Lightning Bolt: the official album thread

[stip]

i just hate when people decide that, because they don't like something, anyone who does must be stupid.

those kids are just idiots (not for finding the older movies dated or boring, but for thinking that the newer films are in any way superior. Maybe none of them are worthwhile, but I just can't even begin to envision how the later wold be preferable to anyone

The Star Wars prequels are the one universal exception to that, says jar jar binks. And I respect the opinion of someone with such a high midiclorine count

[Heathen]

[ABNorman]

I do hate the attitude that if you like or dislike something, you're not listening properly.

FTFY

Sure. It goes both ways, which is why I said I totally understand people's disappointment, I just don't feel it. I could be happier, but it could also be much, much worse. I was expecting a new album exactly the same as Backspacer and we've got a little more than that.

Plus, I've heard whispers that their next album is going to be solely performed on a calliope, with Mike and Stone dressed up as clowns and hitting each other with bladders-on-sticks as Ed delivers all his vocals in the style of a carny hailer. No tracks, either. Just one continuous stream of music that dips and peaks.

Thank goodness they've got all this experimentation out of their system.

[dimejinky99]

I was about to ask that guy had he heard the whole thing.

I understand that point of view though. I was very much in that mindset after ST. I really thought theyd tine where i couldnt follow(theyd gone backwards and unsuccessfully to my ears).

It was only when went to see Pj once on that tour and twice again the following year, I realised we'll they obviously really still feel passionate about playing, and they played remarkably well on the 06/07 tour, so it was the shows kept me on board.

I think the loathing I had for ST did a lot to support my love for Backspacer.
They were at least trying something new, and while they did tread over some old ground with little success, overall I loved and still love the record.

So there's no high stakes for me on this record, though no doubt the band feel there is, it being a landmark tenth record and following a lazy 4 year break in terms of output.
But I'm loving what I've heard and so with that I'd say to that guy above, don't give up.
There's plenty of life in these old dogs and this record isn't even out yet. Might just turn out to be a complete rebirth.
I have a feeling it will be in a lot of ways.

[ABNorman]

Stone would be the sad clown.

[stip]

Also, badmusic, phow long is your collection of 'stip posts I save in case I ever need to use them in an argument?' Is it longer than adamdude's 'theplatypus' collection?

[harmless]

I do hate the attitude that if you like or dislike something, you're not listening properly.

FTFY

Sure. It goes both ways, which is why I said I totally understand people's disappointment, I just don't feel it. I could be happier, but it could also be much, much worse. I was expecting a new album exactly the same as Backspacer and we've got a little more than that.

Plus, I've heard whispers that their next album is going to be solely performed on a calliope, with Mike and Stone dressed up as clowns and hitting each other with bladders-on-sticks as Ed delivers all his vocals in the style of a carny hailer. No tracks, either. Just one continuous stream of music that dips and peaks.

Thank goodness they've got all this experimentation out of their system.

I'll give anything a chance. Eddie and the Pearl Jams deserve that at least. Peace, love and a Jamstring made of Pearls.

[dimejinky99]

And even if this record turns out to be a masterpiece I reall do hope they to with a new producer on the next one.

Lanois, Eno, Albini, whoever. But it's time for a change up.

[stupidmop]

Let me preface what I say with this- I have been a Pearl Jam fan since the very beginning. I've grown up with them and will always feel some level of sentiment in regards to their work. Their songs are ingrained in my consciousness and I'm sure I'll continue to revisit their work as I grow old.

That said, I am hugely disappointed with what I've heard off Lightning Bolt thus far. I've really tried to hang in there the last few records, but I think this is the end of the line for me. Somewhere around the Blue album it seems like their creative flame dimmed considerably. They seem to just be playing it by the numbers at this juncture. While they appear to cater to their fan base I can't help but feel they've stopped challenging their fan base, and themselves for that matter. The new stuff sounds so bland, sterile, and uninspired.

It bothers me a bit that they've become so media friendly and such critical darlings. In my estimation they have become a BRAND and ceased being a BAND. They've built up a lot of brand loyalty over the years and I think this is the reason they continue to get a pass (by the fans, by the critics, by the media). People are loyal to and blinded by the PJ institution. I just can't find the artistic merit in their work. The muse seems to have departed. What they've released over the past 6-7 years is product, but its not art.

As I mentioned previously, Pearl Jam will always have a place in my heart and its remarkable how long they've hung in there- but Lightning Bolt is the end of the line for me (for now). They could always win me back somewhere down the line, but this is the first record I don't feel obliged to purchase.

I dont think they're critical darlings so much as the critics/media don't really care enough to trash them. They've been around for ages, being fairly non offensive as of late, they're just there.

"Pearl jam? Oh yeah grunge...survivors....still around...I'm sure the albums ok whatever...they've got a lot of fans.. where's that new arcade fire album?"

I agree about a lot of the last two albums and most of what we've heard so far feeling bland and uninspired though (I'm waiting for those other tracks though), and that there seems to be a shift in the way they operate that's not entirely pleasing, but as harmless said, eeehhh.

I do think the album rollout has been pretty cool, I might be wrong when 10000 interviews come out in the following two weeks, but it looks like they got a bunch of friends to interview em so they didn't have to do as much other interviews.

And fuck being obligated to buy anything, I always listen to an album first through...other means. And then buy it if I really like it. Whoevers it is.

[harmless]

BoB seemed to imply that he'd like to do another one... *hopes not*

[Heathen]

Also, badmusic, phow long is your collection of 'stip posts I save in case I ever need to use them in an argument?' Is it longer than adamdude's 'theplatypus' collection?

currently 6104 on this new board

[dimejinky99]

Yeah I hope there's a shift.
They'd be playing it too safe and not really exploring anything new at all if they kept him on board for the next one.

Time to branch out.

[stip]

Also, badmusic, phow long is your collection of 'stip posts I save in case I ever need to use them in an argument?' Is it longer than adamdude's 'theplatypus' collection?

currently 6104 on this new board

Which 4 posts were excluded?

[harmless]

Thing is, I wouldn't mind BoB's "sound" or aesthetics on the next one, as long as he was willing to take forward some of the more interesting aspects of this album. And I'm just not sure if he will; it seems as if he's desperate to make sure that something with "hit potential" stays on the tracklist. Which is OK, but he seems to think that "hit material" can be judged objectively, and that's dangerous territory. That's when you get formulas.

[Heathen]

Also, badmusic, phow long is your collection of 'stip posts I save in case I ever need to use them in an argument?' Is it longer than adamdude's 'theplatypus' collection?

currently 6104 on this new board

Which 4 posts were excluded?

none, that was your total when I posted

[dimejinky99]

Thing is, I wouldn't mind BoB's "sound" or aesthetics on the next one, as long as he was willing to take forward some of the more interesting aspects of this album. And I'm just not sure if he will; it seems as if he's desperate to make sure that something with "hit potential" stays on the tracklist. Which is OK, but he seems to think that "hit material" can be judged objectively, and that's dangerous territory. That's when you get formulas.

We may turn out to love it, but not a one of us will ever understand why a new song was dropped in favour of sleeping by myself. This didn't bother me initially but now I'm frustrated and baffled by it as a decision.
And he insisted on it?
Fuck that.

[stip]

Also, badmusic, phow long is your collection of 'stip posts I save in case I ever need to use them in an argument?' Is it longer than adamdude's 'theplatypus' collection?

currently 6104 on this new board

Which 4 posts were excluded?

none, that was your total when I posted

You must have an impressive filing system

[harmless]

Thing is, I wouldn't mind BoB's "sound" or aesthetics on the next one, as long as he was willing to take forward some of the more interesting aspects of this album. And I'm just not sure if he will; it seems as if he's desperate to make sure that something with "hit potential" stays on the tracklist. Which is OK, but he seems to think that "hit material" can be judged objectively, and that's dangerous territory. That's when you get formulas.

We may turn out to love it, but not a one of us will ever understand why a new song was dropped in favour of sleeping by myself. This didn't bother me initially but now I'm frustrated and baffled by it as a decision.
And he insisted on it?
Fuck that.

Yeah, he should never have told anyone he pushed it on there. That's gonna anger people. I'm hoping to like it. I find some comfort in the fact that the band weren't happy with Of The Earth. It's conceivable that they just couldn't find a structure for it and didn't think it was good enough as it was.

[Thejambi]

Let me preface what I say with this- I have been a Pearl Jam fan since the very beginning. I've grown up with them and will always feel some level of sentiment in regards to their work. Their songs are ingrained in my consciousness and I'm sure I'll continue to revisit their work as I grow old.

That said, I am hugely disappointed with what I've heard off Lightning Bolt thus far. I've really tried to hang in there the last few records, but I think this is the end of the line for me. Somewhere around the Blue album it seems like their creative flame dimmed considerably. They seem to just be playing it by the numbers at this juncture. While they appear to cater to their fan base I can't help but feel they've stopped challenging their fan base, and themselves for that matter. The new stuff sounds so bland, sterile, and uninspired.

It bothers me a bit that they've become so media friendly and such critical darlings. In my estimation they have become a BRAND and ceased being a BAND. They've built up a lot of brand loyalty over the years and I think this is the reason they continue to get a pass (by the fans, by the critics, by the media). People are loyal to and blinded by the PJ institution. I just can't find the artistic merit in their work. The muse seems to have departed. What they've released over the past 6-7 years is product, but its not art.

As I mentioned previously, Pearl Jam will always have a place in my heart and its remarkable how long they've hung in there- but Lightning Bolt is the end of the line for me (for now). They could always win me back somewhere down the line, but this is the first record I don't feel obliged to purchase.

I appreciate you sharing your penetrating insight. It's always useful to know that when I like new material it is because I am blinded by my loyalty to the institution of pearljam. For a second I thought it was because the music was really good, but it's always useful to know that I like what I do because I'm a sheep. Takes away the need to think.

I also admire, as a long term fan, your ability to write off an album as crap when you've only heard half of it. The decline of your fandom is all the more tragic knowing you walked out halfway through the movie.

Welcome to the board

I'm so hard right now Stip.

[harmless]

Also, pushing average tunes on an album while leaving good ones off is hardly a new problem for PJ. Binaural and Riot Act were both affected by frustrating tracking choices.