Which bootleg are you listening to?

[darth_vedder]

I think 2003 was when Pearl Jam realized the celebratory aspect that their concerts had taken on and started trying to construct them with that awareness in mind. Take the "Boston Experiment" that year, prior to 2003 the most epic Pearl Jam shows weren't designed to be that way, they more or less just happened. I'm not saying 2003 sucked, or those Mansfield shows sucked either. On the contrary, they were very good. But it was this awareness that led to Pearl Jam spending the next 10 years trying to be Pearl Jam instead of just being Pearl Jam, and they're worse off because of it.

Add to that the reissue revisionist aspect and you have a band that second guesses every aspect/step they take (Like a stoner walking through a crowded area).

Good points guys, and it makes sense. Obviously I don't know what the band is actually thinking, but what y'all are talking about is how I perceive the band these days. It's like they know they moved from the alt. rockers of Vitalogy through Riot Act, and became U2 / Rolling Stones. Like hey, we're rock legends now, lets have fun and celebrate. I don't necessarily think this is a completely bad thing, but I guess I thought PJ would be more low-key, more edgy, and more organic. Things with them just kind of feel a little cold, and disconnected now. Not to mention their music in my mind has taken a step back. The road they were going down with the likes of "Insignificance" and "Help Help" had me excited. Somewhere along the lines though, they dropped that, and in my mind, derailed a bit. That is not to say I do not like this band anymore, or that I hate the last 3 records. There are strong songs on each, but for me, it's not the road I was excited about.

[Hugh Mungus]

I think the 2005 tour was incredible.

I really think 2005 is so good because they were able to blend quality and consistent performances with also clearly having a good time on stage and engaging the crowd. Which I think is what makes a really memorable and fun show to be at. Vancouver 05 is easily the best concert I've ever seen period.

[bada]

I recommend starting with this and then seeking out individual shows from there

Thx!

[Biff Pocoroba]

Gorge I '06. Amazing run in the main set.

[Biff Pocoroba]

Been a stay at home Friday night. Moved on to the Vic 07 show. So many (mostly) well played songs strung together you don't hear often on most boots.

[bada]

Anyone have a good copy of the MonkeyWrench Radio show from '98? I just want the live Yield songs. I have them but they are crappy quality.

[CopperTom]

I just listened to SF1 2006. Great show, but far from perfect. I love that version of Bushleaguer!

This was the show that Stone said was one of their best ever? It wasn't that great.

[giveway]

I think that was SF3

[CopperTom]

I think that was SF3

I should know that. Everytime some one mentions SF3 as an all time great, I always say I like SF1 better.

[WaitingForBluey]

SF3 is probably my favorite PJ bootleg I've ever heard. For me, it's the perfect show.

[Wendy Carlos's Twin]

I think that was SF3

Yes! Excellent show.

[CopperTom]

I listened to SF3 today. Very good and very solid, but I still like SF1 better.

On a side note - All these years later, it still pisses me off that there are multiple songs in one track.

[VinylGuy]

Washington 98.

Pretty much my favorite boot from all eras these days.

[WaitingForBluey]

Washington 98.

Pretty much my favorite boot from all eras these days.

The beginning of that set is so raw and powerful. Act of Love, Hail Hail... the bass is just pounding through the speakers!

[CopperTom]

Gorge 2005. I didn't remember the show being that... Bad. An Evening with PJ - nice. Slow set to start - nice. 1st HTI in 7 years - nice. On paper - nice. But the whole was not equal to the sum of its parts. Off He Goes was a disaster, Betterman wasn't much better. Undone was messed up, but it was the first time it was ever played so I can look past that. I typically don't mind Eddie's rants but the Tom Petty stuff came off as desperate and uncool to me. It was definitely a 2 bottle night. I scratched my head at this being a retail release.

[dsb1218]

London 2000. Decided I didn't have enough Ape / Man shows in my library.

[Birds in Hell]

St Paul 2003 has been a very enjoyable listen over the last day or two.

[Birds in Hell]

St Paul 2003 has been a very enjoyable listen over the last day or two.

On RVM now.

Having recently taken in some of the 2013 shows, the difference between that band and this one is dramatic.

Ed's voice! Ye gods. He actually still sounds more or less like Eddie Vedder (mercifully minus the yarling and grunting of the early years).

[Strat]

St Paul 2003 has been a very enjoyable listen over the last day or two.

On RVM now.

Having recently taken in some of the 2013 shows, the difference between that band and this one is dramatic.

Ed's voice! Ye gods. He actually still sounds more or less like Eddie Vedder (mercifully minus the yarling and grunting of the early years).

I haven't listened to this in years. ought to revisit my old hometown show!

Bup bup.

[Strat]

St Paul 2003 has been a very enjoyable listen over the last day or two.

On RVM now.

Having recently taken in some of the 2013 shows, the difference between that band and this one is dramatic.

Ed's voice! Ye gods. He actually still sounds more or less like Eddie Vedder (mercifully minus the yarling and grunting of the early years).

I haven't listened to this in years. ought to revisit my old hometown show!

Bup bup.

The version of Ghost is great. "ah fuck you all!!" Ed was not happy with the crowd that night. I miss the days when Ed would have mood swings on stage. At least he was being passionate about the performance and giving a shit.