Lightning Bolt: the official album thread

[Lounge Lizard]

So it seems like SW is rising up in people's rankings of the new songs? If so I'm really glad to see that. Its so pretty. God damn I wish that 2:05 bridge area was longer. Maybe they will jam this out live?

I was hoping they'd jam out the ending of MFC, but...

I picture that turning into an RVM clusterfuck jam, but then again I'm all for anything that features Stone soloing.

Why? He seems to struggle through them while Mike's a natural

[verb_to_trust]

So it seems like SW is rising up in people's rankings of the new songs? If so I'm really glad to see that. Its so pretty. God damn I wish that 2:05 bridge area was longer. Maybe they will jam this out live?

I was hoping they'd jam out the ending of MFC, but...

I picture that turning into an RVM clusterfuck jam, but then again I'm all for anything that features Stone soloing.

Why? He seems to struggle through them while Mike's a natural

If 'natural' means 'derivative blues scale wanking' then yes. Stone's solos are more interesting to me.

[HardTI]

So it seems like SW is rising up in people's rankings of the new songs? If so I'm really glad to see that. Its so pretty. God damn I wish that 2:05 bridge area was longer. Maybe they will jam this out live?

I was hoping they'd jam out the ending of MFC, but...

I picture that turning into an RVM clusterfuck jam, but then again I'm all for anything that features Stone soloing.

Why? He seems to struggle through them while Mike's a natural

I never noticed him struggling. I just love his odd style and hes a fantastic musician. I actually have trouble listening to Mike's mindless wankfests live now. A Mike solo that actually invokes emotion from me is a rare thing these days.

[Noaheb]

So it seems like SW is rising up in people's rankings of the new songs? If so I'm really glad to see that. Its so pretty. God damn I wish that 2:05 bridge area was longer. Maybe they will jam this out live?

I was hoping they'd jam out the ending of MFC, but...

I picture that turning into an RVM clusterfuck jam, but then again I'm all for anything that features Stone soloing.

Why? He seems to struggle through them while Mike's a natural

[Release_Me]

My review.

Getaway: Great song. The hooks are back! The groove is back too and that's how I like my Pearl Jam. Ed's singing is ace and the lyrics/delivery work extremely well with the subject matter the song is tackling. Classic Pearl Jam. Best opener for me since Last Exit.

Lightning Bolt: Loved this from the get-go when I heard the live version. Again, everything I expect from a mid-tempo PJ anthem. Improved in the studio with better performances and more layers. Again, a song filled with hooks.

Let the Record Play: This is the song I wish they had made earlier instead of some of the filler we had on earlier albums. This is how PJ should sound when they're having fun. I love the bluesy guitar and Ed's delivery. Something very different for Pearl Jam and they do it really well.

Swallowed Whole: Didn't like the start of the song but then it really picks up. Ed's voice soars in the higher parts. Mike is on fire too. The song I liked the least among these but has growth potential.

Overall, I am ecstatic with the way Ed sounds on all these and the guitar tone, not to mention the groove which is so audible especially in Getaway and LTRP. PJ album rockers have lacked this kind of hooky songwriting for the most part since Vitalogy. S/T rockers were better but seemed a bit too weighed down by the subject matter and lacked great hooks. Backspacer rockers had some good hooks but lacked the depth.

This album seems to be just what I wanted to follow up Backspacer (which I loved by the way). They are dealing with more serious subjects but they didn't make the songs dreary, bleak and difficult to listen to ala the middle period which I am not a fan of, at all. The hooks are there and are memorable, for me. That's the Pearl Jam I fell in love with on Ten, Vs and Vitalogy. In the middle period, I felt they then tried a lot of experimental stuff while going completely away from their strengths; sacrificing hooks for plodding, meandering songs which never really grabbed me. I hope Sirens, Infallible, Pendulum, Yellow Moon, etc. do not go the way of Binaural, No Code or Riot Act. Or if they do, they take the best elements of those records and combine them. If they manage to keep the same level of songwriting on the more atmospheric songs, this album seems set to replace Backspacer as my #4 in PJ's catalogue. I am not sure if it has a shot at dethroning Vs as my #3. That would probably be stretching expectations too far.

[stip]

i was waiting for your review

[wmw3]

Yeah ok, realisticness prolly not a word. But, to all you wondering what new songs might sound like... Don't read these reviews, or read them but hold out for your own opinion. I read them and was not sure what to think of new stuff. Well I've heard it now. And throw all your thinkings out of the window. I got banned from PJ Forum for a statement about Self Titled when people were knocking Come Back, and Inside Job and I had heard them. I stated that those two songs are encore like songs. So all I'll say about Swallowed Whole, Getaway, Lightning Bolt, Let the Records play is that the boys have done it again. This stuff is fresh. It feels like a crazy mix of Riot Act with self titled, and some Backspacer ish production. The lyrics are killer. And Mike McCready truly ssssshreeedsss on Let the Records play. All the talk of Lightning Bolt as Unthought Known part 2 is off base. These songs do not overtly sound like ANYTHING you've heard. Annnnddd Im spent.

[Juvenal]

Of the leaked songs the one which has squatted in head and resolutely refused to leave is Getaway. Catchy as fuck.

[stip]

Yeah ok, realisticness prolly not a word. But, to all you wondering what new songs might sound like... Don't read these reviews, or read them but hold out for your own opinion. I read them and was not sure what to think of new stuff. Well I've heard it now. And throw all your thinkings out of the window. I got banned from PJ Forum for a statement about Self Titled when people were knocking Come Back, and Inside Job and I had heard them. I stated that those two songs are encore like songs. So all I'll say about Swallowed Whole, Getaway, Lightning Bolt, Let the Records play is that the boys have done it again. This stuff is fresh. It feels like a crazy mix of Riot Act with self titled, and some Backspacer ish production. The lyrics are killer. And Mike McCready truly ssssshreeedsss on Let the Records play. All the talk of Lightning Bolt as Unthought Known part 2 is off base. These songs do not overtly sound like ANYTHING you've heard. Annnnddd Im spent.

welcome to the board I'm moving this to the l-bolt thread. We try to keep this place tidier than the PJ forum and minimize new threads when old ones are appropriate.

[dimejinky99]

Just as an experiment:

I'd like to see Matt, Stone, Jeff and Ed each write a solo album (all music and lyrics). And then bring in the rest of Pearl Jam as a backing/session band on the album. Release each album under their individual name, as solo records, and just see what they sound like. See which one is the best.

Hallelujah.

Ok press play on all their solo records at once and they actually make up a huge symphony which sounds like the who being raped by jethro tull.

Go now

[Release_Me]

I hope I didn't disappoint. Maybe it's the freshness of these tunes but I am stoked. I was not this happy when I heard the S/T leak. I was almost this happy with the BS leak. Still need to hear the whole album before making up my mind. But these have raised expectations.

[stip]

I was particularly curious since your tastes seem to most closely mirror my own. I think you may have liked this new batch a bit more than me, but I'm still a fan of these songs.

[Lounge Lizard]

Yeah ok, realisticness prolly not a word. But, to all you wondering what new songs might sound like... Don't read these reviews, or read them but hold out for your own opinion. I read them and was not sure what to think of new stuff. Well I've heard it now. And throw all your thinkings out of the window. I got banned from PJ Forum for a statement about Self Titled when people were knocking Come Back, and Inside Job and I had heard them. I stated that those two songs are encore like songs. So all I'll say about Swallowed Whole, Getaway, Lightning Bolt, Let the Records play is that the boys have done it again. This stuff is fresh. It feels like a crazy mix of Riot Act with self titled, and some Backspacer ish production. The lyrics are killer. And Mike McCready truly ssssshreeedsss on Let the Records play. All the talk of Lightning Bolt as Unthought Known part 2 is off base. These songs do not overtly sound like ANYTHING you've heard. Annnnddd Im spent.

Fresh blood!

Wait, did you say you were banned from The Pit for... stating an opinion on a couple of songs?
What kind of sick shit is that
They charge people to be able to post too, right?

[Strat]

RIP PJ


The PJ I once knew is dead. Creative spark seems spent and these guys are way too comfortable doing "business as usual"

Now, that doesnt mean I dont find some enjoyment in these new songs. And yes, sure, maybe, the rest of the record is more up my alley and may show what PJ are still capable of. However, these 4 songs (plus MYM and FD) are PJ Lite. once you realize this is the new pearl jam, the songs can be enjoyed for what they are. Pearl Jam used to be more than that but they seem to have stopped pushing themsleves and i suppose that is only natural when you dont get together and create as a band or allow that growth to happen. It seems as though the band writing full fledged songs, bringing them into the group 2x over a 4 year period, does not promote the edge and creativty they once had.

Getaway has a great groove and I love the phrasing. THis song is most interesting to me.

Lightning bolt? Better version of Unthought Known but "been there done that". Not sure how this got through quality control. "umm, ed, really? this sounds identical to Unthought Known".

Swallowed whole - I cant remember it. Ed, stop bringing in your solo songs cause they are becoming less and less interesting (grievance anyone?) Lots of people love it so I haven't given up on it but as of now it was pretty forgettable. Lots of REM references from the board so maybe thats why im missing it....

LTRP - Man, could have been great but that chorus is so bland. Great guitar work and I like the swampy stagger of the rest of the song but i picture a mid 40's dude, chaperoning the high school prom, bopping his head to the chorus off to the side whilst drinking punch.

Ill obviously withhold final judgement till soaking in the entire album and I agree that context could play a huge role in the enjoyment of these songs. However, I think back to better records and try and imagine how I would feel if I heard "Breakerfall" "Gods Dice" and "Thin Air" prior to the entire album....

Basically, I shouldnt have to convince myself the songs are great and i find myself doing that.

RIP Strat

[harmless]

I for one love the murky, obscure and 'dreary' "middle period" stuff, but I also love the light poppy side as well (we've really known this side of the band since Lost Dogs, I think). But that light poppy side was obviously just not very well executed on Backspacer, and really is here in my opinion.

[BurtReynolds]

it's official: feelings are mixed!

[dimejinky99]

RIP PJ


The PJ I once knew is dead. Creative spark seems spent and these guys are way too comfortable doing "business as usual"

Now, that doesnt mean I dont find some enjoyment in these new songs. And yes, sure, maybe, the rest of the record is more up my alley and may show what PJ are still capable of. However, these 4 songs (plus MYM and FD) are PJ Lite. once you realize this is the new pearl jam, the songs can be enjoyed for what they are. Pearl Jam used to be more than that but they seem to have stopped pushing themsleves and i suppose that is only natural when you dont get together and create as a band or allow that growth to happen. It seems as though the band writing full fledged songs, bringing them into the group 2x over a 4 year period, does not promote the edge and creativty they once had.

Getaway has a great groove and I love the phrasing. THis song is most interesting to me.

Lightning bolt? Better version of Unthought Known but "been there done that". Not sure how this got through quality control. "umm, ed, really? this sounds identical to Unthought Known".

Swallowed whole - I cant remember it. Ed, stop bringing in your solo songs cause they are becoming less and less interesting (grievance anyone?) Lots of people love it so I haven't given up on it but as of now it was pretty forgettable. Lots of REM references from the board so maybe thats why im missing it....

LTRP - Man, could have been great but that chorus is so bland. Great guitar work and I like the swampy stagger of the rest of the song but i picture a mid 40's dude, chaperoning the high school prom, bopping his head to the chorus off to the side whilst drinking punch.

Ill obviously withhold final judgement till soaking in the entire album and I agree that context could play a huge role in the enjoyment of these songs. However, I think back to better records and try and imagine how I would feel if I heard "Breakerfall" "Gods Dice" and "Thin Air" prior to the entire album....

Basically, I shouldnt have to convince myself the songs are great and i find myself doing that.

RIP Strat

I hoped rhis day would never come. Strat will know change his name to uke.
Game over man. Game over

[harmless]

RIP PJ


The PJ I once knew is dead. Creative spark seems spent and these guys are way too comfortable doing "business as usual"

Now, that doesnt mean I dont find some enjoyment in these new songs. And yes, sure, maybe, the rest of the record is more up my alley and may show what PJ are still capable of. However, these 4 songs (plus MYM and FD) are PJ Lite. once you realize this is the new pearl jam, the songs can be enjoyed for what they are. Pearl Jam used to be more than that but they seem to have stopped pushing themsleves and i suppose that is only natural when you dont get together and create as a band or allow that growth to happen. It seems as though the band writing full fledged songs, bringing them into the group 2x over a 4 year period, does not promote the edge and creativty they once had.

Getaway has a great groove and I love the phrasing. THis song is most interesting to me.

Lightning bolt? Better version of Unthought Known but "been there done that". Not sure how this got through quality control. "umm, ed, really? this sounds identical to Unthought Known".

Swallowed whole - I cant remember it. Ed, stop bringing in your solo songs cause they are becoming less and less interesting (grievance anyone?) Lots of people love it so I haven't given up on it but as of now it was pretty forgettable. Lots of REM references from the board so maybe thats why im missing it....

LTRP - Man, could have been great but that chorus is so bland. Great guitar work and I like the swampy stagger of the rest of the song but i picture a mid 40's dude, chaperoning the high school prom, bopping his head to the chorus off to the side whilst drinking punch.

Ill obviously withhold final judgement till soaking in the entire album and I agree that context could play a huge role in the enjoyment of these songs. However, I think back to better records and try and imagine how I would feel if I heard "Breakerfall" "Gods Dice" and "Thin Air" prior to the entire album....

Basically, I shouldnt have to convince myself the songs are great and i find myself doing that.

RIP Strat

'Breakerfall'? That's really not a good song on its own, imo.

[stip]

Lightning bolt? Better version of Unthought Known but "been there done that". Not sure how this got through quality control. "umm, ed, really? this sounds identical to Unthought Known".

the same way MYM evolved from Ole, I suspect. I'm glad to see them try again and get it right in both cases.

Strat, out of curiosity, based on the early listening party reviews were any of these the songs you were really excited for/expecting to love?

[stip]

RIP PJ


The PJ I once knew is dead. Creative spark seems spent and these guys are way too comfortable doing "business as usual"

Now, that doesnt mean I dont find some enjoyment in these new songs. And yes, sure, maybe, the rest of the record is more up my alley and may show what PJ are still capable of. However, these 4 songs (plus MYM and FD) are PJ Lite. once you realize this is the new pearl jam, the songs can be enjoyed for what they are. Pearl Jam used to be more than that but they seem to have stopped pushing themsleves and i suppose that is only natural when you dont get together and create as a band or allow that growth to happen. It seems as though the band writing full fledged songs, bringing them into the group 2x over a 4 year period, does not promote the edge and creativty they once had.

Getaway has a great groove and I love the phrasing. THis song is most interesting to me.

Lightning bolt? Better version of Unthought Known but "been there done that". Not sure how this got through quality control. "umm, ed, really? this sounds identical to Unthought Known".

Swallowed whole - I cant remember it. Ed, stop bringing in your solo songs cause they are becoming less and less interesting (grievance anyone?) Lots of people love it so I haven't given up on it but as of now it was pretty forgettable. Lots of REM references from the board so maybe thats why im missing it....

LTRP - Man, could have been great but that chorus is so bland. Great guitar work and I like the swampy stagger of the rest of the song but i picture a mid 40's dude, chaperoning the high school prom, bopping his head to the chorus off to the side whilst drinking punch.

Ill obviously withhold final judgement till soaking in the entire album and I agree that context could play a huge role in the enjoyment of these songs. However, I think back to better records and try and imagine how I would feel if I heard "Breakerfall" "Gods Dice" and "Thin Air" prior to the entire album....

Basically, I shouldnt have to convince myself the songs are great and i find myself doing that.

RIP Strat

'Breakerfall'? That's really not a good song on its own, imo.

if the first three songs from binaural that I heard were god's dice, breakerfall, and thin air I'd probably have landed in therapy