View from Pearl Jam fan

[Hail_Hail]

I think it is a perfect combination. Big-time Pearl Jam fan here. Am a fan of My morning Jacket but not a fanatic.....yet. "Z" was one of my favorite albums last year and in the next few weeks will be happily digging deeper into their catalog.

Some things about Pearl Jam in concert to those with doubts about them.. Whether you like them, hate them or are indifferent to them before seeing them live one thing is fact........they will blow your mind in concert. I have seen The Who, The Rolling Stones, Springsteen, Radiohead, Wilco and many other live shows but it all pales in comparision to a Pearl Jam concert. 2 1/2 - 3 hours of just raw power.

Also every band that has opened for Pearl Jam has said that they are the most giving band to openers. Ed usually introduces the opening act and sits at the side of the stage rocking out. During the show he will talk about them and mention them quite a bit and then the opening band or one or two band members will come out during one of the encores to do a song or two.

Also Pearl Jam is the type of band that realizes they are NOT doing a favor for the opening band or trying to get them noticed. Let's face it right now there is a much bigger buzz in the rock world about My morning Jacket than Pearl Jam. This is not a case about giving a band a chance because MMJ has a loyal following. Ed said they like to pick bands by who they would pay to go see live.

Yes Pearl Jam may not be relevant with the frat boys anymore or rock radio but the bond between the loyal fanvbase and the band is something to be witnessed at a show.  There is a reason that they sell out so quick eventhough they have not had a radio hit or video in 8 years. I saw MMJ on conan and know of their reputation as an incredible live act as well as the passion you guys have for the band so I am looking forward to this double bill. For those of you that are going to the shows, you will expereince one of those rare concert experiences only a few bands can give you. No one is going to be blown off the stage those nights :) Have a good one

[ratsprayer]

i totally respect PJ for the music they put out, the way they do it, the people they are.  their music just doesnt personaly speak to me.  i think its an amazing opportunity for the jacket, and im stoked that PJ chose them to do it.  its easy to see PJ has some insanely devoted fans, and  im glad to hear a point of view like this.  its hard for me to believe PJ is better live than all those bands you listed, but then again, ive never had the chance to see any of them live.  have an amazing time!

[Hail_Hail]

That's cool. That's the great thing about music....what speaks to one person may not speak to another. It is great coming to this site and seeing the same passion for MMJ that we have for Pearl Jam. Those are all incredible live bands i listed and although I feel that Pearl Jam is the better live act, Mr. Wilco fanactic at the Wilco site might disagree :)

[sweatboard]

Also Pearl Jam is the type of band that realizes they are NOT doing a favor for the opening band or trying to get them noticed. Let's face it right now there is a much bigger buzz in the rock world about My morning Jacket than Pearl Jam. This is not a case about giving a band a chance because MMJ has a loyal following. Ed said they like to pick bands by who they would pay to go see live.

This is a GREAT point.  To be honest this double bill in many is going to benefit Pearl Jam as much if not more than MMJ.  MMJ like you mentioned is much bigger in the current rock world than Pearl Jam.  By signing on a band like MMJ that is a currrent powerhouse they almost have to be reconsidered by Radio Stations, Magazines and just music fans in general.  Pearl Jam has a hard time reaching thier target audience because in alot of ways they got written off as a novelty act from the grunge era.  Many people haven't given the new material a chance to stand on it's own unassociated from preconcieved notions of what "Pearl Jam" the iconic name means to them.  By playing with a band like My Morning Jacket it sort of opens the door for a fresh look at them by many critics and fans.  For example I wouldn't normally think that an online review site like Pitchfork would normaly go near reviewing the latest Pearl Jam record for fear that it might hurt thier image or cool factor, when in fact Pearl Jam is an honest, passionate, rock band that should be able to coexist with all the amazing current artists.  They may have been getting mainstream airplay in the 90's but they are not a mainstream band.  It could be looked at as both a blessing and a curse that they became household names.  The curse part being the stigma attached to them that's not really accurate.  Eddie is one of Americas finest singer/songwritters of all time and Pearl Jam is one of the most powerful bands to ever take a stage.  It's a sad day when the image people have of your band overshadows the music itself.  Hopefully this next tour will allow open minded music fans to rexamine the way they hear Pearl Jam and Undoubtedly it will serve to gain My Morning Jacket a good number of lifelong fans.            

[sweatboard]

I hate to overstate my case but I'm really passionate about this subject.  

It's like Peal Jam isn't going to be played by or listened to by mainstream radio or fans because it's just not relevent in that circle anymore and it's like they aren't going to be played by or listened to by independet/college radio or fans because they still have that "Pearl Jam" stigma attatched to them.  It's like Dave Chappell said in a recent interview "you can't become UNFAMOUS you can become INFAMOUS but you can't become UNFAMOUS."  Pearl Jam has basically been on a careear track to take them in a conventially backwards track which is why many people disregard the music and say things like "yeah, what happened to them they suck now"  Well they are still around, still making amazing music, writting amazing songs, playing legendary shows but it's only being appreciated by a specific but very loyal fanbase.    

[Chills]

This is a GREAT point.  To be honest this double bill in many is going to benefit Pearl Jam as much if not more than MMJ.  MMJ like you mentioned is much bigger in the current rock world than Pearl Jam.

Mmm. MMJ receives better press. That doesn't make them bigger at all.

By the way, don't understand why you're so defensive Sweatboard. Pearl Jam sell millions of records, they have a "specific  fanbase". Yeah, one that fills up stadiums around the world. Even did a tour with Neil Young, I'd be happy.

What's the problem if some people decide to stop to listen to them or some radio stations stop playing them because they are no longer deemed cool?

[sweatboard]

Mmm. MMJ receives better press. That doesn't make them bigger at all.

By the way, don't understand why you're so defensive Sweatboard. Pearl Jam sell millions of records, they have a "specific  fanbase". Yeah, one that fills up stadiums around the world. Even did a tour with Neil Young, I'd be happy.

What's the problem if some people decide to stop to listen to them or some radio stations stop playing them because they are no longer deemed cool?

I hate that I came off as defensive.  I just see this as an opportunity for Pearl Jam to get reconsidered by many people that may end up really having a new impression of the band, it's a good thing.  I'm not worried about Pearl Jam not being able to sell out arenas but many of the people that come to those shows are just coming because it's something to do.  I'm sure many of them leave with their hair being blown back but they aren't really the type of people that are going to go out the next day and sit down with an album and the lyric sheet and really try and absorb an album.  I just see having a band like MMJ open for them as a means to invite more people into the world of Pearl Jam that will really be effected by the music in a big way.  I do see Pearl Jam in a sort of no mans land between not being a huge rock band and still being thought of as a huge rock band.  That's just the honest truth.  It's just a great opportunity for people to reconsider the band and what they are all about.  If you don't like them I got no problem with that but there are probably quite a few people out there that will have a new appreciation for them once they notice a band like MMJ opening for them and decided to go back and really listen to an album like No Code.  

[The_Bear]

it seems that from the buzz of the new single...the new record is gonna be more accepted than binaural or riot act....so we may have a revival of the "cool" factor....in the end i don't care....i'm a fanclub member and we always get the best seats anyways ;)

[sweatboard]

I'm not concerned about the "Cool" factor, mabey because I mentioned Pitchfork it's coming off that way.  I think My Morning Jacket is one of the most relevent bands in music today.  I'm not worried about them being cool or widely accepted, the music speaks for itself.  Unfortunatly Pearl Jam's music while it may speaks for itself it's not really drawing any new listeners which I find to be a shame.  I'm not looking for them to become the NEW COOL Pearl Jam I'm just excited about different people either getting back into their music or finding out about it for the first time.

I'll admit I stopped lisening to Pearl Jam after Yield for a long time.  Something triggered me to rexamine thier catalogue and the new material, and what I found was that when they lost me for a little while it was because they had matured and I hadn't really caught up yet.  When I went back and listened to No Code, Yield, Binaural I realized I was very thankful the band had evolved the way they had I just wasn't ready for it at the time it came out.  Now I feel like the band and I have grown up together in many ways.  

I guess it's similar (although less drastic) to the way The Beatles started with "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" then moved on to Sgt. Peppers.  I'm sure when Sgt. Peppers came out many Beatles fans hated it.  Years later they probably considered it their best record.  What about Radiohead, I think there were probably many people that were just not ready for Kid A when it came out that consider it a masterpiece now.  

[Chills]

I hate that I came off as defensive.  I just see this as an opportunity for Pearl Jam to get reconsidered by many people that may end up really having a new impression of the band, it's a good thing.  I'm not worried about Pearl Jam not being able to sell out arenas but many of the people that come to those shows are just coming because it's something to do.  I'm sure many of them leave with their hair being blown back but they aren't really the type of people that are going to go out the next day and sit down with an album and the lyric sheet and really try and absorb an album.  I just see having a band like MMJ open for them as a means to invite more people into the world of Pearl Jam that will really be effected by the music in a big way.  I do see Pearl Jam in a sort of no mans land between not being a huge rock band and still being thought of as a huge rock band.  That's just the honest truth.  It's just a great opportunity for people to reconsider the band and what they are all about.  If you don't like them I got no problem with that but there are probably quite a few people out there that will have a new appreciation for them once they notice a band like MMJ opening for them and decided to go back and really listen to an album like No Code.  

Ok, defensive wasn't meant negative in any way.

"I just see having a band like MMJ open for them as a means to invite more people into the world of Pearl Jam that will really be effected by the music in a big way."

I don't know. Maybe there will be some. Most people come to see Pearl Jam, right. They might convince some MMJ fans to relisten to their albums, but it can't see it  to be too big a deal.
I presume Pearl Jam fans will be curious to listen to some of the opening bands music. Theyre's more in it for MMJ it seems. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe they'll both get a bunch of new fans. It would be cool.  We'll see later.

"I do see Pearl Jam in a sort of no mans land between not being a huge rock band and still being thought of as a huge rock band."

Yeah, I get what you mean.

"If you don't like them I got no problem with that"

Hey hey, I like PJ quite a lot. It might have come off differently, but I do think they're mighty fine band. Even got one of those fancy official bootlegs!
And I love No Code. It's their best. Yield is pretty great too.

nd now i rub my eyes, for he has returned
seems my preconceptions are what should have been burned
for he still smiles...
and he's still strong
nothing's changed, but the surrounding bullshit that has grown
and now he's home
and we're laughing like we always did
my same old, same old friend
until a quarter-to-ten
i saw the strain creep in
he seems distracted and i know just what is gonna happen next
before his first step
he's off again


  :)

[sweatboard]

That man has written some pretty strong lyrics. ;)

I was listening to "Light Years" the other day and thinking it's a shame more people aren't familiar with this song.

i've used hammers made out of wood
i have played games with pieces and rules
i undeciphered tricks at the bar
but now you're gone, i haven't figured out why
i've come up with riddles and jokes about war
i've figured out numbers and what they're for
i've understood feelings and i've understood words
but how could you be taken away?
and wherever you've gone
and wherever we might go
it don't seem fair...today just disappeared
your light's reflected now, reflected from afar
we were but stones, your light made us stars
with heavy breath, awakened regrets
back pages and days alone that could have been spent, together..
but we were miles apart
every inch between us becomes light years now
no time to be void or save up on life
you got to spend it all..
and wherever you've gone
and wherever we might go
it don't seem fair...you seemed to like it here
your light's reflected now, reflected from afar
we were but stones, your light made us stars
and wherever you've gone
and wherever we might go
it don't seem fair...today just disappeared
your light's reflected now, reflected from afar
we were but stones, your light made us stars



  

[Chills]

That man has written some pretty strong lyrics. ;)

I was listening to "Light Years" the other day and thinking it's a shame more people aren't familiar with this song.

i've used hammers made out of wood
i have played games with pieces and rules
i undeciphered tricks at the bar
but now you're gone, i haven't figured out why
i've come up with riddles and jokes about war
i've figured out numbers and what they're for
i've understood feelings and i've understood words
but how could you be taken away?
and wherever you've gone
and wherever we might go
it don't seem fair...today just disappeared
your light's reflected now, reflected from afar
we were but stones, your light made us stars
with heavy breath, awakened regrets
back pages and days alone that could have been spent, together..
but we were miles apart
every inch between us becomes light years now
no time to be void or save up on life
you got to spend it all..
and wherever you've gone
and wherever we might go
it don't seem fair...you seemed to like it here
your light's reflected now, reflected from afar
we were but stones, your light made us stars
and wherever you've gone
and wherever we might go
it don't seem fair...today just disappeared
your light's reflected now, reflected from afar
we were but stones, your light made us stars



 

That's a good song.
Binaural had beautiful artwork as well.

[Jon T.]

Sweat,
I am the same way with PJ that you were.  I used to be a big fan.  I was lucky enough to see them live once in Pensacola(home) in 94 or 95.  For some reason I quit listening and I'm not sure why.  It was after Vitalogy.  I respect them as a band as much if not more than any other.  I just quit following them???  I have lately been  wanting to get  back into them but  I'm not sure where to start.  I haven't because I'm afraid I'll get the "wrong" one and that may do it for me.  Since I can relate to your story, I'm asking for advice.  Or should I just wait for the new one.  Well shit, I'm rambling...

[sweatboard]

Start with Yield.  If you haven't really listened to that one.  Then on to No Code and Binaural.  Riot Act has some good songs but I think overall it's the weakest album.  The new one should be really strong from what I've heard, I've heard three songs that will be on it (two live versions) and the new single "World Wide Suicide" is my least favorite of the three.  I implore you to pick up some live bootlegs if you don't have any and the acoustic set "Beynorall Hall" is a must listen, you can find it at most record stores.  Actually if you haven't listened to PJ in a while and you like MMJ I would go straight to "Beynorall Hall" (not spelled right) acoustic CD.  It's stunning.

[Jon T.]

I was actually eyeing that one the other day on itunes. It is a done deal. Much appreciation.

[yieldgirl]

heh, you can hear some PJ sounds in two MMJ songs

run thru and gideon

[efroten]

The new album is gunna be really rockin.  I heard 6 of the new tracks at a sony/bmg meeting and it sounded really hard.  Heres my post/review about it over on the red mosquito forum...

http://www.theskyiscrape.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=35399

[yieldgirl]

oh I read your review on RM

can't wait for the rest of the album  :)

[sweatboard]

The new album is gunna be really rockin.  I heard 6 of the new tracks at a sony/bmg meeting and it sounded really hard.  Heres my post/review about it over on the red mosquito forum...

http://www.theskyiscrape.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=35399

I read the review of that as well, thank you for posting it.  I can't wait to hear the album.  I think it's going to be the most cohesive sounding album since Yield.

[BIGVICLBI]

I like Pearl Jam songs I hear, but I haven't bought any albums since Yield which I loved. Saw Pearl Jam live two years ago, and even though I didn't know half the songs they still freakin ripped it up. Likewise, I  have never bought a white stripes cd, but have seen them twice and its like, JESUS Freakin Christ, how does this dude do it? MMJ is one of these bands as well. You can just take someone to a show, and you are gonna have a great time. I know I will be a little let down that MMJ is only gonna play for 45 min., but I'm sure PJ will be able to get me up again in no time. Lets stop worrying about anything, cause these are two bands that DO NOT DISSAPOINT!