Dark Matter album reviews
Comments
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Agreed. I hate the way it sounds but on my third listen I listened to the atmos mix and it was like a whole new experience. Sounded so good.evenflow82 said:Songs are great. Production is compressed and brickwalled to the absolute max. Whew.0 -
Listening on headphones was / is a MUCH better immersive experience than it was in the cinema (movie theatres for my US friends). Although we had ATMOS and the quality was great I feel I really 'experienced' the album through my headphones!"Bring it back, to the clean form. To the pure form"
28/09/04 - Boston, 20/04/06 - London [\\mm//Astoria\\mm//] - 18/06/07 - Wembley Arena, 11/08/09 - London [\\mm//Shepherds Bush Empire\\mm//],18/08/09 - 02 Arena, 25/06/10 - Hyde Park, 26/06/12 - Amsterdam, 27/06/12 - Amsterdam, 08/07/14 - Leeds,11/07/14 - Milton Keynes, 13/06/18 - Amsterdam, 18/06/18 - London 02 Arena, 17/07/18 - London 02 Arena, 08/08/22 - Hyde Park, 9/08/22 - Hyde Park - 25/08/22 - Amsterdam.0 -
I am really enjoying this album. No songs to skip yet but I feel a few will fall that way over time, but solid front to back and more high points than I even expected. And it seems there is something for everyone as so many different favorite songs. Amazing album 30+ years in.I try to do this on release day for PJ album and then check back later. It was interesting as I looked back on Gigaton this year and some decent shifts. But here is my rankings at this point.
- Scared of Fear - 10/10
- React, Respond - 10/10
- Wreckage - 6/10
- Dark Matter - 9/10
- Won’t tell- 6/10
- Upper Hand - 9/10
- Waiting for Stevie - 9/10
- Running - 8/10
- Something Special - 5/10
- Got to Give - 4/10
- Setting Sun - 7/10
Album - 8.3
Rank:
- React, Respond
- Scared of Fear
- Upper Hand
- Dark Matter
- Waiting for Stevie
- Running
- Setting Sun
- Wreckage
- Won’t tell
- Something Special
- Got to Give
hippiemom = goodness0 -
This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
Post edited by Lifted on0 -
You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight?Lifted said:This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
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apparently it’s don’t respond, react!LBCeddie said:
You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight?Lifted said:This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
hippiemom = goodness0 -
Yes. I heard it first on Thursday, so it's been a few days. I had a very negative reaction to a few of the songs when I first heard it. I didn't get it, but now it all makes sense and feels right. I listened to it 6 times straight through with headphones and my mind has been blown.LBCeddie said:
You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight?Lifted said:This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
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So? I love seeing opinions shift and evolve.LBCeddie said:
You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight?Lifted said:This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
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and it’s still funny…but we all do it from time to time.nicknyr15 said:
So? I love seeing opinions shift and evolve.LBCeddie said:
You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight?Lifted said:This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
hippiemom = goodness0 -
5 years???Lifted said:
Listen to the instrumentation, it's eerily similar. Once you hear it, you can't unhear it. It's not a knock on the song....I actually don't hate it.vedpunk said:
Wow, I’m open to all viewpoints but you just lost all credibility after stating that Chilli Peppers comparison. Are you sure you’re listening to the right album?Lifted said:
I'm definitely not a troll. I'm a paying member of the ten club and I love this band. Honestly, 6/10 might be generous now that I've played it through a few more times. Even one of my highlights, setting sun, I'm not feeling as much as I had originally thought. At this point I think the first to singles and scared of fear are probably my favorite tracks if had to pick.PJammin' said:
You can have a different opinion. 6/10 ranking comes from the trolls. That’s it. 6/10 isn’t accurate at all.bicyclejoe said:
So, your issue IS that someone has a different opinion than you. It happens. It’s all part of being in a community. We are one, but different in our own ways, which contributes to the tapestry of our fandom.PJammin' said:
That’s not the issue. The issue is giving it a 6. NO WAY is it a 6. That’s B.S.nicknyr15 said:
Why? Is it crazy to think someone may not enjoy it as much as you?PJammin' said:
6/10? Now I feel like you’re trolling.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.
I thought gigaton was a return to form of sorts, particularly the first half of the album. This one is 10 steps back.
On a side note, react, respond sounds just like can't stop by the chili peppers.
Looking forward to everyone revisiting their opinions of this one 5 years down the road. I'm sure some will still love it...but I suspect this will be another forgettable album to most, much like the majority of their output from the past 20 years.0 -
Headphones is definitely the way to go. Awesome experience. 🔥jonbond1779 said:Listening on headphones was / is a MUCH better immersive experience than it was in the cinema (movie theatres for my US friends). Although we had ATMOS and the quality was great I feel I really 'experienced' the album through my headphones!I died. I died and you just stood there. I died and you watched. I died and you walked by and said no. I'm dead.0 -
Yeah, and I was getting 💩 for saying this album is no 6/10. NO WAY this album is a 6. All five of those guys can get a 6 just by rolling out of bed. They are so freaking talented.LBCeddie said:
You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight?Lifted said:This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
I died. I died and you just stood there. I died and you watched. I died and you walked by and said no. I'm dead.0 -
Priceless...Lifted said:
Listen to the instrumentation, it's eerily similar. Once you hear it, you can't unhear it. It's not a knock on the song....I actually don't hate it.vedpunk said:
Wow, I’m open to all viewpoints but you just lost all credibility after stating that Chilli Peppers comparison. Are you sure you’re listening to the right album?Lifted said:
I'm definitely not a troll. I'm a paying member of the ten club and I love this band. Honestly, 6/10 might be generous now that I've played it through a few more times. Even one of my highlights, setting sun, I'm not feeling as much as I had originally thought. At this point I think the first to singles and scared of fear are probably my favorite tracks if had to pick.PJammin' said:
You can have a different opinion. 6/10 ranking comes from the trolls. That’s it. 6/10 isn’t accurate at all.bicyclejoe said:
So, your issue IS that someone has a different opinion than you. It happens. It’s all part of being in a community. We are one, but different in our own ways, which contributes to the tapestry of our fandom.PJammin' said:
That’s not the issue. The issue is giving it a 6. NO WAY is it a 6. That’s B.S.nicknyr15 said:
Why? Is it crazy to think someone may not enjoy it as much as you?PJammin' said:
6/10? Now I feel like you’re trolling.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.
I thought gigaton was a return to form of sorts, particularly the first half of the album. This one is 10 steps back.
On a side note, react, respond sounds just like can't stop by the chili peppers.
Looking forward to everyone revisiting their opinions of this one 5 years down the road. I'm sure some will still love it...but I suspect this will be another forgettable album to most, much like the majority of their output from the past 20 years.0 -
I'm glad it amuses you, but I think it's a pretty common characteristic among great albums that my initial perception is negative. When you hear something you're not expecting, it can be a bit jarring. Here are a few examples of other great albums I can recall hating when I first heard them...cincybearcat said:
and it’s still funny…but we all do it from time to time.nicknyr15 said:
So? I love seeing opinions shift and evolve.LBCeddie said:
You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight?Lifted said:This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
Neutral milk hotel - in the aeroplane over the sea
of Montreal - skeletal lamping
Wilco - Yankee hotel foxtrot, cruel country
Radiohead - Kid a, moon shaped pool
Sun kil moon - benji
Father john misty - pure comedy
Post edited by Lifted on0 -
I hope I don't change my current mind. Lol....this album is really special.LBCeddie said:
5 years???Lifted said:
Listen to the instrumentation, it's eerily similar. Once you hear it, you can't unhear it. It's not a knock on the song....I actually don't hate it.vedpunk said:
Wow, I’m open to all viewpoints but you just lost all credibility after stating that Chilli Peppers comparison. Are you sure you’re listening to the right album?Lifted said:
I'm definitely not a troll. I'm a paying member of the ten club and I love this band. Honestly, 6/10 might be generous now that I've played it through a few more times. Even one of my highlights, setting sun, I'm not feeling as much as I had originally thought. At this point I think the first to singles and scared of fear are probably my favorite tracks if had to pick.PJammin' said:
You can have a different opinion. 6/10 ranking comes from the trolls. That’s it. 6/10 isn’t accurate at all.bicyclejoe said:
So, your issue IS that someone has a different opinion than you. It happens. It’s all part of being in a community. We are one, but different in our own ways, which contributes to the tapestry of our fandom.PJammin' said:
That’s not the issue. The issue is giving it a 6. NO WAY is it a 6. That’s B.S.nicknyr15 said:
Why? Is it crazy to think someone may not enjoy it as much as you?PJammin' said:
6/10? Now I feel like you’re trolling.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.
I thought gigaton was a return to form of sorts, particularly the first half of the album. This one is 10 steps back.
On a side note, react, respond sounds just like can't stop by the chili peppers.
Looking forward to everyone revisiting their opinions of this one 5 years down the road. I'm sure some will still love it...but I suspect this will be another forgettable album to most, much like the majority of their output from the past 20 years.
Whatever guys...I came back it and updated my opinion! I could've tucked my tail and stuck with my this album is shite assessment.Post edited by Lifted on0 -
It could still be a 6 for some people...and I wouldn't argue with it.PJammin' said:
Yeah, and I was getting 💩 for saying this album is no 6/10. NO WAY this album is a 6. All five of those guys can get a 6 just by rolling out of bed. They are so freaking talented.LBCeddie said:
You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight?Lifted said:This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
Lightning bolt was a 5 at best.0 -
Lifted said:
It could still be a 6 for some people...and I wouldn't argue with it.PJammin' said:
Yeah, and I was getting 💩 for saying this album is no 6/10. NO WAY this album is a 6. All five of those guys can get a 6 just by rolling out of bed. They are so freaking talented.LBCeddie said:
You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight?Lifted said:This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
Lightning bolt was a 5 at best.
I died. I died and you just stood there. I died and you watched. I died and you walked by and said no. I'm dead.0 -
LOLLBCeddie said:
You went from "worst album in their catalog", to "rock album of the century" practically overnight?Lifted said:This album gets better and better with every listen. I started at a 6/10, bumped it up to an 8/10, now I'm feeling at least a 9/10. I'm losing sleep over it. This might be the best pure rock album of the century. So many layers to it, and not a single dud in the batch. I am no longer confused by Ed suggesting it's the best album they've ever made. In a lot of ways, it might be. Im happy to say that I feel foolish for my initial hot takes on it. It's usually the best ones that take some time to click.
208XXX (September 2000) - 21 Pearl Jam shows, 2 Eddie Vedder shows, 1 Temple Of The Dog show
1998 - East Lansing & Auburn Hills; 2000 - Tampa & Noblesville; 2003 - Lexington & Noblesville;
2006 - Cincinnati; 2007 - Chicago (Lollapalooza); 2008 - Ed in Milwaukee; 2009 - Chicago;
2010 - Noblesville; 2013 - San Diego & Los Angeles I & II; 2016 -TOTD in Los Angeles;
2017 - Ed in Dana Point (Ohana); 2021 - Dana Point (Ohana) I, II & III; 2022 - San Diego & Inglewood I & II;
2025 - Hollywood I & II0 -
After my third listen and the need to revisit some snippets of some of them to rank in order, I went to playing my Pearl Jam shuffle (all studio albums plus Lost Dogs, and my top Ten Misc. Covers and my Misc. Originals albums) the rest of the weekend...FAN FUCKING TASTIC!
A listening project like this has made me re-rank Pearl Jam my #1 (Queens of the Stone age has held it basically since I got into them in 2013). There is no better music catalog than Pearl Jam's. Even Something Special (currently my least favorite on DM) came up and sounded great. I love these album release weekends.208XXX (September 2000) - 21 Pearl Jam shows, 2 Eddie Vedder shows, 1 Temple Of The Dog show
1998 - East Lansing & Auburn Hills; 2000 - Tampa & Noblesville; 2003 - Lexington & Noblesville;
2006 - Cincinnati; 2007 - Chicago (Lollapalooza); 2008 - Ed in Milwaukee; 2009 - Chicago;
2010 - Noblesville; 2013 - San Diego & Los Angeles I & II; 2016 -TOTD in Los Angeles;
2017 - Ed in Dana Point (Ohana); 2021 - Dana Point (Ohana) I, II & III; 2022 - San Diego & Inglewood I & II;
2025 - Hollywood I & II0
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