Running

[Ms Harmless]

I’ll give Trag this one. The production 100% is getting in the way of this song.

i cant hear a single CYmbal or Crash ring out

it's 100% too squeaky clean; the only slight saving grace is that there's more distortion than on Backspacer

[Strat]

well, if you wrote it, i agree with it. if AI wrote it, i also agree with it.

[RockPusher]

I’ll give Trag this one. The production 100% is getting in the way of this song.

Yeah. If this is how it sounds on the album, I'm in the same line.

[tragabigzanda]

pearl jam sucks now

[DDWJMUVW]

Lukin is a DIFFERENT kind of word salad. In a good way. He's screaming on Lukin. He's letting it rip. It's different to an Ole / Superblood spritz word salad.

Lukin is 1 minute long. I don't even consider it a song. It's truly filler a la wasted reprise, aye, red dot, etc.

Just took a third listen - like it more and more. It's never gonna be a 5 star track but, honestly, I think it COULD be their best version of a quick punk effort.

Ed could be spot on in that regard (best work yet). Oh and I love the guitars. It's been a long time since we heard REAL distortion on the guitars. Too much bluesy crunch over the last 15 years. S/T had a good bit of it, but since then, not much.

[tragabigzanda]

pearl jam sucks now

[stip]

that's a chat GPT review. It has a very particular voice

[falcaoruiz]

Why does stupid old Vedder have to come and always ruin everything with his word salad that he can't even pull off anymore?

Make this a heavy instrumental, keep Eddie's voice/melody in the bridge, and you've got a killer song.

The rest of the band should make themselves a favor and fire the singer.

[Ms Harmless]

Lukin is a DIFFERENT kind of word salad. In a good way. He's screaming on Lukin. He's letting it rip. It's different to an Ole / Superblood spritz word salad.

Lukin is 1 minute long. I don't even consider it a song. It's truly filler a la wasted reprise, aye, red dot, etc.

Just took a third listen - like it more and more. It's never gonna be a 5 star track but, honestly, I think it COULD be their best version of a quick punk effort.

Ed could be spot on in that regard (best work yet). Oh and I love the guitars. It's been a long time since we heard REAL distortion on the guitars. Too much bluesy crunch over the last 15 years. S/T had a good bit of it, but since then, not much.

yep

[Leatherhead]

I like it.

[tree_]

(stip's 8000-word missive that's longer than the song itself in 3, 2, 1...)

Friday night at the earliest, I'm afraid. Still haven't heard it

we should feed stips other write-ups into ChatGPT and predict what he might say about this new song

Or sooner

here's what it came up with:



It’s been a while since Pearl Jam dropped their last album, and with anticipation mounting, the arrival of their new single "Running" has sparked quite the conversation among fans. Now, Pearl Jam is no stranger to pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories, but "Running" takes a bold leap into the realm of fun, light punk rock—a departure that many fans didn't see coming.

Let's dive into this sonic offering and see what it's all about.

First off, "Running" immediately grabs your attention with its energetic and upbeat vibe. It's a departure from the weighty themes and spacious arrangements we've come to expect from Pearl Jam, opting instead for a more lively and spirited sound. This shift in direction may catch some fans off guard, but it's a refreshing change of pace that showcases the band's versatility.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room—the production. Many fans have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the production on "Running," citing it as too loud and forced. And it's true that the production does have a certain intensity to it that may not sit well with everyone. The raw energy of the punk rock sound is dialed up to eleven, bordering on overwhelming at times. But hey, sometimes you've got to crank up the volume and let loose, right?

As for Eddie Vedder's vocals, opinions seem to be divided. Some listeners find his delivery to be too forced and unconfident, lacking the trademark swagger and conviction we've come to expect from him. It's a departure from his usual style, no doubt about it. But others may appreciate the raw and unfiltered quality of his vocals, adding a sense of urgency and authenticity to the track.

Despite its polarizing reception, "Running" still manages to capture the essence of Pearl Jam's music in its own unique way. It's a high-energy anthem that's sure to get your blood pumping and your feet moving. And while it may not be the Pearl Jam we're used to, it's certainly a bold statement from a band that's never been afraid to take risks.

So, whether you're on board with the punk rock vibes of "Running" or you're yearning for the familiar comforts of their classic sound, one thing's for sure—Pearl Jam continues to defy expectations and push the boundaries of what's possible in rock music. And for that, they deserve credit. After all, isn't that what rock 'n' roll is all about?

[RockPusher]

I really don't like that the disturbing twinkles that were clearly poor resolution artifacts on my first snippet listens seem to actually be part of the song. Weird, weird choice.

[Ms Harmless]

I’ll give Trag this one. The production 100% is getting in the way of this song.

Yeah. If this is how it sounds on the album, I'm in the same line.

what is happening right now? I thought we'd need to live with the album for like two years before the tides started turning

tidepods*

[tragabigzanda]

pearl jam sucks now

[Strat]

I’ll give Trag this one. The production 100% is getting in the way of this song.

i cant hear a single CYmbal or Crash ring out

No decay or reverb tails at all on both songs so far...air-tight production, sounds like maybe no ambient mics so far? Is that off-base?

I'm sure they used room mics when tracking, but none of it's there in the mix

Why would they do such a thing to us

[Ledbetterdays]

Running (working lyrics)

Yes or No

You got me running
got me running
but the (something) never ends

you got me running
or else I'm done in

you got me coming as you're going
in the cage that never ends
you got me running
yeah the second coming

contain us
contain us

lost in the tunnel
and the tunnel aint no fun now
I hope you know the shit your pushing

control us
control us

lost in the tunnel
and the tunnel's getting funneled
like the sewage in the plumbing
cuz we left the fucking water running

yes or no

got me diving
got me diving
got me deep I've hit the bens
when I'm sewn in I'm too late coming

got me running
got me running
like the (something) that never ends
I'm feeling done in
it's rather stunning

contain us
contain us

lost in the tunnel
and the tunnel aint no fun now
I hope you know the shit your pushing

control us
control us

lost in the tunnel
and the tunnel's getting funneled
like the sewage in the plumbing
cuz we left the fucking water running

we're cleared for
for liftoff
I close my eyes
take off
living in the shadows
crossing my fingers
a date with the gallows
and a reprieve's not looking likely

(ed's rant---not gonna try)
you got me runnning (x4)
oh please
you are the tunnel
I am unstable
fuck off
off

[oneway23]

I’ll give Trag this one. The production 100% is getting in the way of this song.

i cant hear a single CYmbal or Crash ring out

No decay or reverb tails at all on both songs so far...air-tight production, sounds like maybe no ambient mics so far? Is that off-base?

I'm sure they used room mics when tracking, but none of it's there in the mix

Fucking producer makes one of the greatest drummers of his generation sound like a plug-in. Does this mean I hate Pearl Jam?

[Ms Harmless]

time to turn off the "imagine this album, but produced like Vitalogy" part of my brain

I have zero problems with the songs I'm hearing so far

[Release_Me]

Thankfully(?), I'm not affected by the production much. I'm going to love a song if I love the song, regardless of how it's recorded on an album. I want the songs to be good enough, primarily. So far, 2 songs that aren't my favourite PJ style have come and gone without negatively affecting my anticipation of the album. Something Special is the only other song that I need to not suck and I think I'll really dig this album, provided the other songs live up to the hype.

[oneway23]

time to turn off the "imagine this album, but produced like Vitalogy" part of my brain

I have zero problems with the songs I'm hearing so far

I would love to do that sometimes, trust me. I can't help it...These are the things that hit my ears first