I think over the past 5 years the band is playing songs based on reaction/participation that songs get from the crowd, at least in the first set anyway. That and what ever album they are touring behind.
Force of Nature and My Fathers Son kinda got ignored due to them not playing them well I would say, speaking as someone who listens to every show.
I'm very curious to see how this one stands the test of time. Will it be played much this fall and beyond? It was even dropped from a few shows in the fall of 2014.
I would say that all the songs people call their white whale songs are considered songs that they don't enjoy playing. I mean who really wants to hear ghost or gods dice or sweet Lew?
I LOVE to hear Ghost and God's Dice - Riot Act and Binaural are my #1 and #2 albums (interchangeably). And I have been lucky enough to catch both live. Hope I get to again. But yeah, no one wants to hear Sweet Lew, lol.
Ghost - Hell yes !
God's Dice- Hell yes !
Sweet Lew- lol..... I'll pass !
(And, Riot act is surely underrated ! Also, Binaural is badass !)
I'm very curious to see how this one stands the test of time. Will it be played much this fall and beyond? It was even dropped from a few shows in the fall of 2014.
It is one of the few songs I never want to hear at a show again.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
No idea of whether or not they're collectively into playing it, but I'd imagine Blood would fuck with the throat.
It'd make me revolt!
It's killer to sing along to, too. I've left many a PJ show with no voice left. I've been to 3 shows in a row, 4 in one week as well and not only is my voice spent, my body and soul are too. I do not know how they do it. And do it so well.
And whoever mentioned Corduroy and Mike hating it after the 2000 tour. I'm right there with him. That song is way overplayed. Must be Ed's favorite.
He's right ya know. Sounds like someone wanted to copy RHCP and failed.
They were copying RHCP - they wrote it while on tour with them. I don't think they failed though....and I quite like Dirty Frank! I definitely think Sweet Lew is the worst Pearl Jam song ever though. Fuck, that voice. I don't wtf Jeff was thinking.
Post edited by PJ_Soul on
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
He's right ya know. Sounds like someone wanted to copy RHCP and failed.
They were copying RHCP - they wrote it while on tour with them. I don't think they failed though....and I quite like Dirty Frank! I definitely think Sweet Lew is the worst Pearl Jam song ever though. Fuck, that voice. I don't wtf Jeff was thinking.
It's never a good idea to "copy" someone and record it. They should have just covered a RHCP song. Besides, Ed was in Bad Radio and they were a cheesy RHCP wannabe outfit. I am not entirely sure, but I would imagine it was one of the reasons he left the group.
Post edited by 1ThoughtKnown on
0
brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,261
I would say that all the songs people call their white whale songs are considered songs that they don't enjoy playing. I mean who really wants to hear ghost or gods dice or sweet Lew?
I LOVE to hear Ghost and God's Dice - Riot Act and Binaural are my #1 and #2 albums (interchangeably). And I have been lucky enough to catch both live. Hope I get to again. But yeah, no one wants to hear Sweet Lew, lol.
Totally agree. I love "Ghost" and here's why (I wrote this a couple of years ago):
One of the things I love about skillful songwriting is the use of subtle texturing to add meaning to a song. I've been thinking about this while listening to "Ghost" lately. (I'm not proficient at music theory but I'll try my best to explain what I mean here.) The opening chord of "Ghost" is played for one measure only and the second chord for two and after that the pattern goes to a more familiar AA/BB (or AA/BC) pattern. That jump from the first chord to the second adds a subtle sense of urgency or even anxiety to the song- at least to my ears- and I like that. It gives the song added dimension. I've noticed the same thing happens now and then in some of Keith Richards opening guitar parts lines on some of the songs, for example, on "Exile on Main St." On close listening to the intros of songs like "Happy" and "Tumbling Dice" you hear these unexpected notes slipped in-- and done so very intentionally.
Pearl Jam's music never ceases to amaze me. I love the way you can listen to their stuff for a long time and still find something new. Very cool.
"...Dimitri...He talks to me...'.."The Ghost of Greece..".
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
He's right ya know. Sounds like someone wanted to copy RHCP and failed.
They were copying RHCP - they wrote it while on tour with them. I don't think they failed though....and I quite like Dirty Frank! I definitely think Sweet Lew is the worst Pearl Jam song ever though. Fuck, that voice. I don't wtf Jeff was thinking.
It's never a good idea to "copy" someone and record it. They should have just covered a RHCP song. Besides, Ed was in Bad Radio and they were a cheesy RHCP wannabe outfit. I am not entirely sure, but I would imagine it was one of the reasons he left the group.
Well I'd more call it inspired by RHCP. They obviously just wanted to try out that funk style. I think you may be taking the song too seriously TBH! It wasn't meant to be a serious song. They were basically just fucking around while on a crazy tour and then recorded it. It was never meant for a studio album or anything. It's just a fun song! "That Dirty Frank is a baaaad motherfucker!"
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
I'm very curious to see how this one stands the test of time. Will it be played much this fall and beyond? It was even dropped from a few shows in the fall of 2014.
Yeah I saw PJ twice in the fall tour last year and they didn't play it at either of the shows (St. Louis and Moline). I do like the song, but whatever they replace it with is fine as far as I'm concerned.
He's right ya know. Sounds like someone wanted to copy RHCP and failed.
They were copying RHCP - they wrote it while on tour with them. I don't think they failed though....and I quite like Dirty Frank! I definitely think Sweet Lew is the worst Pearl Jam song ever though. Fuck, that voice. I don't wtf Jeff was thinking.
It's never a good idea to "copy" someone and record it. They should have just covered a RHCP song. Besides, Ed was in Bad Radio and they were a cheesy RHCP wannabe outfit. I am not entirely sure, but I would imagine it was one of the reasons he left the group.
Well I'd more call it inspired by RHCP. They obviously just wanted to try out that funk style. I think you may be taking the song too seriously TBH! It wasn't meant to be a serious song. They were basically just fucking around while on a crazy tour and then recorded it. It was never meant for a studio album or anything. It's just a fun song! "That Dirty Frank is a baaaad motherfucker!"
That's the point. It wasn't taken seriously, it wasn't meant for a studio album, it should never have been recorded (showing their inexperience at the time). You can like the song, I really don't care, but it is pure crap. Point is, the band knows this and you will never, ever, hear it played live again.
^^^^ The point of the thread is, songs the BAND doesn't like playing, not what the fans like. Some people consider Creed a good band too, that's their opinion.
Well I'm glad it was recorded. I don't understand why anyone would ever utter the words "it should never have been recorded", unless they are the ones paying for the studio time.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
Well I'm glad it was recorded. I don't understand why anyone would ever utter the words "it should never have been recorded", unless they are the ones paying for the studio time.
I'm glad you are glad. The lead singer of the band, who called it a "shitty song" probably wishes it was never recorded. Then again, maybe they love the song, and the "shitty song" comment was in jest, and that's why they have played the song twice since 1994
Well I'm glad it was recorded. I don't understand why anyone would ever utter the words "it should never have been recorded", unless they are the ones paying for the studio time.
I'm glad you are glad. The lead singer of the band, who called it a "shitty song" probably wishes it was never recorded. Then again, maybe they love the song, and the "shitty song" comment was in jest, and that's why they have played the song twice since 1994
^^^^ That is funny. I remember liking that song when it first came out (I still have the single tape) simply because at that time as a Pearl Jam fan it was your duty to like every single song Pearl Jam put out - no questions. Now as time has passed I am comfortable saying that I am a huge Pearl Jam fan but am embarrassed by some songs they have made and would never subject them on anyone. Sweet Lew and Dirty Frank are two that come to mind......
^^^^ Exactly. It's like meeting the man/woman of your dreams. For a while you can do no wrong, they are blinded by your infatuation. 25 years later you reminisce and realize, there were a few places you went and prefer not to go again, in fact, if you could do it all over again you would change those things. You love him/her more now than ever, but that early inexperience came with a few mistakes you wish everyone would forget
From now on, all my early mistakes are going to be called Dirty Franks or Sweet Lews
Well I'm glad it was recorded. I don't understand why anyone would ever utter the words "it should never have been recorded", unless they are the ones paying for the studio time.
I'm glad you are glad. The lead singer of the band, who called it a "shitty song" probably wishes it was never recorded. Then again, maybe they love the song, and the "shitty song" comment was in jest, and that's why they have played the song twice since 1994
I have no idea and don't care what they think of it. I just think it's a fun and goofy song and I don't see why anyone wouldn't want any song recorded. They put it on Lost Dogs in 2003, so they couldn't have hated it so much they didn't want people to listen to it. (I too feel uncomfortable listening to Sweet Lew and a few others though. I think most people know that I have no problems disliking PJ songs).
Post edited by PJ_Soul on
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
Dirty Frank always reminds me of the summer of 1993... working a shitty job at a grocery store.. used to play the Alive import single all the time. I have no problem with the song... it is what it is... just a "fucking around on tour song".
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2004- Asheville, NC (hometown show)
2006- Cincinnati, OH
2008- Columbia, SC
2009- Chicago, IL x 2 / Ed Vedder- Atlanta, GA x 2
2010- Bristow, VA
2011- Alpine Valley, WI (PJ20) x 2 / Ed Vedder- Chicago, IL
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2013- Charlotte, NC
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Comments
I heard that Sinatra hated singing Strangers in the Night. Don't blame him one iota.
Force of Nature and My Fathers Son kinda got ignored due to them not playing them well I would say, speaking as someone who listens to every show.
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And whoever mentioned Corduroy and Mike hating it after the 2000 tour. I'm right there with him. That song is way overplayed. Must be Ed's favorite.
In fact, the only other PJ songs I really can't stand are Dirty Frank and Sweet Lew.
Please play The Whale Song in Santiago!!
***** For those who may not have understood, this whole post was intended as a joke. *****
I don't think they failed though....and I quite like Dirty Frank!
I definitely think Sweet Lew is the worst Pearl Jam song ever though. Fuck, that voice. I don't wtf Jeff was thinking.
Besides, Ed was in Bad Radio and they were a cheesy RHCP wannabe outfit. I am not entirely sure, but I would imagine it was one of the reasons he left the group.
One of the things I love about skillful songwriting is the use of subtle texturing to add meaning to a song. I've been thinking about this while listening to "Ghost" lately. (I'm not proficient at music theory but I'll try my best to explain what I mean here.) The opening chord of "Ghost" is played for one measure only and the second chord for two and after that the pattern goes to a more familiar AA/BB (or AA/BC) pattern. That jump from the first chord to the second adds a subtle sense of urgency or even anxiety to the song- at least to my ears- and I like that. It gives the song added dimension. I've noticed the same thing happens now and then in some of Keith Richards opening guitar parts lines on some of the songs, for example, on "Exile on Main St." On close listening to the intros of songs like "Happy" and "Tumbling Dice" you hear these unexpected notes slipped in-- and done so very intentionally.
Pearl Jam's music never ceases to amaze me. I love the way you can listen to their stuff for a long time and still find something new. Very cool.
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
Prague Krakow Berlin 2018. Berlin 2022
EV, Taormina 1+2 2017.
I wish i was the souvenir you kept your house key 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.
That's the point. It wasn't taken seriously, it wasn't meant for a studio album, it should never have been recorded (showing their inexperience at the time).
You can like the song, I really don't care, but it is pure crap. Point is, the band knows this and you will never, ever, hear it played live again.
Some people consider it their whale song.....
The point of the thread is, songs the BAND doesn't like playing, not what the fans like.
Some people consider Creed a good band too, that's their opinion.
Then again, maybe they love the song, and the "shitty song" comment was in jest, and that's why they have played the song twice since 1994
That is funny.
I remember liking that song when it first came out (I still have the single tape) simply because at that time as a Pearl Jam fan it was your duty to like every single song Pearl Jam put out - no questions.
Now as time has passed I am comfortable saying that I am a huge Pearl Jam fan but am embarrassed by some songs they have made and would never subject them on anyone.
Sweet Lew and Dirty Frank are two that come to mind......
Exactly. It's like meeting the man/woman of your dreams. For a while you can do no wrong, they are blinded by your infatuation.
25 years later you reminisce and realize, there were a few places you went and prefer not to go again, in fact, if you could do it all over again you would change those things.
You love him/her more now than ever, but that early inexperience came with a few mistakes you wish everyone would forget
From now on, all my early mistakes are going to be called Dirty Franks or Sweet Lews
(I too feel uncomfortable listening to Sweet Lew and a few others though. I think most people know that I have no problems disliking PJ songs).
livefootsteps.org/user/?usr=446
1995- New Orleans, LA : New Orleans, LA
1996- Charleston, SC
1998- Atlanta, GA: Birmingham, AL: Greenville, SC: Knoxville, TN
2000- Atlanta, GA: New Orleans, LA: Memphis, TN: Nashville, TN
2003- Raleigh, NC: Charlotte, NC: Atlanta, GA
2004- Asheville, NC (hometown show)
2006- Cincinnati, OH
2008- Columbia, SC
2009- Chicago, IL x 2 / Ed Vedder- Atlanta, GA x 2
2010- Bristow, VA
2011- Alpine Valley, WI (PJ20) x 2 / Ed Vedder- Chicago, IL
2012- Atlanta, GA
2013- Charlotte, NC
2014- Cincinnati, OH
2015- New York, NY
2016- Greenville, SC: Hampton, VA:: Columbia, SC: Raleigh, NC : Lexington, KY: Philly, PA 2: (Wrigley) Chicago, IL x 2 (holy shit): Temple of the Dog- Philly, PA
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