Lightning Bolt: The Official Album Thread

[ABNorman]

They're not perfect albums, but they're the best seven records this band has. Riot Act is absolutely untouchable by this album, and probably by any future album.

I think the first 5 are untouchable...for my money Binaural and Riot Act don't belong in the same class as Ten thru Yield.

For my money they are better than the first five.

Team Thurman.

I think they're up there, at the very least. Some days Riot Act is my favourite PJ album.

Its not my intention to knock those albums when i say they don't compare to the Ten-Yield run....in my eyes those albums are classics. I look at Binaural as a small step below those first 5 (although the sessions as a whole are amazing). Riot Act to me is another step below that and basically in line with S/T and Lightning Bolt.

I feel the same way about Binaural, but Riot Act is a major step down for me. S/T and Backspacer are somewhere between those two. Binaural retracked with Sad, Fatal and Education puts it right back in the top of the pack.

[ABNorman]

I don't really know where to post about it now, but i just watched the epk for the first time and my favorite part was gleason saying "so its been 5 years since you released backspacer......what the fuck "

That was a great start to the EPK. Wish they'd done a SVT-style thing with those interviews mixed with in-the-room recordings.

[dimejinky99]

I don't really know where to post about it now, but i just watched the epk for the first time and my favorite part was gleason saying "so its been 5 years since you released backspacer......what the fuck "

That was a great start to the EPK. Wish they'd done a SVT-style thing with those interviews mixed with in-the-room recordings.

Digital content from the preorders to follow. You might see some small version of that yet.

[VinylGuy]

I don't really know where to post about it now, but i just watched the epk for the first time and my favorite part was gleason saying "so its been 5 years since you released backspacer......what the fuck "

That was a great start to the EPK. Wish they'd done a SVT-style thing with those interviews mixed with in-the-room recordings.

Digital content from the preorders to follow. You might see some small version of that yet.

Im guessing that digital content will be available on thursday right? with the flacs?

[dimejinky99]

I didn't pre order so I don't have that info but its hopefully not long away.

I'd happily buy an extended SVT style version of the LB film.

I think we all would.

[so2344]

Long time member had to reactivate acct to ask you guys 1 question: why is LB so expensive? It is $14.88 at amazon and $15.99 (!) at best buy!

Anyone have insight into this?

Thanks and glad to be back on here for this release!

[WaitingForBluey]

Long time member had to reactivate acct to ask you guys 1 question: why is LB so expensive? It is $14.88 at amazon and $15.99 (!) at best buy!

Anyone have insight into this?

Thanks and glad to be back on here for this release!

Really? That looks like a normal price to me.

[Dr. Van Nostrand]

Long time member had to reactivate acct to ask you guys 1 question: why is LB so expensive? It is $14.88 at amazon and $15.99 (!) at best buy!

Anyone have insight into this?

Thanks and glad to be back on here for this release!

Im pretty sure it was just $11.99 through the fan club

[so2344]

Long time member had to reactivate acct to ask you guys 1 question: why is LB so expensive? It is $14.88 at amazon and $15.99 (!) at best buy!

Anyone have insight into this?

Thanks and glad to be back on here for this release!

Really? That looks like a normal price to me.

Most albums at best buy are around $11.99 now if you want a CD version...although PJ is up there because it seems their fanbase can afford that price.

Would've preferred a bit lower in price although still considering the old school copy

[stupidmop]

Maybe its something to do with them producing it themselves and not being covered by a record label or something.

[bada]

$9.99 should be the max.

[harmless]

Yeah, I think it's to do with having no huge Target backing this time.

[BurtReynolds]

Because PJ fans will pay it! And they think a CD still costs 20$.

[track11]

This album is pretty great. This makes Backspacer look like a singular misstep. The problems with Backspacer (not enough experimentation to balance the pop, songs not thought/worked out enough) are absolutely remedied. You can tell that every part (bridges, outros, transitions, etc) were given a ton of thought. In addition, it is absolutely amazing to have such variety, of all enormous quality, within 12 songs. The only song that should have been left out is Let the Records Play, which, although great to see the band try something absolutely different, just doesn't "work". As others have said, it is probably because the only way it could work would be if it were much more raw.

Also, the production and mixing on this is phenomenal. Any aspects that are too much (the keyboard swirl in Lightning bolt) are absolutely overwhelmed by all the other touches that enhance the choruses and dynamics. I think this puts to rest that O'Brien was responsible for the bland songs on Backspacer...clearly, the band picks which songs to work on and to include, because how else do you get "Pendulum" or "Father's Son" on here? And of course, production means squat if the songs suck, and these are all quality.

This are definitely a lot of aspects here that the band has never done before, as well as aspects that the band experimented with before but here perfect (Push me Pull Me-> Father's Son, Unthought Known-> Lightning Bolt). Above all, it is a grower, one for which my interest goes up with each successive listen (beside for LTRP).

Nothing Pearl Jam does will ever have the sentimental impact of Vs->Binaural. Those records came in a period of my life that color my perceptions to the extent that no album from anyone will probably ever even come close. But this record is an exceptionally good record for a band on their 10th album. They are clearly still passionate, still working hard, and still moving the chains. They've won me back. Now, I just have to see if they can win me back with their live show...I remain skeptical, but am excited to hear the official boots.

[psychobain]

is it just me or the album starts to fade after Pendulum?

first half is way stronger



1 spin though

[lecherouslittlestump]

So the general consensus is that this is Pearl Jam's Astral Weeks?

[stip]

The first half is stronger but sleeping by myself and yellow moon are a nice burst at the end. And everything is at least pretty good. Even fd is developing moments I look forward to

[BootsToAsses]

The first half is stronger but sleeping by myself and yellow moon are a nice burst at the end. And everything is at least pretty good. Even fd is developing moments I look forward to

The background vocals at the "I believe....yes I believe cos I can see....our future days..." are strangely haunting and effective.

[stip]

it's like there are ghosts within the songs.

the 'did something out there hear?' lyric is really nice.

The bridge is quite good.

And the harvest sounding violin.

[McParadigm]

Yeah, I think it's to do with having no huge Target backing this time.

There's nothing to what they're doing (running a pseudo-indie legal entity heavily supported by Universal's massive distribution infrastructure) that is any different than plenty of other acts have undertaken over the years. From Ani Difranco and Bad Religion to Nine Inch Nails to Prince and the Rolling Stones, so many acts of so many different sizes have taken steps equal to or greater than Monkeywrench over the years, and none of them have had any trouble maintaining or even besting big label prices.