Am I the only one who almost
started crying after about 20 seconds of hearing this new song because I think it
is so f'ing awful? I have been trying to imagine what I would say in person to
any of them about this new sound which wouldn't be disrespectful and/or
hurtful, but I can't come up with anything at the moment. I remember laughing
and jumping up and down with joy when Mind Your Manners was released; I
listened to it at least 10 times in a row. I made myself listen to the first
verse through the chorus of this one, and then had to stop. I tried a second
time, and it wasn't any better. Artistically I understand that experimenting
and evolving is critical for a band, and of course I support them for doing so,
but I wasn’t expecting something this radically different. I can’t believe that
as a devoted fan since 1991, who moved to Seattle literally for no other reason
than I love them, I would ever say anything negative about them. There has
always been one song on each album that I don’t really care for, but I’ve never
hated any. I'm heartbroken.
Am I the only one who almost
started crying after about 20 seconds of hearing this new song because I think it
is so f'ing awful? I have been trying to imagine what I would say in person to
any of them about this new sound which wouldn't be disrespectful and/or
hurtful, but I can't come up with anything at the moment. I remember laughing
and jumping up and down with joy when Mind Your Manners was released; I
listened to it at least 10 times in a row. I made myself listen to the first
verse through the chorus of this one, and then had to stop. I tried a second
time, and it wasn't any better. Artistically I understand that experimenting
and evolving is critical for a band, and of course I support them for doing so,
but I wasn’t expecting something this radically different. I can’t believe that
as a devoted fan since 1991, who moved to Seattle literally for no other reason
than I love them, I would ever say anything negative about them. There has
always been one song on each album that I don’t really care for, but I’ve never
hated any. I'm heartbroken.
That's the crazy thing about art. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I went through something similar in the No Code days. Who You Are popped up and I bailed on the band. Too much good music around Seattle at that time and I couldn't be bothered to chase PJ's experiments around. But I eventually found my way back and love No Code now. But I just didn't have the time or energy to figure out PJ's abrupt change of direction and I put my energy into other local bands at the time. Anyway, with DotC my first impression was "yuck". My second impression was improved to "meh". After a few more listens, and remembering back to No Code, I decided that I really like it. And then I spent an hour with DotC on a loop and completely dig it. So my advice would be to either immerse yourself in it and find something to love about it, or kick it to the curb for awhile, hope for more personally appealing songs on the new record, and who knows, maybe you'll eventually come back to it. Don't despair!
"I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/08
I like them both. Can’t Deny Me took a few spins for me to “get it”, but I loved Clairvoyants from the first run. So it wins this poll for me.
That said, I completely get why some fans won’t ever like it. It’s the biggest reach they’ve ever made, and some folks just want Pearl Jam to sound like... Pearl Jam. I don’t disrespect those of you with that opinion. But man, I dig it!
I've actually come around a bit on Can't Deny Me. I was a hater at first. It was presented as a single from the forthcoming album, and I just thought it was awful. It wasn't just that I didn't like the song (which I didn't, the lyrics are pretty cheesy), I thought the actual recording just sounded like shit. Are they going for some low-fi sound or something? I didn't like the possibility of an album that Can't Deny Me was the lead single from.
But now, removed from the possibility of Can't Deny Me being representative of an entire album, I look at it like a random song in the realm of "Ole," but way better than Ole. Looking at more positive aspects of the song (because really, I was a HATER), I like the riff. And the chorus, while cheesy, has been stuck in my head over the past year more than any PJ song released since Riot Act. And it was pretty good live too when I saw it in Boston.
Just not a fan of CDM. I LOVE the message and will admit it is better live but the arrangement just does not register for me. DOTC has really grown on me over the last 24 hours and has me excited for what's next.
I have to say, the people that keep looping this tune that go from Meh, to Its OK. to I like it. to its great, may be kidding themselves. By the 50th play they will never want to listen to it again. "Who you are" I can listen to 100 times in a row and it is different and experimental and a very good song. This album may be like, hey lets get in the studio and make songs of all the bands we love. How about make songs about the band that you are. If I hear one Axel F riff on this album, I would have to say they mailed it in. Even on Lightning Bolt, The "Infallible" chorus sounded like a Cristina Aguilera song. I know its hard when you have been doing something so long to come up with fresh ideas. How about do what you do best. Make great Rock music with inspiring lyrics.
Am I the only one who almost
started crying after about 20 seconds of hearing this new song because I think it
is so f'ing awful? I have been trying to imagine what I would say in person to
any of them about this new sound which wouldn't be disrespectful and/or
hurtful, but I can't come up with anything at the moment. I remember laughing
and jumping up and down with joy when Mind Your Manners was released; I
listened to it at least 10 times in a row. I made myself listen to the first
verse through the chorus of this one, and then had to stop. I tried a second
time, and it wasn't any better. Artistically I understand that experimenting
and evolving is critical for a band, and of course I support them for doing so,
but I wasn’t expecting something this radically different. I can’t believe that
as a devoted fan since 1991, who moved to Seattle literally for no other reason
than I love them, I would ever say anything negative about them. There has
always been one song on each album that I don’t really care for, but I’ve never
hated any. I'm heartbroken.
I would urge you to calm down and not cry about it. You don't have to like or even tolerate every song by a band you like. I would assume the entire album doesn't sound like this. And if it does and you just can't stand it? There are 10 other albums' worth of material for you to enjoy.
Honestly, I guarantee you that Pearl Jam doesn't love every single Pearl Jam song. It's OK to dislike.
everybody wants the most they can possibly get
for the least they could possibly do
I really liked CDM. Dance is getting better and better. Man, it’s good. If someone had just described PJ doing this I would’ve said “well that’s gonna fucking suck” but it’s really well done. The guitar work is sick. Lyrics are great. The bass is ridiculously good. And Matt...wow. Knowing he did the drums live is super impressive, great beat. Overall it’s very catchy. I can’t fucking wait for Gigaton and two shows!
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2022: St. Louis, MO 09-18
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brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 40,767
Dance of the Clairvoyants
The other "Dance..." thread being closed. I'll say here the I'll give it another shot. Thanks Abe and a few others for suggesting to do so. I'll admit, 30 seconds isn't a fair listen.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
The other "Dance..." thread being closed. I'll say here the I'll give it another shot. Thanks Abe and a few others for suggesting to do so. I'll admit, 30 seconds isn't a fair listen.
I apologize for my part in hopefully just temporarily closing that thread. I enjoy stirring the pot too much sometimes.
I do hope you give it a few more listens. The transitions from the verse to the chorus are awesome. For its genre, sure not a great song. Devo couldn’t write a one off song like Spin the Black Circle either. But A for effort and so thankful to have something different to change things up. I am excited because they are excited. I trust Stone the most and if he is pumped it is a good thing.
The other "Dance..." thread being closed. I'll say here the I'll give it another shot. Thanks Abe and a few others for suggesting to do so. I'll admit, 30 seconds isn't a fair listen.
I apologize for my part in hopefully just temporarily closing that thread. I enjoy stirring the pot too much sometimes.
I do hope you give it a few more listens. The transitions from the verse to the chorus are awesome. For its genre, sure not a great song. Devo couldn’t write a one off song like Spin the Black Circle either. But A for effort and so thankful to have something different to change things up. I am excited because they are excited. I trust Stone the most and if he is pumped it is a good thing.
Maybe they'll reopen the thread.
But here we are and this is good. Yes, I gave the song a serious, 100% focused listen. I liked it better- it's certainly not a "bad" song- but I doubt it will ever do much for me. I would have totally dug it in the 80's but, like so much 80's stuff I used to like, I cringe listening to songs with little or no variation to the beat and the drumming. I want to soar more than drill. A drum machine could have done the job about as well- no offense to Matt, he's a fine drummer, but this just isn't my thing anymore.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
Dance is a coherent well written song. Can't Deny Me was a bunch of half-ideas thrown together that don't really fit together. The transitions from one part to another are not working.
The decision is a little difficult for me because I like both songs. CDM is great, nice to rock, but I don't like the chorus (the sound), I think it kind of pulls down the rocky mood of the song. DotC is refreshingly different, danceable, the chorus reminds me of Bowie somehow too ... I like the song, but it's not my favorite.
Berlin 07/05/2018; Berlin 06/21/2022; Frankfurt 06/28/2022 Eddie Vedder Düsseldorf 06/30/2019 "The future ain't what it used to be..."
They are both awesome songs. I like the vocals a little bit more on CDM. I think that is the one thing I’ll miss with BoB. I love the way Ed’s voice comes through when he is producing. Dance wouldn’t have happened with him though, and I’m glad it did.
Am I the only one who almost
started crying after about 20 seconds of hearing this new song because I think it
is so f'ing awful? I have been trying to imagine what I would say in person to
any of them about this new sound which wouldn't be disrespectful and/or
hurtful, but I can't come up with anything at the moment. I remember laughing
and jumping up and down with joy when Mind Your Manners was released; I
listened to it at least 10 times in a row. I made myself listen to the first
verse through the chorus of this one, and then had to stop. I tried a second
time, and it wasn't any better. Artistically I understand that experimenting
and evolving is critical for a band, and of course I support them for doing so,
but I wasn’t expecting something this radically different. I can’t believe that
as a devoted fan since 1991, who moved to Seattle literally for no other reason
than I love them, I would ever say anything negative about them. There has
always been one song on each album that I don’t really care for, but I’ve never
hated any. I'm heartbroken.
I would urge you to calm down and not cry about it. You don't have to like or even tolerate every song by a band you like. I would assume the entire album doesn't sound like this. And if it does and you just can't stand it? There are 10 other albums' worth of material for you to enjoy.
Honestly, I guarantee you that Pearl Jam doesn't love every single Pearl Jam song. It's OK to dislike.
Last sentence= Right on. First one= Not cool (patronizing) I love the new video, especially since they barely show their faces so the viewer's attention is focused on the iconic imagery of climate change. I just watched it--with the sound muted HA!--and am really moved by how powerful, and beautiful, it is. As always, I'm proud of their ethics and their ongoing commitment to speaking out/up
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Brad: Zoetermeer & Utrecht 2013
Soundgarden: Pinkpop 2012, Amsterdam 2013, Utrecht 2014
May 15, 2010 Hartford, CT
October 12, 2013 Buffalo, NY
Am I the only one who almost started crying after about 20 seconds of hearing this new song because I think it is so f'ing awful? I have been trying to imagine what I would say in person to any of them about this new sound which wouldn't be disrespectful and/or hurtful, but I can't come up with anything at the moment. I remember laughing and jumping up and down with joy when Mind Your Manners was released; I listened to it at least 10 times in a row. I made myself listen to the first verse through the chorus of this one, and then had to stop. I tried a second time, and it wasn't any better. Artistically I understand that experimenting and evolving is critical for a band, and of course I support them for doing so, but I wasn’t expecting something this radically different. I can’t believe that as a devoted fan since 1991, who moved to Seattle literally for no other reason than I love them, I would ever say anything negative about them. There has always been one song on each album that I don’t really care for, but I’ve never hated any. I'm heartbroken.
Anyway, with DotC my first impression was "yuck". My second impression was improved to "meh". After a few more listens, and remembering back to No Code, I decided that I really like it. And then I spent an hour with DotC on a loop and completely dig it. So my advice would be to either immerse yourself in it and find something to love about it, or kick it to the curb for awhile, hope for more personally appealing songs on the new record, and who knows, maybe you'll eventually come back to it. Don't despair!
Really looking forward to seeing that track live!
the more i listen to the new song the more convinced I am that it was left off of the Fletch soundtrack.
"Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."
But now, removed from the possibility of Can't Deny Me being representative of an entire album, I look at it like a random song in the realm of "Ole," but way better than Ole. Looking at more positive aspects of the song (because really, I was a HATER), I like the riff. And the chorus, while cheesy, has been stuck in my head over the past year more than any PJ song released since Riot Act. And it was pretty good live too when I saw it in Boston.
Pearl Jam bootlegs:
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2003: Pitt, State College, Columbus,DC, Hershey
2004: Reading, Toledo, DC
2005: Pitt
2006: Cleve, Camden 1+2, DC, Pitt, Cinci
2008: Camden 1+2, DC
2009: Philly 3
2010: Columbus
2012: Philly
2013: Pitt, NYC 1+2
Honestly, I guarantee you that Pearl Jam doesn't love every single Pearl Jam song. It's OK to dislike.
for the least they could possibly do
I do hope you give it a few more listens. The transitions from the verse to the chorus are awesome. For its genre, sure not a great song. Devo couldn’t write a one off song like Spin the Black Circle either. But A for effort and so thankful to have something different to change things up. I am excited because they are excited. I trust Stone the most and if he is pumped it is a good thing.
DotC is refreshingly different, danceable, the chorus reminds me of Bowie somehow too ... I like the song, but it's not my favorite.
Eddie Vedder Düsseldorf 06/30/2019
"The future ain't what it used to be..."
DoTC has a much much better execution of their intent. It may not be everyone's vibe.
Also for me CDM is so utterly forgettable because it is a digital throw away. I am a geezer and still like my physical music formats.
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