Lightning Bolt: The Official Album Thread

[Tuolumne]

Several months on, I think this is a strong album. On my initial listens I thought it would be a middle-of-the-pack album and I still believe that. I'm one to consider the band a model of consistently good (but not always great) output. And very few, if any, bands put out such strong albums 23 plus years in. So, I really couldn't be happier.

As far as songs, I think the only major weak points are LTRP and Sleeping By Myself. What keeps it from being at the upper most tier of their albums is having it's own distinctly unique sound, one that changes the course of the band and influences their future records. The touch on some new textures, but they usually do that on most of there albums. For them to put out a truly great, game-changing album they'd have to explore their weird side and build that into somethin accessible. For me, that's only possible if they pick a producer who encourages and refines that. They didn't do that, but they did make an album of consistently good rock songs that are very very meaningful.

[EJ]

Mike was actually right about this one. "Its a logical extension to Backspacer."

[digster]

I'd agree; it's a bit more diverse and improves upon the songwriting, but you can definitely see the connections.

Does anyone remember which songs were done in which sessions? I remember thinking it was odd that most of the darker stuff least like Backspacer was actually done in the earlier session, but I'm not sure.

[Tuolumne]

I've said it before and I still think it, Lightning Bolt is a perfect cross between Backspacer and Riot Act.

It takes the world-weariness and scope of Riot Act and is played with the bounciness and vigor of Backspacer.

[bodysnatcher]

Mike was actually right about this one. "Its a logical extension to Backspacer."

throw enough shit against the wall, and something will stick

[jtmack20]

I've said it before and I still think it, Lightning Bolt is a perfect cross between Backspacer and Riot Act.

It takes the world-weariness and scope of Riot Act and is played with the bounciness and vigor of Backspacer.

Never thought of it this way, but I can see that.

And I think its an extension of Backspacer only in its crisp production and a few songs that would have fit with Backspacer like LB or Future days. Overall I think LB is a much more diverse, more Pearl Jammy record. I think Backspacer was an intentional pop record, and thus will be somewhat of an outlier when all is said and done.

[jtmack20]

I think Pendulum, Getaway, Yellow Moon, My Father Son, Mind Your Manners, and Swallowed Whole are very worthy Pearl Jam tracks. I dig them alot.

Infallible is cool but the chorus is just a little too "right there" for me. Lighting Bolt is similar- some cool guitar parts but a little too -I need to write a fun live song- here it is!

Sleeping by myself was unnecessary to me. its ok.

I can see why some people like Sirens but I cant get into it. Same goes for Future Days. LTRP has some cool guitar but just sounds too cheesified to me. A little rawer production could have helped this one- or some extended jamming and less chorus.

All in all, the fact that I can get this many new songs that I really enjoy out of a band I've listened to for over 20 years is very pleasing to me. I was not disappointed with this record at all.

[harmless]

The most frustrating thing about Lightning Bolt is just how close it is to being a good Pearl Jam record.

[hlniv]

The most frustrating thing about Lightning Bolt is just how close it is to being a good Pearl Jam record.

Seconded.

Much closer than backspacer, but not quite all the way there

[Birds in Hell]

I don't think it's very close.

[mastaflatch]

I don't think it's very close.

it's too soon to tell, really, at least if the band keeps on releasing new stuff until they're grandpaws. i feel like LB will at least get a nice place besides Riot Act on the old PJ chimney. it's only half good but you can tell that Jeff was really into it so it's better than BS and Avocado (and probably RA) to me.

[bada]

I think Pendulum, Getaway, Yellow Moon, My Father Son, Mind Your Manners, and Swallowed Whole are very worthy Pearl Jam tracks. I dig them alot.

These are the ones I like too.

[mastaflatch]

I think Pendulum, Getaway, Yellow Moon, My Father Son, Mind Your Manners, and Swallowed Whole are very worthy Pearl Jam tracks. I dig them alot.

These are the ones I like too.

yup.

[VinylGuy]

Im diggin this album...still sound fresh to me. Love Getaway, MYM, MFS and Sirens...LB, i just hate the fade but its a cool addition for the live show. Infallible and Pendulum are awesome, but im a little bit tired of both.

Sleeping by Myself and Yellow Moon are fucking beautiful songs.

[BladeRunner]

Other than LTRP every other song is varied between Good to Very Good. As good a comeback as I could have hoped for cuz God only knows I was getting tired and over PJ after the fearsome threesome of RA, ST and Spacer! (And that's not a good thing).
Getaway is all over Rock Radio here pretty much Ad Naseuem and I'm liking it!

[Got Some]

Getaway is fucking awesome!!!!

Let The Records Play needs more love !!!

[McParadigm]

i love this thread

[harmless]

Reading that LTRP "needs more love" just makes me sad. Surely it would have more love if it was any good.

[hlniv]

i love this thread

I love that you love this thread, your avatar is just screaming out the love.

[McParadigm]

that's my o face