Lets Actually Listen to the Album: Vs.

[stip]

Indifference, like Alive, is one of those songs whose meaning has really changed. The Vs. Indifference is a question. Does it matter? What happens if it doesn't? That's a song for dark and quiet places. The end of show lights on Indifference, sung in front of and with 10,000 like minded people, knows that it made a difference. It's fundamentally become a different song, the end point of a long journey largely taken together. It's nice coming home and finding the lgihts on.

[jtmack20]

Indifference, like Alive, is one of those songs whose meaning has really changed. The Vs. Indifference is a question. Does it matter? What happens if it doesn't? That's a song for dark and quiet places. The end of show lights on Indifference, sung in front of and with 10,000 like minded people, knows that it made a difference. It's fundamentally become a different song, the end point of a long journey largely taken together. It's nice coming home and finding the lgihts on.

I dont disagree with this, I guess I just much prefer the dark/quiet version. It suits the song better in my opinion.

[darth_vedder]

Indifference, like Alive, is one of those songs whose meaning has really changed. The Vs. Indifference is a question. Does it matter? What happens if it doesn't? That's a song for dark and quiet places. The end of show lights on Indifference, sung in front of and with 10,000 like minded people, knows that it made a difference. It's fundamentally become a different song, the end point of a long journey largely taken together. It's nice coming home and finding the lgihts on.

I dont disagree with this, I guess I just much prefer the dark/quiet version. It suits the song better in my opinion.

That's why I don't really like this one as a closer. When I think about this song, or even play it, I will go to the studio version, b/c I like the tone of the song. Live, I still think that way in my head, and like stip said, the song is in a different place, and the two worlds cause conflict for me. It is hard for me to think of Indifference in a "look where we have been, and look where we are now" kind of way. So for me, it's kind of a downer to end the show.

Speaking of Vs songs live, I really hate when the open with Elderly Woman. In general, I hate that song all together now, and it seems to follow me to every show I go to.

[darth_vedder]

You assholes are gonna make me listen to Vs. today.

Spoiler: show

Launching iTunes > Artist > Pearl Jam > Vs. > Play

[Kanta]

A few other random observations:

3. Eddie really displays his vocal range and abilities on this album. For as highly regarded a rock singer he is, I still dont really think he gets his due for his pure singing ability. Listen to the chorus of Daughter. Dude can sing. The last line of Dissident ("the safest place") may be his highest notes in the catalog.

Wholeheartedly agree. I can listen to that one note over and over again. Can't think of any others of his that compare.

[darth_vedder]

Go is totally about a car / truck. That's what I'm telling myself, and that's how it is in my mind. The ending is so good, it kinda reminds me of the Doors with the fast chaos.

Animal. Hello groove, I've missed you. I'm doing the Stone chicken strut as I'm listening. This was my first love with Pearl Jam, and while it's not my favorite anymore, I love it. Again, the ending, fast chaos, it's good. I'm not sure what to think of the Snare sound though. It sounds more loose / open. With the groove and snare parts, there seems to be a tad bit of RHCP influence in there.

Daughter. This pretty much just confirms that I more often than not prefer the studio take of PJ songs. Although I'm kinda sick of this song, it really is a good one. The guitars, the smooth bass, the drumming, and Ed's vocals all just work here. If I weren't so tired of this one, it could probably be a 5 star song for me.

Glorified G. Seems this one is a dividing point among fans. I know folks who flat out hate this one. I've always kinda liked it. Jeff and Dave really stand out to me, those two are honed in on one another. Ed's vocal delivery isn't my favorite, but the song is pretty solid. I guess some think the riff is kinda cheesy, but I dig it, and I love the guitar tones. Nice and scratchy sounding, adds to the overall "raw" sound of Vs. compared to Ten.

Alright, I need to do some work, I'll get back to this later.

[jtmack20]

Glorified G. Seems this one is a dividing point among fans. I know folks who flat out hate this one. I've always kinda liked it. Jeff and Dave really stand out to me, those two are honed in on one another. Ed's vocal delivery isn't my favorite, but the song is pretty solid. I guess some think the riff is kinda cheesy, but I dig it, and I love the guitar tones. Nice and scratchy sounding, adds to the overall "raw" sound of Vs. compared to Ten.

Probably my least favorite song on this album. I enjoy listening to it, but it sort of sticks out on Vs a little bit to me. Would have been a good B side. Would have preferred a fully realized "Cready Stomp" at track 4.

[DeLima]

Indifference, like Alive, is one of those songs whose meaning has really changed. The Vs. Indifference is a question. Does it matter? What happens if it doesn't? That's a song for dark and quiet places. The end of show lights on Indifference, sung in front of and with 10,000 like minded people, knows that it made a difference. It's fundamentally become a different song, the end point of a long journey largely taken together. It's nice coming home and finding the lgihts on.

well said. if anyone wants to hear a great 'dark/quiet' version, check out the one from self-pollution 95

[DeLima]

i forgot how good blood=>rvm is in the studio. wow.

[EJ]

Damn this thread. Will go listen to this album now.

[DeLima]

that's exactly what happened to me, and it's worth it

[digster]

Indifference, like Alive, is one of those songs whose meaning has really changed. The Vs. Indifference is a question. Does it matter? What happens if it doesn't? That's a song for dark and quiet places. The end of show lights on Indifference, sung in front of and with 10,000 like minded people, knows that it made a difference. It's fundamentally become a different song, the end point of a long journey largely taken together. It's nice coming home and finding the lgihts on.

The triumphant music for Alive I think makes it possible for that song to shift it's meaning in such a way that is much harder for Indifference. The chorus and instrumentation on Alive were able to turn it into an anthem, but Indifference has the same moody music and somewhat sad melodies. It's more awkward than anything else.

[vedder316]

Well, I bought this the first day it came out. Had just finished college 6 months earlier and had no job. Anyway, put it on the car and was ecstatic that they were the real deal - they followed up Ten perfectly imo, because the first 3 songs just fucking killed. This album cemented it for me, I was in for the long haul.

This has pretty much stayed my 2nd favorite record from them. Listening to it now, I dont think I've ever given Go its proper due. I like the tune, but Animal, RVM, and Indifference are 5 star songs for me on this one. The intro, the solo, the vocals, the raw agression of Go is just fantastic. I think Stone said they've never been as heavy as they were on that tune.

Other thoughts:

Animal - still great to me. I can put this one on anytime.

Daughter - Very nice, a very good song, I probably never liked it as much as most, but enjoy it on the record and probably even more so live.

Glorified G - least favorite or 2nd least, depending on my feelings when I get to Leash. Have a like/dont like relationship with this one. Originally couldnt stand it, then it grew a little, now dont like it so much.

Dissident - this used to be one of my favorites. Its still pretty damn good to me. Cant understand why people dont like it. Eddie's a bit overwrought, but you could say that on 90% of the 1st 2 records.

WMA - this is underrated to me. This is funky as hell, different, I really enjoy this one. "He won the lottery..." fucking love that, sends chills for me.

wow, listening to this at work on my phone and its fucking great. The Hartford 2013 show on Sirius is going to have to wait until this is done. Will post more thoughts that nobody cares about as I continue listening.

[vedder316]

Blood - a throwaway tune for me for about 10 years. Its grown though. Angry, screaming Ed is hit or miss for me, but like it here. "Paint Ed big...turn Ed into...one of his enemies" a real highlight.

RVM - A top 3 song. Fantastic on every listen, another one I can hear anytime. The "awww yeahhh" from Ed before they scorch the outro is just a fucking great moment. Yeah, I love this song. Just well done fellas.

Rats - another really good tune. Funky, hard, the ending seems like a totally different song. Overwrought Ed again, but I dig it.

Small Town - my wife loves this one, its never been a top 50 song for me. Like where its placed though coming off Blood, RVM, and Rats. Its a nice little song and calms you down after those last 3. Have no idea about production and not an audiophile, but the instruments really sound pleasant on this one. Good vocal from Vedder, really nice quiet ending that's just perfect.

Leash - I think I liked this one back in the day. It hasnt aged well. its corny now. "get outta my fuckin face" "arrrgghhhh" everyone's screaming "drop the leash". Its all too much. yeah, definitely like Glorified G better. This is the low point of the record.

Indifference - A perfect ending. They've never ended a record better than this. Gorgeous, haunting, takes me back to leaving the bar after a few too many, hooking up with a broad or failing to, and then by the time I hit my apartment this was on and I passed out in the car with this blaring. Good times.

[Lament]

The end of show lights on Indifference, sung in front of and with 10,000 like minded people, knows that it made a difference. It's fundamentally become a different song, the end point of a long journey largely taken together. It's nice coming home and finding the lgihts on.

I can honestly say I've never (personally) had this read of Indifference live. I don't particularly agree with it.

I would love to see this song opening shows from time to time. Indifference into Corduroy. I'd love that.

[McParadigm]

So now we've got the Pearl Jam album we probably have the most agreement on out of the way, eh?

[stip]

The end of show lights on Indifference, sung in front of and with 10,000 like minded people, knows that it made a difference. It's fundamentally become a different song, the end point of a long journey largely taken together. It's nice coming home and finding the lgihts on.

I can honestly say I've never (personally) had this read of Indifference live. I don't particularly agree with it.

I would love to see this song opening shows from time to time. Indifference into Corduroy. I'd love that.

have you gotten it live? Or just boots?

Indifference is actually my favorite song to get to close a show.

[Lament]

have you gotten it live? Or just boots?

Indifference is actually my favorite song to get to close a show.

Yeah, Noblesville 2000, Phoenix 2003, Bristow 2003, and Chicago 2006 I believe. Noblesville was particularly great, opening the last encore after Rearviewmirror closed the one before it. looking back at the setlists from the shows I've seen it at, it's pretty much always come after some pretty dark stuff and didn't close any of these show, so maybe that's why I don't see the "celebratory" vibe in it at all.

[stip]

It's not a celebration. It's not Alive. But it does have a soft landing/homecoming feel to it that I think sounds great, and makes for a wonderful cool down/exit.

I've mostly gotten it as a closer, I think. I'm talking about the house lights up Indifference.

[dimejinky99]

I'm gonna get shot for this but I heard dissident today and it reminded me for the first time ever, of alive.

Just a tempo thing maybe