My Pearl Jam Story..

Sleep.With.Innocence

I am sure you all get all kinds of these, but I'd like to share my passion for Pearl Jam here, because sadly this is one of the only places that I can.

I am 17, I live in Louisville Kentucky. When I was in 6th grade a group of all of my friends decided to do a "secret santa". I girl named Catherine drew my name, and she had no idea what to get me. I heard Black on the radio for the first time, I thought that song was pretty "pimp" (Current day slang ) so I told her "Pearl Jam - Ten" and to my surprise she bought me that CD.

I had that CD in my little Sony walkmen for three months straight. I was already into Nirvana (something about the whole Kurt Cobain/teenage rebellion thing was huge around my school) but nobody was really into Pearl Jam, and it baffled me. Luckily for me this was around the time that Audioslave became huge, which got me into Soundgarden to.

But enough rambling. Obsessed with Ten I decided to by Vs. and Vitalogy. I listened to Vs. a lot in the 8th grade, but it wasn't until 9th grade that I had my first encounter with Immorality. All I could think was "Oh shit!"

Since I first listened to Immortality 3 and a half years ago I have not gone a single day without listening to Pearl Jam. My favorite album of 10th grade was Yield, I spent the entire summer listening to it. That was the first album that I really loved from top to bottom, it has no glaring weaknesses at all.

In late summer I was in Chicago and I was riding the L-Train, I played "Sleight of Hand" for the first time on my Ipod, and it was a breath taking moment. Something about listening to that song L-Train alone, watching people live their lives in that "pattern" that the song speaks of, really is astonishing. Just for that split second, I felt like I truly knew the message Eddie was portraying.

It didn't take me long to realize that I was all alone in my High School. A lot of my really close friends are into Metallica, Mastodon, Led Zep, but no Pearl Jam. Half of my high school hasn't even heard of Pearl Jam, and the other half only knows "Alive" from rockband. I have no one at all to share my passion with, it's really tough.

I am a totally obsessed fan. My top 25 most played on my Ipod looks something like this..

1. Release - Fox Theater 1994 - 527
2. In My Tree - No Code - 491
3. Breath - Singles - 433
4. I Got Shit - Melbourne 1998 - 404
5. Leash - Vs. - 403
6. Given To Fly - Yield - 398
7. In Hiding - Yield - 362
8. Faithfull - Yield - 342
9. Rearviewmirror - Vs. -328
10. Daughter - Vs. - 320
11. Low Light - Yield - 320
12. Off He Goes - No Code - 315
13. Elderly - Vs. - 313
14. Believe You Me - Tower Records Demo (Bad Radio) - 291
16. Wishlist - Yield - 271
17. Inside Job - Avocado - 259
18. Corduroy - Vitalogy - 254
20. Better man - Vitalogy -228
21. Immorality - Vitalogy - 219
22. Nothingman - Vitalogy - 209

I have countless stories to tell about how much I love every single Pearl Jam record. I have "undeciphered tricks at the bar" to almost every Pearl Jam song I can. I have a butt load of Bootlegs. Musically no one else compares to them. I love them because they are real. Eddie Vedder is a humble. There is a lot of truth to all of their songs. It has meaning, purpose. Every song has a reason, and no one can write a song like Eddie Vedder.

I see this, NONE of my peers do. I would sell my soul to be 15 years older.

DewieCox

Neat. I really started gettin into them around my sophomore year in hs. I progressed pretty fast into my fandom, grabbing all the albums as my cashflow would allow. I absolutely loved every album, as I heard it, but then I seen them live.

Now that took it to a whole other level. It was only my 2nd concert and it was the summer after I graduated. Caught them in Indy in 2000, then when they released the bootlegs, I tried to stay album for album with them, even though I was broke as a joke.

A few tips...... "pimp" isn't really current and think about the big picture with Sleight of Hand

Welcome to the board.

Dead Man Walking

The first time I ever bought a CD was when I was in 6th grade...1991. My dad took me to the store and tole me I could pick two...I bought Pearl Jam Te nand Metallica the Black Album...its obvious which way I went...

great story...and dont worry about no one "getting it" sometimes it's better when you're the only one who likes something...

Sleep.With.Innocence

Dead Man Walking wrote:

The first time I ever bought a CD was when I was in 6th grade...1991. My dad took me to the store and tole me I could pick two...I bought Pearl Jam Te nand Metallica the Black Album...its obvious which way I went...

great story...and dont worry about no one "getting it" sometimes it's better when you're the only one who likes something...

Part of me honestly believe that if Pearl Jam was a huge fad at my school, I would be somewhat turned off by it. Now a days music is more of a trend then a passion.

Mrs.Vedder78

Sleep.With.Innocence wrote:

Dead Man Walking wrote:

The first time I ever bought a CD was when I was in 6th grade...1991. My dad took me to the store and tole me I could pick two...I bought Pearl Jam Te nand Metallica the Black Album...its obvious which way I went...

great story...and dont worry about no one "getting it" sometimes it's better when you're the only one who likes something...

Part of me honestly believe that if Pearl Jam was a huge fad at my school, I would be somewhat turned off by it. Now a days music is more of a trend then a passion.

I thought the story of how you got into the band was great! I'm glad you found their music and got hooked

I got into them when I was 13, I saw them live before I even got to know who they were. My parents left me at my cousin's because they were going out with my aunt and uncle and my cousins refused to stay home babysitting and they dragged me along to the club they were going to and voila! I was hooked from the very first time I heard Ed sing Garden!

polaris_x

you are wise beyond your years!

your story gave me goosebumps - could be that someone turned on the A/C cuz it's kinda chilly here ... but anyhoo - you've come to appreciate the band in all it's glory ... whatever you DO - if you get to be granted a wish - don't ask to be 15 years older ... between the boots and this forum and if you are so lucky - going to a concert - you will get to share that passion with others ...

i have a few friends who like PJ and one in particular i goto shows with but the main sharing experience is here in this forum where your age doesn't really matter

Mamasan23

Sleep.With.Innocence wrote:

Part of me honestly believe that if Pearl Jam was a huge fad at my school, I would be somewhat turned off by it. Now a days music is more of a trend then a passion.

Oooh good call on that one. While there are a few bands out there that this does not apply to - there are countless ones that do. I see bands like Fall Out Boy and Disturbed getting huge and it really makes me sick to my stomach (or maybe I'm just getting old :? ). A few weekends ago I was at a hardcore fest in Chicago called Burning Fight. Hardcore is more up my hubby's ladder but I wanted to check it out since his band was playing. I am not trying to put down that whole scene by any means, but what I saw was pretty disappointing. A lot of people attended just because 'it was the place to be' and since then a lot of people have been bragging about being there and meeting so-and-so. More than a passion for the music, instead I saw people trying to gain 'scene points'. I just remembered thinking "thank God I am not growing up now!"
...stepping off my soapbox....

It's nice to 'meet' you and it's always refreshing to hear other people talk about their love for PJ!

Sleep.With.Innocence

polaris_x wrote:

you are wise beyond your years!

your story gave me goosebumps - could be that someone turned on the A/C cuz it's kinda chilly here ... but anyhoo - you've come to appreciate the band in all it's glory ... whatever you DO - if you get to be granted a wish - don't ask to be 15 years older ... between the boots and this forum and if you are so lucky - going to a concert - you will get to share that passion with others ...

i have a few friends who like PJ and one in particular i goto shows with but the main sharing experience is here in this forum where your age doesn't really matter

Don't get me wrong, I do delight in my youth, but you know the only reason I'd want to be 15 years older isn't so I could share it with my peers, because then the band becomes more of a fad. I'd like to be 15 years older (Knowing what I know now - ) so I could see Eddie sing Blood in Atlanta. So I could see them play Breath for the very first time.

I love Pearl Jam, but old Pearl jam is simply amazing. Just the passion and rage the entire band had, seeing that live honestly looks breath taking.

12345AGNST1

All you gotta do now is see some shows. I hope that Jeff incident doesnt stop them from playing the south.

Sleep.With.Innocence

polaris_x wrote:

you are wise beyond your years!

your story gave me goosebumps - could be that someone turned on the A/C cuz it's kinda chilly here ... but anyhoo - you've come to appreciate the band in all it's glory ... whatever you DO - if you get to be granted a wish - don't ask to be 15 years older ... between the boots and this forum and if you are so lucky - going to a concert - you will get to share that passion with others ...

i have a few friends who like PJ and one in particular i goto shows with but the main sharing experience is here in this forum where your age doesn't really matter

And on top off that would it not be amazing to see Andrew Wood with Mother Love Bone? That alone is worth going back in time. I'd love to see him sing Crown of Thorns and Stardog Champion.

ms. goldenwords

Great post and story - Thanks for sharing it.
I think you've found a place where everyone will "get it" (and probably not ruin it for you, like a high school trend can). I also started listening in middle school, shortly after Ten came out, and I haven't really stopped. Please don't wish to be 15 years older, you still have time to see them live, which would be the only good reason to make such a wish

polaris_x

Sleep.With.Innocence wrote:

polaris_x wrote:

you are wise beyond your years!

your story gave me goosebumps - could be that someone turned on the A/C cuz it's kinda chilly here ... but anyhoo - you've come to appreciate the band in all it's glory ... whatever you DO - if you get to be granted a wish - don't ask to be 15 years older ... between the boots and this forum and if you are so lucky - going to a concert - you will get to share that passion with others ...

i have a few friends who like PJ and one in particular i goto shows with but the main sharing experience is here in this forum where your age doesn't really matter

And on top off that would it not be amazing to see Andrew Wood with Mother Love Bone? That alone is worth going back in time. I'd love to see him sing Crown of Thorns and Stardog Champion.

i guarantee you 99% of the people on this board didn't get that opportunity ... for sure - seeing them live is what it's all about - hopefully, you'll get to a show soon ...

GiventoFall

Ummm... you told your friend to buy you the ten album. Isnt the whole point of secret santa not knowing who's buying you a gift? Your a cheater. Your passion for pearl jam grew out of a lie you cheater.

FrankieG

Sleep.With.Innocence wrote:

I would sell my soul to be 15 years older.

Maybe not sell my soul, but i would LOVE to be 15 years older.
I am a kid of the 90s born too late to grow up in them. (i was born in 1990) I would have loved to be turning 18 in 1990 so I could have been a part of "it".

but what I hate the most is everyone in my school likeing the rap / R&B / "shit"...and NO ONE getting even close to PJ :(

megatron

i wish i was as smart as you when i was 17

Sleep.With.Innocence

GiventoFall wrote:

Ummm... you told your friend to buy you the ten album. Isnt the whole point of secret santa not knowing who's buying you a gift? Your a cheater. Your passion for pearl jam grew out of a lie you cheater.

She had no idea what to get me, so she just asked.

It would have happened sooner or later. I was already into Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Soundgarden, etc, so it was only a matter of time.

Once I got a hold of Ten it was pretty much over. They have made 7 AMAZING albums. Truth that strong is hard to keep secret.

U R A Crazy Breed

FrankieG wrote:

but what I hate the most is everyone in my school likeing the rap / R&B / "shit"...and NO ONE getting even close to PJ :(

don't stereo type or put people/yourself in a box!you CAN listen to more than one style of music! I listen to rap,r&b and everything else...except country..YUK!..and yet PJ is my Fav band..next to Led Zep..
but i was like 6 or 7 when i fell in love with them..

i was 19 when Ten came out and i took to PJ right away, the only regret i have is not going to see them live till '04..living in Boston i missed out on some epic shows! so if you love them now..WAIT TILL YOU SEE THEM LIVE!!! my daughter is 16 and she loves PJ,Led Zep,Elvis,The Beatles (etc.), i took her to see them when she was 13! her first concert ever and it was the night they "dropped the leash"! so welcome to the board fellow addict for this is truly the place where we all share your "sickness"

listen to more Binaural!!!!!!

blondieblue227

GiventoFall wrote:

Ummm... you told your friend to buy you the ten album. Isnt the whole point of secret santa not knowing who's buying you a gift? Your a cheater. Your passion for pearl jam grew out of a lie you cheater.

haha! good point.


here's my 'story'........

Ok, it was 92, and I was 13. The pop station back then played little of everything. When Jeremy came on, I was blown away by the story, voice and the guitar. If I listen just right, the first few notes of that song take me back to being a kid. I had just gotten my first CD player and picked a few albums in the cd store one weekend. I didn’t think pj was my type of music, so the fool that I was got Ten on cassette. BIG mistake, wore the damn thing out, and luckily before the tape literally snapped I had dubbed it over to another tape. I still remember what I was looking at when first heard “black”. The melody hit me hard, and I drifted off to space…this calm came over me. I was looking at my cd tower, at the two measly cds I owned, and how long it would take me to fill it up. Now, that’s not a problem, own over 150 cds, 14 of which are Pearl Jams. Ten single handedly helped me thru adolescences, and believe me, it wasn’t easy. My parents were going thru a divorce and I was struggling to find my place with having a disability. Not fun. I played Ten to escape, and there were many afternoons after school were I feel asleep listening to side two. Trying to belt out the lyrics in a way only Eddie can was it’s own twisted therapy too; loved his deep voice and how long he could hold a note. I had a blast trying to measure up. There’s nothing like throwing in your fav album, when there’s nobody around, and wailing out the lyrics.



I remember when Kurt died, I wasn’t surprised, his music seemed so unhappy. It was so obvious to me; this guy wasn’t just angry like Eddie, he was extremely depressed. I was worried about Eddie accepting fame, but I knew in my heart pj would make it. Damn right, they made it. I can’t imagine my world without them.

Sleep.With.Innocence

blondieblue227 wrote:

GiventoFall wrote:

Ummm... you told your friend to buy you the ten album. Isnt the whole point of secret santa not knowing who's buying you a gift? Your a cheater. Your passion for pearl jam grew out of a lie you cheater.

haha! good point.


here's my 'story'........

Ok, it was 92, and I was 13. The pop station back then played little of everything. When Jeremy came on, I was blown away by the story, voice and the guitar. If I listen just right, the first few notes of that song take me back to being a kid. I had just gotten my first CD player and picked a few albums in the cd store one weekend. I didn’t think pj was my type of music, so the fool that I was got Ten on cassette. BIG mistake, wore the damn thing out, and luckily before the tape literally snapped I had dubbed it over to another tape. I still remember what I was looking at when first heard “black”. The melody hit me hard, and I drifted off to space…this calm came over me. I was looking at my cd tower, at the two measly cds I owned, and how long it would take me to fill it up. Now, that’s not a problem, own over 150 cds, 14 of which are Pearl Jams. Ten single handedly helped me thru adolescences, and believe me, it wasn’t easy. My parents were going thru a divorce and I was struggling to find my place with having a disability. Not fun. I played Ten to escape, and there were many afternoons after school were I feel asleep listening to side two. Trying to belt out the lyrics in a way only Eddie can was it’s own twisted therapy too; loved his deep voice and how long he could hold a note. I had a blast trying to measure up. There’s nothing like throwing in your fav album, when there’s nobody around, and wailing out the lyrics.



I remember when Kurt died, I wasn’t surprised, his music seemed so unhappy. It was so obvious to me; this guy wasn’t just angry like Eddie, he was extremely depressed. I was worried about Eddie accepting fame, but I knew in my heart pj would make it. Damn right, they made it. I can’t imagine my world without them.

I think a lot of us use music to help cope. It's an escape for us. It can change your mood from one of a bitter reality, to that of hope.

That hope is what we are all living for.

Vedder_Girl77

Cool story but please don't wish to be 15 years older...enjoy your youth...it goes by way too fast. I was 15 in 1992 when I started listening to Pearl Jam and they have been my favorite band ever since. I grew up on grunge music.

Tonykin

I got your message... As I wish to be a little bit older too, so you were able to live that early 90's era and be able to attend shows from that time, etc... BTW I was 13 when I got into PJ back in 92...

Also, I like to be the only one around me (in school, work, family[except my brother]) that loves the band. I feel is easier for people to get to like other bands like Metallica, Nirvana, etc than get hooked with some special music like PJ's...