Lightning Bolt: The Official Album Thread

[harmless]

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.

SBM was forced on here by BoB, and Yellow Moon had to be fought for by Mike. So yeah, I agree with you, strong songs, but BoB is the reason a few of them might not have been included.

[Dr. Van Nostrand]

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.

SBM was forced on here by BoB, and Yellow Moon had to be fought for by Mike. So yeah, I agree with you, strong songs, but BoB is the reason a few of them might not have been included.

Im so happy yellow moon was fought for

[harmless]

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.

SBM was forced on here by BoB, and Yellow Moon had to be fought for by Mike. So yeah, I agree with you, strong songs, but BoB is the reason a few of them might not have been included.

Im so happy yellow moon was fought for

Me too

[Mine]

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.

SBM was forced on here by BoB, and Yellow Moon had to be fought for by Mike. So yeah, I agree with you, strong songs, but BoB is the reason a few of them might not have been included.

Here's what i think. While I think they could benefit from a "confident" producer i don't think B'OB is that producer. It wouldn't hurt if they worked with a producer that would encourage them to do stuff they wouldn't normally do even if it involved some of the stuff B'OB does with them. There's still a lot of room for improvement. PJ will never benefit from working with someone who gives you the impression he yells "O'BRIENIIIIIIIIIIIIZED!!" when he's done with a song.
I think there's still room for even more extravagant arrangements if they get someone with enough sensibility or good taste to realise what Just Breath or Future Days need isn't emphasising their sentimental aka more cheese. I don't think overproducing isn't ever an issue because of the "over" but because what it's done isn't done very well.

[Mine]

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.

SBM was forced on here by BoB, and Yellow Moon had to be fought for by Mike. So yeah, I agree with you, strong songs, but BoB is the reason a few of them might not have been included.

Im so happy yellow moon was fought for

Me too

I can't think of a passable reason for not including it on an album that is still under 50 minutes long YM included. It's not like the album has any coherency with or without it.

[harmless]

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.

SBM was forced on here by BoB, and Yellow Moon had to be fought for by Mike. So yeah, I agree with you, strong songs, but BoB is the reason a few of them might not have been included.

Im so happy yellow moon was fought for

Me too

I can't think of a passable reason for not including it on an album that is still under 50 minutes long YM included. It's not like the album has any coherency with or without it.

If it hadn't been here, the album would've been 11 tracks, like Backspacer. SBM would've got on but Yellow Moon wouldn't.

[Mine]

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.

SBM was forced on here by BoB, and Yellow Moon had to be fought for by Mike. So yeah, I agree with you, strong songs, but BoB is the reason a few of them might not have been included.

Im so happy yellow moon was fought for

Me too

I can't think of a passable reason for not including it on an album that is still under 50 minutes long YM included. It's not like the album has any coherency with or without it.

If it hadn't been here, the album would've been 11 tracks, like Backspacer. SBM would've got on but Yellow Moon wouldn't.

B'OB's favourite number is 11?

[harmless]

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.

SBM was forced on here by BoB, and Yellow Moon had to be fought for by Mike. So yeah, I agree with you, strong songs, but BoB is the reason a few of them might not have been included.

Here's what i think. While I think they could benefit from a "confident" producer i don't think B'OB is that producer. It wouldn't hurt if they worked with a producer that would encourage them to do stuff they wouldn't normally do even if it involved some of the stuff B'OB does with them. There's still a lot of room for improvement. PJ will never benefit from working with someone who gives you the impression he yells "O'BRIENIIIIIIIIIIIIZED!!" when he's done with a song.
I think there's still room for even more extravagant arrangements if they get someone with enough sensibility or good taste to realise what Just Breath or Future Days need isn't emphasising their sentimental aka more cheese. I don't think overproducing isn't ever an issue because of the "over" but because what it's done isn't done very well.

Agreed.

[harmless]

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.

SBM was forced on here by BoB, and Yellow Moon had to be fought for by Mike. So yeah, I agree with you, strong songs, but BoB is the reason a few of them might not have been included.

Im so happy yellow moon was fought for

Me too

I can't think of a passable reason for not including it on an album that is still under 50 minutes long YM included. It's not like the album has any coherency with or without it.

If it hadn't been here, the album would've been 11 tracks, like Backspacer. SBM would've got on but Yellow Moon wouldn't.

B'OB's favourite number is 11?

Apparently so. And his favourite running time is around 35 minutes.

[harmless]

The Rolling Stone review is very good, I think. The idea of the pendulum, the existential swinging to and fro... I couldn't remember where that was from but it felt quite familiar. Apparently it was Edgar Allan Poe.

[Birds in Hell]

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

Meanwhile, in Australia, I paid $24.99 for this thing.

Yeah.

[Jorge]

Haha, sucker.

[Birds in Hell]

Dude, you don't know the half of of it: I'd already paid the 10C for the digital version too.

It gives me another reason to moan about inflated prices for things in Australia, so it's not as though it's a total loss.

[Norah]

That's your own damned fault. Why not just download it for free until your 10c copy comes?

[Birds in Hell]

Eh, I just decided I wanted the CD.

[Norah]

That's the most un-spenno post of all time.

[Heathen]

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

Meanwhile, in Australia, I paid $24.99 for this thing.

Yeah.

haha wow that's overpriced even for a fucking LP

[stip]

yeah, that's nuts

[dimejinky99]

The LP will be about €35 here In record shops. The few we have left.

That's pushing $50

[Birds in Hell]

I have to admit, on some level, I enjoy the (moderately) shocked reaction whenever I post what things such as movie or concert tickets cost here. I guess it's a consolation of sorts.