Gigaton: Official album thread

[ghost]

Never Destination is great

it makes me so happy

[Mike]

I've listened to Retrograde three times and I cannot remember a single thing about it.

Huh, I just posted the same thing in the Retrograde thread. Weird

[The Don]

I have to say, I really love this album. I am finishing up my 4th full listen right now, and each song gets better with each listen. The only one I truly don't get and get the love for is "Buckle Up". I am really happy to see that other people like it a lot, and maybe this will change for me in time, as I don't hate it. There are some cool things going on in that one musically, but I think the chorus is cheesy. One of the professional reviews of this album said that it, and I paraphrase, sounds more like a hokey public service announcement than a song. I think I'm stuck on that, unfortunately haha. They get an E for effort though with the risks they took on that one and everywhere else on this album. The production is stellar. Josh Evans is the man for bringing out all of the really cool sounds, tones, textures, and for whatever advising he did to keep the band playing to their strengths on this record, and staying away from some of the mistakes they have made on the last few albums. Nothing on this album makes me cringe at any point, and the places where they tend to go heavy on the additional instrumentation is done tastefully and sounds more like Radiohead than Lightning Bolt / BOB Pearl Jam.

My current ranking of the songs:
1. Quick Escape, this is an instant classic. I would love a full album of songs that sounded like this one, it's just filthy with a sick groove *****
2. Alright, love the vibe of this one, super chill and well done ****.5
3. Comes then Goes, the guitar work and actual sound of the guitar on this one is amazing ****.5
4. Who Ever Said, definitely a great way to open the album, strongest album opener since Brain of J ****
5. Dance of the Clairvoyants, another great example of them going out their comfort zone and hitting a homerun, very danceable too. ****
6. Take the Long Way, this song was meant for Soundgarden - Down on the Upside, but the guys rip it up on this and even get a little metal, which I have been waiting for, love that palm mute ***.5
7. Superblood Wolfmoon, after the first 20 seconds of this song, it's a damn good rockin song ***.5
8. 7 O'Clock, sounds like Pink Floyd after Waters Left (Division Bell) + a little Bruce Springsteen, great ending. ***.5
9. River Cross, I think I like the Ed solo version better, but that will change with more listens to this one, I do like the added instrumentation by the rest of the band though ***.5
10. Never Destination, kind of reminiscent of MFC ***
11. Retrograde, this one is maybe a little over the top, but I still dig it ***
12. Buckle Up, I already got into this one above, **

Overall, it's a **** star album and I love it.

After some more listens and starting to re-listen to the back catalog, I think the albums will rank:

1. Vitalogy
2. Ten
3. Versus
4. Yield
5. No Code
6. Gigaton
7. Riot Act
8. Pearl Jam
9. Binaural
10. Backspacer
11. Lightning Bolt

I can't wait to have the vinyl in my hands. To the members of Pearl Jam, I don't know if you ever read these boards, but if you do, you have a lot to be proud of over your whole career. Your collection of recorded work is really great, your live shows are epic, and you've stuck to your guns all of these years and have proven to truly care about your fans. You introduced me to good hard rock music and changed my life more than you know, or maybe you do, because your rock and roll idols probably did the same for you.

THANK YOU!

[mvw]

How about a post-new album release single? I'd like a song to sandwich in between Retrograde and River Cross.

Try putting Again Today in there. It actually fits nicely

[bune]

I'm still awake and emotional about this whole thing

How did they do this?

Uncanny and immutable...

[Superblood Wolfmoon]

OK, I'm inspired tonight so here's my second-listen review. You're welcome.

Who Ever Said: this is really in the same vein as the song "Lightning Bolt," but it's a more fully formed and thought-out take on it. And off the bat, the production on this album is so far superior to maybe anything I've heard Pearl Jam sound like. I'm listening through some decent monitors, and this is a shitty mp3 leak, but wow. The dynamics on this are just incredible. Did you hear the claps The band is just at their best here. It's a standard PJ rocker, but then at around 2:30 we take a turn. And here again, the production just brings this thing to life. Every instrument is so perfectly positioned in the mix, you can pick out each one and focus on it. The vocals at 3:18 are impeccable. Then we get going again...Vedder's delivery is sharper than anything I've heard in a long time. Little lead hiding in the background for a few sections. There's that production again. Dynamics. Matt's just killing it with EV. Ventricles pumpin' overtime. Hey, did you know Matt Cameron is their drummer? And did you realize the whole time this song was on how fucking badass Jeff Ament is? This one won't go down easy...one more burst and we're done.

Superblood Wolfmoon: Not gonna lie, I fucking love this song. It's only gotten better each time I've listened. Let's be honest, it's The Fixer part 2, but it's at least 2-3 times the song that Fixer is. They took the pop edge off just a tad, and again, gave it a little less-slick production, a little heavier verse, and voila. Oh yeah, reminder that Mike McCready is still in this band. Little less Hendrix, little more EVH. The drop after the solo, and oh yeah, I'm Stone fucking Gossard, not sure if you've heard of me but I'm in this band too, and I know a little bit about a thing called fucking guitar tone.

Dance of the Clairvoyants: Again, a few weeks with this one. I liked it so much I intentionally didn't listen to it too much. This is an example of what I've wanted to hear from these guys for a long time. We know you're good at your instruments. Now play them differently. I have to think that maybe not from a songwriting perspective, but from a sonic and philosophical one, this song was a turning point. If there came a time when they scrapped everything they were doing for a new direction, it was when this song came together. Like "Jeremy," I'd offer this up as one of a handful of songs in Pearl Jam's catalog that is really out of the box for what their bread and butter is. And it just all works here. The mix is just flawless. The last couple minutes, Mike's guitar, all the vocals, the drums...there are going to be a lot of bands seeking this guy out after this.

Quick Escape: OK, starts off like you're expecting Rival or something. One of those weird, atonal Stone riffs. Then, what? Zanzibar? Oh, wait, this is Pearl Jam's "Kashmir" I guess. Drums for fucking days. More harmonies...OK, he actually said "Kashmir." They know what they're up to, and they're like, fuck it, we're Pearl Jam. Remember 30 years ago when everyone was saying we were "the next Led Zeppelin" when we only had one record out? Well guess what, we've been around longer than Led Zeppelin was so here you go. Oh yeah, and we got this guy Mike McCready and he has a fuckin' Univibe too. Suck it. This song is fucking awesome. Easily top 10 Pearl Jam. If you disagree, you're a fuckin' noob or something, and I don't know what to tell you. Just stop listening to music. To prove it, here's Mike fucking McCready again (or did they get Jimmy Page on this one?), and don't forget that rhythm section behind him. Oh, you like that? Fuck you, song's over.

Alright: Something different. I like it, nice and lush, even the cymbal flourishes. Mix is on point. Mike on the left with the little feedback licks. I never thought I'd say it, but Brendan O'Brien became a liability for this band. Just made everything kind of stale. Maybe this song isn't any more or less interesting than something like "Pendulum" or "Yellow Moon," but goddamn, Josh just makes everything sound better. This is the first lull for the album after a pretty spectacular opening run. But it's nice. Lush.

Seven O'Clock: Starting off kinda serious...you think it's going one way, but then the verse hits and I guess we're going somewhere else. It's got a nice thing going in the verse, but so do lots of songs, so where's this gonna go? A song like this is betting on the chorus and probably a fair amount on the bridge. Good thing Pearl Jam knows how to write songs. But then, the chorus is just OK. Throw some synths in to give it a little something. But wait, this song is over six minutes long? How's that? OK, this little bit between the first chorus and second verse is huge. Josh knows dynamics...something that's sadly been lost in the last 20 years. I guess it's around the halfway point that you realize this is one of those songs that maybe doesn't grab you right away, but you tuck it away because you know it's going to be that one that after a month or two becomes your favorite song. You hear bits of it, because it's a big meal to digest. Here's that bridge I talked about earlier. Harmonies, recorded and mixed beautifully into the outro. Wow. Eddie hasn't sounded this good in so long. At this point, he's definitely the fucking MVP of this record.

Never Destination: From the start, it feels like the first song on the album that could have been inserted on any of the last three. What you might call "PJ by numbers." Nicely mixed solo from Mike. And again we have that drop out that Josh is clearly very good at. Bring up the bass...Jeff's getting down. OK, maybe this song has a little more that those last few albums. Little delay on the vocals...bring up those guitars. All of a sudden, this song's got its thing going on. One thing that stands out to me is I can't think of another time off the top of my head where Matt and Ed are really playing off each other. Nicely done...by the time this one ends, it's gone a lot further than I thought it would when it started.

Take The Long Way: Alright, this has to be a Matt riff. I think he writes guitar riffs that are awesome but have an ulterior motive...to make you hear what a badass fucking drummer he is. Band is on fire. Backup vocals and the mix on them are awesome, as is the guitar work Mike's bringing. The guitars on this record are maybe the best-sounding of any Pearl Jam record. And at this point I'm comfortable saying this is the best-produced Pearl Jam record. By a fucking mile. This fucking solo...the mix. Again, this guy will be producing a lot of rock records in the next 10 years. I fucking guarantee it. If the next RHCP or QOTSA album isn't produced by Josh I'll eat my hat.

Buckle Up: Cool riff. I like what EV is doing here. This one is making me curious about the lyrics, as what I'm picking up sound interesting. I wouldn't go as far as to call this a dud, but it's the first really one-dimensional song on the record. Still sounds fantastic though.

Comes Then Goes: I once got to go to Vince Gill's house in Nashville, and interview him about his guitar collection he had there (or at least part of it). If you're so inclined, PM me for the link to the video. The first one he picked up was his father's guitar, a beautiful old Gibson, and from there, he played some of the most collectible and sought-after guitars you could ever hear. It's definitely there in the video, but I will never forget standing a couple feet away from him, arguably one of the greatest guitar players alive, and hearing the sound that these instruments made when in the hands of someone so capable. What does this have to do with Pearl Jam? Well, I'm sure that Mike, Stone and Ed own some pretty amazing guitars too. And we've probably heard them before on their albums. But never like this. I think this is a good time to co-nominate Josh Evans as MVP of this album. Whatever expensive Martin Eddie's strumming on this one, it sounds every bit as warm and rich as it would probably sound if you were standing in the room. I know that production and engineering isn't everybody's thing, but it's a huge part of what makes successful records. I would love to know how the guitars were miked on this, and again, Josh Evans' schedule is going to be packed for the next several years, and songs like this are why. By the way, it's an absolutely gorgeous song, and it reminds you of why Eddie Vedder is Eddie Vedder. He is at his absolute best here.

Retrograde: More of that sonic treatment on the 12-string, which I would imagine is Mike. Very nice how this song flows in from the last one. Eddie's on point, and once again the harmonies are mixed perfectly. Beautiful guitar work by Mike and Stone. This song really feels like a band effort...Mike bringing the 12-string guitar, but the verse riff is very Stone, with those Middle-Eastern tinges like Strangest Tribe. It's amazing what some production can do, and I don't know why they haven't done more of this over the years. Adding the echo to the vocals at the end just gives this such a richness. Love it.

River Cross: When the video of Ed's solo performance of this was posted, I didn't make it 20 seconds in. Seriously, no thanks. After less-than-stellar results of solo Ed songs going to the band (I'm looking at you Sleeping By Myself and Speed of Sound), my hopes for this aren't high. But I like what Matt's bringing, and again, the way it's assembled sonically really finds balance between the organ (which can be grating, and probably why the solo version didn't resonate). It brings back some of that 80s feel of DOTC, like a lost Peter Gabriel song from that era. Not my favorite song on the album, but a strong closer and definitely one that I'm going to want to sit with while I read the lyrics.

This album is a high-water mark for this band. My expectations have been completely surpassed. Eddie Vedder is definitely the MVP, followed by Josh Evans behind the board. His sonic contributions are undeniable, and this is, for me, if not the best-sounding Pearl Jam album, then pretty goddamn close. But what also really shines through on this record is the band. Four of the five of them have spent 30 years together making music, and all five have shared 20 of those years. They are loose, they are comfortable, they are in the zone. They are magnificently in step on this album.

I haven't read many of the lyrics yet, but I am a little surprised that the specter of Chris Cornell and his death don't seem to be a big part of this album. Perhaps it was so personal for them that to put it into a Pearl Jam record felt odd, but I think of something like 4/20/02 and am just a little thrown off. Maybe it's in there and I'm just not hearing it yet. Or maybe they felt the best tribute to Chris was to just put their best foot forward in his honor. I can't imagine he wouldn't have enjoyed hearing this.

It's wonderful. Thank you Pearl Jam for keeping the journey interesting after 30 years. Good night RM.

I’ve only read through Quick Escape, but I’ve already agreed with every word of this review and laughed out loud several times. Early review on the review: Best Review Ever

I just read through this review as I listened to each song. Taking my time digesting the music, my emotions, the lyrics, my own thoughts and feelings, and your words... and honestly it’s an emotional feeling. Pearl Jam just gave us a gift we haven’t seen anything like in 20+ years. This album is a revelation. This review was insightful, funny, warm, and spot on in its analysis. I will say that I may like River Cross a touch more than you, I think it finishes Gigaton beautifully. It’s tasteful and optimistic and cathartic that follows closely after the sonic thunderstorm that is the eleven songs that preceed it. Thank you for one of my favorite ever RM posts. #PostOfTheYear

Thank man, glad you enjoyed it!

[mvw]

For anyone to say this album is NOT good, is asinine.

The guys guys are in their 50’s?

This record is fantastic. It sounds amazing. The band sounds great.

Eddies songs are pretty great, Comes Then Goes is soooo good.

I was high as shit, which song has the Tom Petty song in it?

Never Destination

Thank you. Lol. I knew I wasn’t too high.

Yeah, at 3:47 in ND it's like a Petty tribute! Almost takes me out of the song (I had earlier posted in error that it was in 7 O'C.
Assume the Petty tribute is just that, related to losing him recently.

Is this an actual Petty lyric or just the tone and style of the delivery?

[oceanic156]

Not many people have brought this up, but I think the lyrics are exceptional. I think this is the strongest writing the band has ever done (see Who Ever Said, Seven O'Clock, and Comes then Goes in particular). Vivid imagery and real emotional hits. Not even a hint of the vapid schmaltz/ramblings that marred Backspacer and Lightning Bolt.

The tension and drama that had been missing entirely from those two records is also finally back here. Dynamic, interesting arrangements that a delivery that feels passionate and deliberate. Memorable melodies and fluid chord progressions. Real hooks. The album is great!

Not sure where I'd rank it, although it's certainly miles above anything post-Riot Act.

Standout tracks so far:
Who Ever Said
DotC
Quick Escape
Seven O'Clock (my favorite)
Comes then Goes

[evenslow]

Steven Hyden's review:

https://uproxx.com/indie/pearl-jam-gigaton-review/

[Ms Harmless]

Not many people have brought this up, but I think the lyrics are exceptional. I think this is the strongest writing the band has ever done (see Who Ever Said, Seven O'Clock, and Comes then Goes in particular). Vivid imagery and real emotional hits. Not even a hint of the vapid schmaltz/ramblings that marred Backspacer and Lightning Bolt.

The tension and drama that had been missing entirely from those two records is also finally back here. Dynamic, interesting arrangements that a delivery that feels passionate and deliberate. Memorable melodies and fluid chord progressions. Real hooks. The album is great!

Not sure where I'd rank it, although it's certainly miles above anything post-Riot Act.

Standout tracks so far:
Who Ever Said
DotC
Quick Escape
Seven O'Clock (my favorite)
Comes then Goes

I completely agree it's a strong album lyrically

[gardenparty]

A part of me wishes i didn't cave on listening because all of these short clips are going to be great.

[Teeeeeekay]

For anyone to say this album is NOT good, is asinine.

The guys guys are in their 50’s?

This record is fantastic. It sounds amazing. The band sounds great.

Eddies songs are pretty great, Comes Then Goes is soooo good.

I was high as shit, which song has the Tom Petty song in it?

Never Destination

Thank you. Lol. I knew I wasn’t too high.

Yeah, at 3:47 in ND it's like a Petty tribute! Almost takes me out of the song (I had earlier posted in error that it was in 7 O'C.
Assume the Petty tribute is just that, related to losing him recently.

Is this an actual Petty lyric or just the tone and style of the delivery?

It’s the same melody as something, don’t remember at the moment.

[Vindicator]

The final 4 songs are absolute molasses to get through. What a snoozefest. Buckle Up is one dimensional and pretty boring overall, Comes Then Goes is so long and boring and again one dimensional, Retrograde is a huge cheese fest the likes of which haven't been seen ever, Sirens wasnt even this cheesy. The Hard Sun esque outro is great and can't save it. River Cross is an ok song but coming from the slog of the previous songs, I'm ready for it to be over. Ed added too many words yet again.

How many fucking words are on Seven O Clock? It's so horribly wordy in the verses the words barely fit coming out of Ed's mouth. Absolutely horrible. Nice pretty chorus melody can't save this shit.

The good? Quick Escape and Take The Long Way, finally some songs that are doing something interesting and cool. They aren't mind blowing either. They are solid though. Alright is a beautiful song, I love it. Who Ever Said suffers from problems but it's decent. SBWM at this point has grown from me hating it as a single to actually enjoying it compared to fucking Seven O Clock or Retrograde. Never Destination is very by the numbers but I'll take that too. DOTC was a very cool single but its not a life altering track.

The album is just full of so many clunkers it ends up being a let down to me, but I'm not mad. At least they did something. For better or worse.

[Farmer John]

A day later

Never Destination > Take the Long Way > Buckle Up > Comes Then Goes

is the best run on the album for me.

followed very closely by Dance > Quick Escape > Alright

[Farmer John]

So many great details I'm still noticing. I can't wait to hear this in perfect quality.

I was non-plussed on the idea of hearing it in a dolby theater, but that sounds awesome right about now.

[mvw]

For anyone to say this album is NOT good, is asinine.

The guys guys are in their 50’s?

This record is fantastic. It sounds amazing. The band sounds great.

Eddies songs are pretty great, Comes Then Goes is soooo good.

I was high as shit, which song has the Tom Petty song in it?

Never Destination

Thank you. Lol. I knew I wasn’t too high.

Yeah, at 3:47 in ND it's like a Petty tribute! Almost takes me out of the song (I had earlier posted in error that it was in 7 O'C.
Assume the Petty tribute is just that, related to losing him recently.

Is this an actual Petty lyric or just the tone and style of the delivery?

It’s the same melody as something, don’t remember at the moment.

I heard Listen To Her Heart, but I know those aren’t the lyrics.

[Ms Harmless]

can anyone point me to the wife beater's novel reference?

[VinylGuy]

im really warming to most of the songs i thought they were just ok.

[Teeeeeekay]

For anyone to say this album is NOT good, is asinine.

The guys guys are in their 50’s?

This record is fantastic. It sounds amazing. The band sounds great.

Eddies songs are pretty great, Comes Then Goes is soooo good.

I was high as shit, which song has the Tom Petty song in it?

Never Destination

Thank you. Lol. I knew I wasn’t too high.

Yeah, at 3:47 in ND it's like a Petty tribute! Almost takes me out of the song (I had earlier posted in error that it was in 7 O'C.
Assume the Petty tribute is just that, related to losing him recently.

Is this an actual Petty lyric or just the tone and style of the delivery?

It’s the same melody as something, don’t remember at the moment.

I heard Listen To Her Heart, but I know those aren’t the lyrics.

It’s at 3:50 ish. And it’s the melody of Listen To Her Heart.

[Jaeti]

DOTC through Seven O'Clock is a helluva run. possibly my favorite run since Lights years-Of the Girl.

I'd start with Who Ever Said in this run. I'm shocked. If the album version is any kind of improvement on this copy, it is going to be amazing.

Yeah, I think I think the "run" is the first six tracks.