Dark Matter album reviews

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  • crober72
    crober72 Bartlett, IL Posts: 86
    GM151575 said:
    Got to listen a little for second time on way to work. I liked scared of fear and react, respond better than first listen. So see how it goes. I don’t think we will see Andrew Watt back though. 
    Not so sure on that — Stone says he wants to make another with Watt right away, according to this… 
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kyle-meredith-with/id1381546475?i=1000652711504

    If it is Watt or someone else, just please let it be someone that keeps them reigned in a little. The fact that DM is so tight is what I'm really liking about the album so far.
  • JKestle
    JKestle Posts: 65
    GM151575 said:
    Got to listen a little for second time on way to work. I liked scared of fear and react, respond better than first listen. So see how it goes. I don’t think we will see Andrew Watt back though. 
    We can all only hope you're wrong...I agree with Ed and Stone (latest podcasts/interviews), Andrew produced a great sounding loud album that holds its composure cranked, and he deserves a second album.
  • kmcmanus
    kmcmanus Posts: 893
    Ed enjoyed working with him so much he stopped the album they were already making to start making a PJ album. Stone & Jeff have raved about him. I’m about 100% certain he gets at least one more crack at it.
  • BlueLedbetter
    BlueLedbetter Posts: 1,377
    kmcmanus said:
    Ed enjoyed working with him so much he stopped the album they were already making to start making a PJ album. Stone & Jeff have raved about him. I’m about 100% certain he gets at least one more crack at it.
    Get it done after the tour 
  • tbergs
    tbergs Posts: 10,401
    BlueLedbetter said:
    kmcmanus said:
    Ed enjoyed working with him so much he stopped the album they were already making to start making a PJ album. Stone & Jeff have raved about him. I’m about 100% certain he gets at least one more crack at it.
    Get it done after the tour 
    Fuck it, do what they did 30 years ago and write on the tour "bus" between gigs. Bottle the lightning while the spark is ignited. 
    It's a hopeless situation...
  • bicyclejoe
    bicyclejoe USA Posts: 1,203
    edited April 2024
    JKestle said:
    GM151575 said:
    Got to listen a little for second time on way to work. I liked scared of fear and react, respond better than first listen. So see how it goes. I don’t think we will see Andrew Watt back though. 
    We can all only hope you're wrong...I agree with Ed and Stone (latest podcasts/interviews), Andrew produced a great sounding loud album that holds its composure cranked, and he deserves a second album.
    I love the album, but can only help the mix better if they do another one with Watt. It is overly compressed. There’s no room for the music to breathe and the instruments to separate. Everything is just mashed together and mixed loud. 

    Measurements of DR Peak (the lower the number, the more compression, the worse the fidelity and clarity).

    Their most compressed album yet. DR for each album:

    Dark Matter - 5
    Gigaton - 8 
    Lightning Bolt - 8
    Backspacer - 7
    Pearl Jam - 6
    Riot Act - 6
    Binaural - 7
    Yield - 7
    No Code - 7
    Vitalogy - 9
    Vs. - 9
    Ten - 10
    Post edited by bicyclejoe on
    My Pearl Jam Road: 10/22/90 Seattle | 12/22/90 Seattle, Moore Theater | 9/29/92 Seattle, Magnusson Park, Drop in the Park | 9/5/93 The Gorge, with Neil Young and Blind Melon | 7/20/06 Portland, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall with Sleater-Kinney | 7/22/06 The Gorge, 10/21/06 Mountain View, Shoreline Ampitheatre, Bridge School Benefit | 9/21/09 Seattle | 9/22/09 Seattle | 9/26/09 Portland, OR | 7/14/2011 Eddie Vedder, Portland, OR | 11/29/13 Portland, OR
  • LiteTheMatch
    LiteTheMatch Posts: 1,208
    wish the drums were louder + the mix wasn't so compressed.   Waiting for the remastered version!  ;)
    A child's rhyme stuck in my head...
    It said "Life is nothing but a dream."
    I've spent so many years in question
    To find I'd known this all along.
  • kramerica4
    kramerica4 Posts: 284
    SPIN gives Dark Matter a well deserved A-
    https://www.spin.com/2024/04/pearl-jam-dark-matter-review/
  • Lifted
    Lifted Posts: 1,836
    Lifted said:
    My initial reaction is that this album is all over the place and has no flow. A lot of styles going on, and too many for it's own good. It definitely has it's moments, but the lows are very low. I'll give it more time, but if this isnt the worst PJ album in the catalog, it's probably only better than lightning bolt which isn't saying much.

    For me wreckage, won't tell and something special were the lows. Upper hand, setting sun, scared of fear and running were my initial highlights. Waiting for Stevie has some great moments, and also some parts I'm not really fond of.

    This album is a lot to digest....but for now I'm feeling a 6/10

    And yes, I know my review sucks.
    Through no peer pressure, I'm editing my evolving rating. As I said initially, this album is a lot to digest. Usually it's the albums that confuse on first listen that I end up liking the most, so hopefully that's what's going on here.

    As of now, I'm bumping this up to at least an 8/10, subject to change. I dont want to overrate it quite yet. I still think Something Special was an odd addition to a Pearl Jam album and probably would've been a better fit on an EV solo project. The other songs that were rubbing me the wrong way were Wreckage and Won't Tell. It's something about the backing vocals and production that made them feel more like overproduced mainstream pop songs than proper Pearl Jam tracks...but even those are becoming increasingly tolerable to me, especially within the context of the album.

    I listened to this in Dolby atmos ultra HD last night with headphones, and it made a huge difference. It's definitely way more produced and polished than most PJ albums, but if you hear it through proper speakers it does sound great. 

    At the moment, the album overall sounds like Pearl Jam showing off to me. Every member throughout the majority of the album. I mean that in a good way. I'm not quite ready to declare any of it classic, but the instrumentation, vocals and interplay between the band is really superb throughout.
  • crober72
    crober72 Bartlett, IL Posts: 86
    kramerica4 said:
    SPIN gives Dark Matter a well deserved A-
    https://www.spin.com/2024/04/pearl-jam-dark-matter-review/
    This is a pretty good summary of the album: “Is Dark Matter that different from immediate predecessors Backspacer, Lightning Bolt, and Gigaton? Not really. But is it somehow Pearl Jammier, in an ineffable sense? Yep—in fact, it’s something special.”

    Backspacer is the immediate comparison that keeps coming to mjnd because both records feel so concise, but there are several songs that would have been at home on LB, and in general i think this is the album that Gigaton could have been with a little more restraint. 
  • GM151575
    GM151575 Freehold, NJ Posts: 352
    JKestle said:
    We can all only hope you're wrong...I agree with Ed and Stone (latest podcasts/interviews), Andrew produced a great sounding loud album that holds its composure cranked, and he deserves a second album.
    I disagree. ‘Tis all 
  • bicyclejoe
    bicyclejoe USA Posts: 1,203

    Paste

    Pearl Jam Get Exploratory on the Cosmic, Curious and Familiar Dark Matter

    The Seattle band’s 12th album is pensive, anthemic and emblematic of the storied 30-year chemistry shared between Eddie Vedder and Stone Gossard.

    My Pearl Jam Road: 10/22/90 Seattle | 12/22/90 Seattle, Moore Theater | 9/29/92 Seattle, Magnusson Park, Drop in the Park | 9/5/93 The Gorge, with Neil Young and Blind Melon | 7/20/06 Portland, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall with Sleater-Kinney | 7/22/06 The Gorge, 10/21/06 Mountain View, Shoreline Ampitheatre, Bridge School Benefit | 9/21/09 Seattle | 9/22/09 Seattle | 9/26/09 Portland, OR | 7/14/2011 Eddie Vedder, Portland, OR | 11/29/13 Portland, OR
  • Kurt Brutus Bacon
    Kurt Brutus Bacon Posts: 81
    edited April 2024
    .



    Post edited by Kurt Brutus Bacon on
    Roskilde 2000, Barcelona 2006, Berlin 2006, Copenhagen 2007, Berlin 2009, London 2010, Arras 2010, Berlin x 2 2012, Stockholm 2012, Copenhagen 2012, Seattle 2013, Stockholm 2014, Boston x 2 2016, Rome 2018, Prague 2018, Copenhagen 2022, Budapest 2022, Barcelona x 2 2024
  • MikeDigs
    MikeDigs Santa Monica, CA Posts: 1,680
    edited April 2024
    After multiple spins, I'm honestly thinking that this could be McCready's best album performance.  As I look to my top Pearl Jam albums, he is great on those for sure, but on Dark Matter it seems that he is on a whole other level, shredding so nicely all over this album, and sounds amazing.  Stone and Jeff sound great as always.  Dark Matter has top tier guitar work, it's so refreshing.
    Post edited by MikeDigs on
    I'm spinning, oh-oh-oh I'm spinning
  • pjpitt89
    pjpitt89 Posts: 1,874
    I really enjoyed the album after a few listens. The Atmos stream really pulls the listen back a bit and lets you appreciate the individual playing here, which is fantastic. The vinyl sound is a bit flat and compressed in comparison. I was able to get the Philly variant, but overall the sound is disappointing, especially compared to the Gigaton vinyl, which was finally a huge step in the right direction for their studio albums on vinyl. One can't help but wonder if spreading it out over 2 LPs would have helped, especially considering the price was essentially for a double LP album.
    9/1/00, 4/28/03, 7/5/03, 7/6/03, 7/12/03, 10/1/04, 9/28/05, 5/27/06, 5/28/06, 6/1/06, 6/27/08, 6/30/08, 8/7/08 (EV), 6/12/09 (EV), 10/27/09, 10/28/09,10/30/09, 10/31/09, 5/21/10, 6/15/11 (EV), 9/2/12, 7/19/13, 10/21/13, 10/22/13, 10/27/13, 4/28/16, 4/29/16, 8/7/16, 11/4/16 (TOTD), 8/18/18, 8/20/18, 9/24/21 (EV&Earthlings), 9/26/21, 9/11/2022, 9/14/2022, 9/7/2024, 9/9/2024, 9/12/2024, 5/16/2025, 5/18/2025
  • bicyclejoe
    bicyclejoe USA Posts: 1,203
    pjpitt89 said: No
    I really enjoyed the album after a few listens. The Atmos stream really pulls the listen back a bit and lets you appreciate the individual playing here, which is fantastic. The vinyl sound is a bit flat and compressed in comparison. I was able to get the Philly variant, but overall the sound is disappointing, especially compared to the Gigaton vinyl, which was finally a huge step in the right direction for their studio albums on vinyl. One can't help but wonder if spreading it out over 2 LPs would have helped, especially considering the price was essentially for a double LP album.
    I agree. 
    My Pearl Jam Road: 10/22/90 Seattle | 12/22/90 Seattle, Moore Theater | 9/29/92 Seattle, Magnusson Park, Drop in the Park | 9/5/93 The Gorge, with Neil Young and Blind Melon | 7/20/06 Portland, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall with Sleater-Kinney | 7/22/06 The Gorge, 10/21/06 Mountain View, Shoreline Ampitheatre, Bridge School Benefit | 9/21/09 Seattle | 9/22/09 Seattle | 9/26/09 Portland, OR | 7/14/2011 Eddie Vedder, Portland, OR | 11/29/13 Portland, OR
  • mca47
    mca47 Posts: 13,335
    pjpitt89 said:
    I really enjoyed the album after a few listens. The Atmos stream really pulls the listen back a bit and lets you appreciate the individual playing here, which is fantastic. The vinyl sound is a bit flat and compressed in comparison. I was able to get the Philly variant, but overall the sound is disappointing, especially compared to the Gigaton vinyl, which was finally a huge step in the right direction for their studio albums on vinyl. One can't help but wonder if spreading it out over 2 LPs would have helped, especially considering the price was essentially for a double LP album.
    Haven't gotten my vinyl yet, that's a bummer that it doesn't sound that great.  I went to the theater the other night and the sounds was garbage.  That said, I listened to it on Apple music today and it sounded great!  
  • Lifted
    Lifted Posts: 1,836
    mca47 said:
    pjpitt89 said:
    I really enjoyed the album after a few listens. The Atmos stream really pulls the listen back a bit and lets you appreciate the individual playing here, which is fantastic. The vinyl sound is a bit flat and compressed in comparison. I was able to get the Philly variant, but overall the sound is disappointing, especially compared to the Gigaton vinyl, which was finally a huge step in the right direction for their studio albums on vinyl. One can't help but wonder if spreading it out over 2 LPs would have helped, especially considering the price was essentially for a double LP album.
    Haven't gotten my vinyl yet, that's a bummer that it doesn't sound that great.  I went to the theater the other night and the sounds was garbage.  That said, I listened to it on Apple music today and it sounded great!  
    Yeah...its a bit annoying...depending on how I'm listening to it, the album either sounds incredible or like complete trash. 
  • PJ5a1
    PJ5a1 Oceanside, NY Posts: 458
    Blown away by the record - there are so many highlights.

    The fact that they recorded together in a room comes through so clearly - the creative process together come through. At times it seems that they recorded some songs just as such - all playing at the same time vs. recording instrument a first and b second....

    The lyrics are wild - a lot of struggle from a relationship perspective - at least so it seems. 

    All of these songs are going to be great to see live.

    If I were Eddie Vedder, would you like me any better? - Local H
  • dimitrispearljam
    dimitrispearljam Posts: 139,725
    This is my review of the Dark Matter album.
    Personal opinion and we all know what opinions are like.
    OK. Album is really good. Im at 12th listen. with all versions,mp3,stream platforms,flac etc..

    1. Scared of fear is really great opener. Stronge, fast great bridge. Lyrics gives a plus to it.. The drums during solo is amazing. And during the bridge, gives u that bridge Garden has for a second. Also during bridge solo and drums are up there all over.

    2. React responce good tune. Would be intresting live. Probably the song with the best bass sound on the record. Remind me some 80s garage punk songs

    3.Wreckage good lyrics. but tooo flat..least intresting song for me of the album.. would be killer mood live. Hope the ends give it live some boost. Cos it's monotone. And too long with same melody. It feel not getting excited at any point of the song. It's like wishlist. Same rhythm, same style for 5 min. But has really good bridge as WELL. and all this full Tom Petty vibe. And I can see in my mind the Boss on stage to play this on with the band..i don't understand the repeat of same lyrics in the end for a minute long.. Same thing on repeat it doesn't build at all. Maybe live is different like with an add sing along? Will see.
    I know it's popular as i see around but. It does not do to me..

    4.Dark matter Riff and drums are so great. Played more than the rest so it's more mature opinion and usually it's unfair to it like same happen to DOTC. when u play alot a song and then the rest songs comes out u forget how good it was. Eddie will nail this one live, remember this. The chorus is build for him to show his energy.

    5.Wont tell. I love his voice in this and has this little the Cure solo/ Riff type in the end . Is like u hear notes of Pictures of you in the Riff /solo /melody at the end
    It's the hidden jem of the Album.., amazing melody and band sound so synchronized in this. Can't wait for this life and what energy and mood will create. And had this feeling of sadness.. Like damn why things are like that. Need to check lyrics. Love the delay Matt does to drums before chorus.

    6.Upper hand is my favo so far.. Man .. The intro. The guitar and the building.. Those random notes with keyboards and guitar... Fuck..
    Its like Nothing as it seems and Present tense made a baby... and yes, Pink Floyd vibe makes it so special. At some point I though Eddie will sing some C. Numb or NAIS lyrics to it. Also that Riff feels like there is some U2 - The Edge sound there.
    And that chorus when Eddie says.
    "and I hope..people are smiling and I hope today and every day is grand.. And apologize, so sorry about the timing. You know something I never had was the upper hand..". Fuck me dude.. He nailed it. Talks to me directly this song.
    .. .. Damn is sooooo good. Epic!!

    7.Waiting for stevie. Its different. His voice sounds different. Very intresting song. Cos has this 90s energy and mind tempo riff that we all loved The band for
    Solo is wow.. It's so Breath solo style. Amazing and same time feels like it's a British 90s band, not sure how to explain this vide.
    And has this let it ride feeling. Is like they remake it different. .. (never understood why they didn't put it in avocado album..)
    This song gives u alot of different feelings. And the way it change at the bridge playing more stronge the Riff. Brilliant.
    What Matt plays during the solo its unreal. Remind me How Ginger Baker fills Eric Clapton solo during Cream - Sunshine of Your Love!!

    8.Running.fast, powerful. Good and simple but.. Then the bridge comes.. And that bridge is fuck crazy epic good.
    Same solo and end of song.. Love Matt drumming

    9.Something special is really sweet and easy listen to me..
    Fits so much cos its for his daughters.
    Feels like u want to hug someone.
    Sweet intresting little blues solo as well ...

    10. Got to give.. It's Funny when it starts .. Intro starts. And I'm.. No no no.. Not another just breathe.. But it's change and its to REM vibe and feels eddie wrote this one.
    Feels like b-side of retrograde... And has this up lift " in hiding" has.

    11. Setting sun
    So. Smooth. His voice is lovely..and feel great for last song to end album. Is like someone sings at a beach in the summer. And then goes up after bridge.. Live this one will impress alot of people.
    Mike will build with the solo so much this one.


    This albums m should be called the bridge album
    All bridge at songs are wow. U turn your head to the speaker and u look at it when bridge gets into at every song

    Overall. I loved it..has this so easy to ear feeling.. The combo of Wont tell, Upper hand, Waiting for Stevie is the best part of the album by far
    And for sure is more powerful and important in my mind than Backspacer, LB and Gigaton.
    No it's not better than The first 3 albums is no way is better than Binaural and Riot Act but it has the feeling that this is PJ I fall in love and if u want to shum it up.... It's easy listening..flows very well.

    My rank :
    1.Upper Hand
    2.Waiting For Stevie
    3.Won't Tell
    4.Scared of Fear
    5.Dark Matter
    6.Running
    7. Got to Give
    8.Setting Sun
    9.React/Respond
    10.Something Special
    11.Wreckage
    "...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.....”

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