F-in' Awesome

File Under: Music Ramblings

So I got the new Pearl Jam album about 2 weeks ago. However, due to my busy recording/practicing schedule, I haven't really listened to it yet. Before I give the quick review; I have to admit that I bought it unheard and based my decision to purchase it on one review and the hope that it might be good. Usually, that backfires and the album sucks. And plus; it's Pearl Jam; which I haven't listened to in YEARS. But I had a feeling about it. I'm not sure where it came from; perhaps it’s some of the Bikini Radio influence, in full protest mode (I also bought Living with War, the new Neil Young which was reviewed by my compatriot here), or just full of rage. I have to say, I am not disappointed with the record at all. In fact; I'm super impressed. Front to back its a very muscular, thoughtful, and well produced album. World Wide Suicide especially (amazing first single; props to their A&R guy) an example. That song happens to combine all the elements I would expect from Pearl Jam; Immediacy and urgency in Vedder's voice; nice guitar work by McCready and Gossard; and has the perfect mixture of a catchy rock song and muscle of the old "grunge".

Anyway; if you don't have it, I highly recommend it. However, don't go see them in concert, since the tickets are prohibitively expensive; but that's another blog entry.

peace.