection of albums, and I'm very happy (and surprised) to be adding Dark Matter to the collection of VS, Ten, Vitalogy, No Code, and Yield.  I continue to spin these albums heavily, and these are no-skip masterpieces from front to back.

I would sooner give up my left pinky finger than my copy of Vitalogy, but the only reason I don't skip "Bugs" is that I just don't skip songs in general. So it's a masterpiece, but I don't know if it's a "no-skip masterpiece." (Along the same lines, No Code features "Habit," the worst "real" song on any studio album, "Mankind," which should have been a B-side, and "Lukin," which is not their best work. First half of No Code >>> second half of No Code, although "Present Tense" and "Around the Bend" are great.)

I like Bugs where it's placed, as a nice interlude.  The only one I have a tendency to skip is Stupid Mop, but I've powered through.  Habit is a top track for me on No Code, love it so much and that outro rocks really hard.  I also like Mankind and Lukin.  My tough track on No Code is I'm Open, and even still I don't mind listening on album run throughs.  Out of my list of "no-skip" Masterpieces, for me, the only track that's a struggle is Stupid Mop.

Dark Matter is wonderful, no skips, it sounds great together.  So happy we have this new album added to the already amazing catalog.

I love bugs, and stupid mop...especially when the drums kick in for stupid mop.  Both are cool, and fit well on THAT album.  Vitalogy is dark and creaky and weird, and I love that about it.   That said, I usually skip bugs and stupid mop, and put them on only occasionally.  

I have no skips on Dark Matter.   

I had skips after a couple of spins on Gigaton and Earthlings.  I like where they were going on both of those records, and I think that lead them here to Dark Matter, and Dark Matter crushed it.  

And I like Gigaton and Earthlings....I just think whatever minor mistakes they made there, they fixed on Dark Matter and then added more good stuff.  

MikeDigs

Vedd Hedd said:

MikeDigs said:

BF25394 said:

MikeDigs said:

jimjam1982 said:

Now that I have had a day of listens with the lyrics - not afraid to think this album stands the test of time to become Pearl Jams 4th Masterpiece album.

Dark Matter joins Ten/Vs/No Code. 

Congrats.

I'm with you.  Dark Matter joins the Pearl Jam Masterpiece collection.  I don't have those albums individual ranked, outside of VS being my all time favorite.  I get heavy enjoyment out of this collection of albums, and I'm very happy (and surprised) to be adding Dark Matter to the collection of VS, Ten, Vitalogy, No Code, and Yield.  I continue to spin these albums heavily, and these are no-skip masterpieces from front to back.

I would sooner give up my left pinky finger than my copy of Vitalogy, but the only reason I don't skip "Bugs" is that I just don't skip songs in general. So it's a masterpiece, but I don't know if it's a "no-skip masterpiece." (Along the same lines, No Code features "Habit," the worst "real" song on any studio album, "Mankind," which should have been a B-side, and "Lukin," which is not their best work. First half of No Code >>> second half of No Code, although "Present Tense" and "Around the Bend" are great.)

I like Bugs where it's placed, as a nice interlude.  The only one I have a tendency to skip is Stupid Mop, but I've powered through.  Habit is a top track for me on No Code, love it so much and that outro rocks really hard.  I also like Mankind and Lukin.  My tough track on No Code is I'm Open, and even still I don't mind listening on album run throughs.  Out of my list of "no-skip" Masterpieces, for me, the only track that's a struggle is Stupid Mop.

Dark Matter is wonderful, no skips, it sounds great together.  So happy we have this new album added to the already amazing catalog.

I love bugs, and stupid mop...especially when the drums kick in for stupid mop.  Both are cool, and fit well on THAT album.  Vitalogy is dark and creaky and weird, and I love that about it.   That said, I usually skip bugs and stupid mop, and put them on only occasionally.  

I have no skips on Dark Matter.   

I had skips after a couple of spins on Gigaton and Earthlings.  I like where they were going on both of those records, and I think that lead them here to Dark Matter, and Dark Matter crushed it.  

And I like Gigaton and Earthlings....I just think whatever minor mistakes they made there, they fixed on Dark Matter and then added more good stuff.  

I agree and love Vitalogy even more for that reason.  It's so unique, dark, and mysterious.  I do enjoy the drums in Stupid Mop, and I believe that is a Jack Irons composition.  It's a fine closer for an album run through, but I understand wanting to quickly change the track back to Last Exit.  Bugs is fun and mysterious with that accordion sound.

BF25394

Nathan Logan said:

I'm pretty surprised that Running and Wreckage were the two singles after Dark Matter - in my opinion, Won't Tell is hands down the best song on the record, followed by DM. That's after about 4 listens all the way through. Just my opinion. Both Running and Wreckage are great tracks too of course, and so is Waiting for Stevie. Overall a pretty damn good album really.

"Running" wasn't really a single in the conventional sense. They didn't work it to radio. I think they just wanted to share something else with the fans, but "Wreckage" was always intended to be the second "single."

BF25394

Vedd Hedd said:

I had skips after a couple of spins on Gigaton and Earthling.  I like where they were going on both of those records, and I think that lead them here to Dark Matter, and Dark Matter crushed it.  

How do you decide after only a couple of listens that a song needs to be skipped, especially when that song is by an artist with a long track record of success at producing songs you like? If Pearl Jam ever released an album that didn't do it for me-- it hasn't happened yet-- I imagine I'd probably listen to at least fifty times before giving up on it. In fact, when Wilco released Ode to Joy, an album that I really struggled to connect with from an artist that I've adored since the beginning, I listened to it every day for about six months and came to appreciate what it had to offer, even though it still doesn't stack up with the rest of their catalog.

Vedd Hedd

BF25394 said:

Vedd Hedd said:

I had skips after a couple of spins on Gigaton and Earthling.  I like where they were going on both of those records, and I think that lead them here to Dark Matter, and Dark Matter crushed it.  

How do you decide after only a couple of listens that a song needs to be skipped, especially when that song is by an artist with a long track record of success at producing songs you like? If Pearl Jam ever released an album that didn't do it for me-- it hasn't happened yet-- I imagine I'd probably listen to at least fifty times before giving up on it. In fact, when Wilco released Ode to Joy, an album that I really struggled to connect with from an artist that I've adored since the beginning, I listened to it every day for about six months and came to appreciate what it had to offer, even though it still doesn't stack up with the rest of their catalog.

I mean, I'm using hyperbole when I say "A few spins".  I don't literally mean like 2-3 times and I give up.  I just mean, after having had Gigaton for 4 years, and having Earthings for a couple, there are some tracks that I no longer dig.  I dont always skip them, and I still go back and give some others a chance. 

But even on first listen....Let's take Buckle Up.  I knew this would probably not be a top 10 song for me.  Which is fine, some people dig it and thats cool.   I still give it the random listen, but if I am listening to Gigaton now, I probably skip that one to get to some other songs.  But hearing it the first time, it just didn't have anything that really drew me back into it. I was like this with Do the Evolution initially, until I heard it live, then I sort of "got it".  Now I listen to that one all the time.  So it's different for different things.  Maybe someday Buckle Up will hit me.  Or "The Haves" might jump up and bite me one day too.  

My bigger point with Dark Matter is that there is not a single track on Dark Matter that I can see myself skipping at any point.  Right out of the gate, they all seem like my favorite song off the album at times. 

BF25394

Vedd Hedd said:

BF25394 said:

Vedd Hedd said:

I had skips after a couple of spins on Gigaton and Earthling.  I like where they were going on both of those records, and I think that lead them here to Dark Matter, and Dark Matter crushed it.  

How do you decide after only a couple of listens that a song needs to be skipped, especially when that song is by an artist with a long track record of success at producing songs you like? If Pearl Jam ever released an album that didn't do it for me-- it hasn't happened yet-- I imagine I'd probably listen to at least fifty times before giving up on it. In fact, when Wilco released Ode to Joy, an album that I really struggled to connect with from an artist that I've adored since the beginning, I listened to it every day for about six months and came to appreciate what it had to offer, even though it still doesn't stack up with the rest of their catalog.

I mean, I'm using hyperbole when I say "A few spins".  I don't literally mean like 2-3 times and I give up.  I just mean, after having had Gigaton for 4 years, and having Earthings for a couple, there are some tracks that I no longer dig.  I dont always skip them, and I still go back and give some others a chance. 

But even on first listen....Let's take Buckle Up.  I knew this would probably not be a top 10 song for me.  Which is fine, some people dig it and thats cool.   I still give it the random listen, but if I am listening to Gigaton now, I probably skip that one to get to some other songs.  But hearing it the first time, it just didn't have anything that really drew me back into it. I was like this with Do the Evolution initially, until I heard it live, then I sort of "got it".  Now I listen to that one all the time.  So it's different for different things.  Maybe someday Buckle Up will hit me.  Or "The Haves" might jump up and bite me one day too.  

My bigger point with Dark Matter is that there is not a single track on Dark Matter that I can see myself skipping at any point.  Right out of the gate, they all seem like my favorite song off the album at times. 

That all makes sense, except for the part about "The Haves" possibly having merit some day.

Vedd Hedd

BF25394 said:

Vedd Hedd said:

BF25394 said:

Vedd Hedd said:

I had skips after a couple of spins on Gigaton and Earthling.  I like where they were going on both of those records, and I think that lead them here to Dark Matter, and Dark Matter crushed it.  

How do you decide after only a couple of listens that a song needs to be skipped, especially when that song is by an artist with a long track record of success at producing songs you like? If Pearl Jam ever released an album that didn't do it for me-- it hasn't happened yet-- I imagine I'd probably listen to at least fifty times before giving up on it. In fact, when Wilco released Ode to Joy, an album that I really struggled to connect with from an artist that I've adored since the beginning, I listened to it every day for about six months and came to appreciate what it had to offer, even though it still doesn't stack up with the rest of their catalog.

I mean, I'm using hyperbole when I say "A few spins".  I don't literally mean like 2-3 times and I give up.  I just mean, after having had Gigaton for 4 years, and having Earthings for a couple, there are some tracks that I no longer dig.  I dont always skip them, and I still go back and give some others a chance. 

But even on first listen....Let's take Buckle Up.  I knew this would probably not be a top 10 song for me.  Which is fine, some people dig it and thats cool.   I still give it the random listen, but if I am listening to Gigaton now, I probably skip that one to get to some other songs.  But hearing it the first time, it just didn't have anything that really drew me back into it. I was like this with Do the Evolution initially, until I heard it live, then I sort of "got it".  Now I listen to that one all the time.  So it's different for different things.  Maybe someday Buckle Up will hit me.  Or "The Haves" might jump up and bite me one day too.  

My bigger point with Dark Matter is that there is not a single track on Dark Matter that I can see myself skipping at any point.  Right out of the gate, they all seem like my favorite song off the album at times. 

That all makes sense, except for the part about "The Haves" possibly having merit some day.

Hey, you never know!  Someday, it might just sneak up on you!  maybe not, but still haha

Vedd Hedd

BF25394 said:

Vedd Hedd said:

BF25394 said:

Vedd Hedd said:

I had skips after a couple of spins on Gigaton and Earthling.  I like where they were going on both of those records, and I think that lead them here to Dark Matter, and Dark Matter crushed it.  

How do you decide after only a couple of listens that a song needs to be skipped, especially when that song is by an artist with a long track record of success at producing songs you like? If Pearl Jam ever released an album that didn't do it for me-- it hasn't happened yet-- I imagine I'd probably listen to at least fifty times before giving up on it. In fact, when Wilco released Ode to Joy, an album that I really struggled to connect with from an artist that I've adored since the beginning, I listened to it every day for about six months and came to appreciate what it had to offer, even though it still doesn't stack up with the rest of their catalog.

I mean, I'm using hyperbole when I say "A few spins".  I don't literally mean like 2-3 times and I give up.  I just mean, after having had Gigaton for 4 years, and having Earthings for a couple, there are some tracks that I no longer dig.  I dont always skip them, and I still go back and give some others a chance. 

But even on first listen....Let's take Buckle Up.  I knew this would probably not be a top 10 song for me.  Which is fine, some people dig it and thats cool.   I still give it the random listen, but if I am listening to Gigaton now, I probably skip that one to get to some other songs.  But hearing it the first time, it just didn't have anything that really drew me back into it. I was like this with Do the Evolution initially, until I heard it live, then I sort of "got it".  Now I listen to that one all the time.  So it's different for different things.  Maybe someday Buckle Up will hit me.  Or "The Haves" might jump up and bite me one day too.  

My bigger point with Dark Matter is that there is not a single track on Dark Matter that I can see myself skipping at any point.  Right out of the gate, they all seem like my favorite song off the album at times. 

That all makes sense, except for the part about "The Haves" possibly having merit some day.

Out of fairness to The Haves, I just gave it another spin....

So, I do like the arrangement, even though its still a little soft for my taste.  And I like some of the lyrics, I just dont think they work together.  This song would have been better if it was 2.5 minutes.  

Actually that was sort of the problem with some of the Earthlings and Gigaton songs....some could have benefitted from losing a minute or two from the final song.  Esp the slow ones. 

Gern Blansten

This album is going to age very well. 

southernmanfan

Gern Blansten said:

This album is going to age very well. 

Agree. 

It’s so wonderful to be caught up in all the community excitement, hype and discussions about new music from a band that matters so much to all of us-and what an album! 

Whipping_Boy

I am blown away by this album. I haven’t listened to an album start to finish repeatedly, like 50 times already, like this forever. It gets better every time. Favorite songs keep changing. Not a bad song on it. Tops for me are Setting Sun, Waiting for Stevie, Wreckage, Won’t Tell, Scared of Fear, React, Respond, and Dark Matter. All are incredible. This is an epic album. Can’t wait to see all of it live. Would be thrilled if they played the whole thing in one show. Haven’t felt like that in years. Thank you Pearl Jam. 

djjazzy276

Whipping_Boy said:

I am blown away by this album. I haven’t listened to an album start to finish repeatedly, like 50 times already, like this forever. It gets better every time. Favorite songs keep changing. Not a bad song on it. Tops for me are Setting Sun, Waiting for Stevie, Wreckage, Won’t Tell, Scared of Fear, React, Respond, and Dark Matter. All are incredible. This is an epic album. Can’t wait to see all of it live. Would be thrilled if they played the whole thing in one show. Haven’t felt like that in years. Thank you Pearl Jam. 

When you go to list your favorite songs from the album and proceed to name 7 of the 11 tracks, that alone is a ringing endorsement haha. I feel the same way. I don't know what my favorite song is because there are too many competing for that title. 

jonbond1779

The people are smiling! 

Thank you Pearl Jam for an INCREDIBLE record! 

We can become one last setting sun ☀️

Whipping_Boy

djjazzy276 said: Yes!  Almost listed all of the songs. But had to draw line somewhere!

Whipping_Boy said:

I am blown away by this album. I haven’t listened to an album start to finish repeatedly, like 50 times already, like this forever. It gets better every time. Favorite songs keep changing. Not a bad song on it. Tops for me are Setting Sun, Waiting for Stevie, Wreckage, Won’t Tell, Scared of Fear, React, Respond, and Dark Matter. All are incredible. This is an epic album. Can’t wait to see all of it live. Would be thrilled if they played the whole thing in one show. Haven’t felt like that in years. Thank you Pearl Jam. 

When you go to list your favorite songs from the album and proceed to name 7 of the 11 tracks, that alone is a ringing endorsement haha. I feel the same way. I don't know what my favorite song is because there are too many competing for that title. 

Pitty1975

A throwback to the vitalogy / No Code / Yield era. Some great songs with punk influences and I am fingers crossed Waiting for Stevie is in the live encore in London in June as I think it will sound amazing with McCready losing his shit as it plays out and upper hands opening has shades of ‘inside job’

Vedd Hedd

jonbond1779 said:

The people are smiling! 

Thank you Pearl Jam for an INCREDIBLE record! 

We can become one last setting sun ☀️

I prefer the sun at the break of dawn. It's the start of something.

KV4053

DM is phenomenal.  I cannot get enough of it.  Listening to it for the second time this morning.

AA295481

From VS to Gigatron, i alway got the CD the first day i could buy it, and if I liked it I would buy it on  Album. This relese I decided to do it backwards, i bought the Album First and if I liked it i would buy it on CD, I avoided listning to singles, I did hear DM on the radio a few times, but If I heard it i would change the radio station, i wanted to go in to the Album fresh once it was released, I waited about 5 days after it was released when i got the album, i'm really glad I waited, I like it from beginning to end without skipping a song, I picked it up on CD today, Yes I know I could of downloaded it, put , call me old fahioned, but I perfer to actually have something physical for my $