127. Immortality vs. Release

Post by **stip** » Sun March 06, 2022 1:35 am

Immortality vs. Release

Post by **stip** » Sun March 06, 2022 1:38 am

This is a fantastic final match, and I'm really not sure how I'm going to vote. My two favorite closers, on my first and third favorite records of all time (maybe even one and two at this point). Both meditative, aspirational songs that try to rise above the darker moments on their respective records. Both achingly beautiful. There is a confidence, a certainty, to Release, that isn't there in the more tentative Immortality. Immortality is the more sophisticated song, but Release's innocence is part of its power.

Need to give these both a listen.

Post by **stip** » Sun March 06, 2022 1:40 am

"I'll ride the wave where it takes me." "I'll wait up in the dark, for you to speak to me". "Release Me." These are just such immensely powerful moments, as is Eddie's primal, mournful howl that tries to hard to cross an impossible distance.

Like Alive, the core elements of this song have been repeated many, many times, but probably never done this well.

Okay, onto Immortality.

digster · Post by **digster** » Sun March 06, 2022 1:41 am

Release by a mile for me.

Post by **stip** » Sun March 06, 2022 1:44 am

I think, musically, Immortality may be my favorite 'atmospheric' piece in the catalog. Excellent solos and fills by Mike. And Eddie is giving an anti-Release performance, his voice offering so much without ever veering into theatrics. It manages to be understated while sacrificing nothing.

Post by **stip** » Sun March 06, 2022 1:46 am

Not by a mile, but yeah, in 2022 it is Release.

Plus if Release advances I believe I'll be able to back it all the way through the winners bracket. There's a few songs (at least 3) I'd choose over Immortality

Norah · Post by **Norah** » Sun March 06, 2022 2:00 am

What a boring final round.

AndySlash · Post by **AndySlash** » Sun March 06, 2022 2:08 am

i wouldn't call it boring, these are definitely worthy songs, but it isn't an exciting matchup for me given what was still left a couple rounds ago.

immortality

wease · Post by **wease** » Sun March 06, 2022 2:24 am

Release

Strat · Post by **Strat** » Sun March 06, 2022 2:29 am

Norris wrote:What a boring final round.

Farmer John · Post by **Farmer John** » Sun March 06, 2022 2:41 am

The early rounds of these things are always the best.

Leatherhead · Post by **Leatherhead** » Sun March 06, 2022 3:07 am

Immortality, I guess.

Thurman Murman · Post by **Thurman Murman** » Sun March 06, 2022 3:07 am

Two very worthy songs and both are certainly in my top 20.

Immortality this time around.

PHATJ · Post by **PHATJ** » Sun March 06, 2022 3:09 am

I’ll wait up in the dark

Post by **stip** » Sun March 06, 2022 3:12 am

Strat wrote:
Norris wrote:What a boring final round.

the familiar refrain of the march madnes final

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Sun March 06, 2022 3:27 am

Immortality is easily a top 10 Pearl Jam song for me. As much as I love Release, this is easy for me.

LetMeSleep · Post by **LetMeSleep** » Sun March 06, 2022 4:23 am

Rob wrote:Immortality is easily a top 10 Pearl Jam song for me. As much as I love Release, this is easy for me.

Strat · Post by **Strat** » Sun March 06, 2022 5:02 am

stip wrote:
Strat wrote:
Norris wrote:What a boring final round.
the familiar refrain of the march madnes final

I don’t know. Just always feels like the same songs advance so it loses the excitement later on. Though abnorman can confirm

Anders · Post by **Anders** » Sun March 06, 2022 6:36 am

Easily Release. Immortality is a bit overrated on RM.

Higgs · Post by **Higgs** » Sun March 06, 2022 12:53 pm

Anders wrote:Easily Release. Immortality is a bit overrated on RM.

I agree with this.

Red Mosquito