Dark Matter: Official Album Thread

[mattyv1908]

So I finally got the time to settle in with this album on vinyl for the first time. I had the day off and managed to get to the Washington coast for the next three days. For a reference point I’m listening on a pair of KEF LS60’s, a pro-ject X2 turntable with a Sumiko moving coil blue low output cartridge and needle with a tube phono preamp.

For a point of reference I put on The Raconteurs Consolers of the Lonely. One of the greatest rock albums of the 21st century recorded entirely using analog technology. In other words, a pretty fucking high bar.

After its conclusion I gave Dark Matter a good wet cleaning and dropped the needle. While still a little hot in the mix, the stereo mix represented with the vinyl format produced a much more balanced presentation than any of the streaming options. The low end that is an inherent advantage of vinyl really helped with the shrillness of the songs and although still suffering from some of the mixing decisions it was a much more satisfying listen. I can’t say enough about the cohesiveness in the tracking of this record.

@stip - while we may not see eye to eye on Waiting For Stevie, I got it. With the bottom end present, the song really soars.

Nice to hear! I’ve been reticent to buy the Lp. Would appreciate your feedback on my remixes in the Dynamic Range Rescue thread.

I’ll make sure to check it out. I’d buy the vinyl if I were you. Doesn’t solve all the problems, but is a marked improvement over the streaming format mixes.

[Noaheb]

So I finally got the time to settle in with this album on vinyl for the first time. I had the day off and managed to get to the Washington coast for the next three days. For a reference point I’m listening on a pair of KEF LS60’s, a pro-ject X2 turntable with a Sumiko moving coil blue low output cartridge and needle with a tube phono preamp.

For a point of reference I put on The Raconteurs Consolers of the Lonely. One of the greatest rock albums of the 21st century recorded entirely using analog technology. In other words, a pretty fucking high bar.

After its conclusion I gave Dark Matter a good wet cleaning and dropped the needle. While still a little hot in the mix, the stereo mix represented with the vinyl format produced a much more balanced presentation than any of the streaming options. The low end that is an inherent advantage of vinyl really helped with the shrillness of the songs and although still suffering from some of the mixing decisions it was a much more satisfying listen. I can’t say enough about the cohesiveness in the tracking of this record.

@stip - while we may not see eye to eye on Waiting For Stevie, I got it. With the bottom end present, the song really soars.

Nice to hear! I’ve been reticent to buy the Lp. Would appreciate your feedback on my remixes in the Dynamic Range Rescue thread.

WFS is driving me nuts!

its the worst offender when it comes to clipping(i think thats the term) making my speakers sound staticky. if i drop my phones volume by a notch it helps but then the music doesn't sound as full.

whats the purpose or thinking behind producing an album like this? i dont see any upside to it. gigaton sounds great and doesn't have any of these issues to my ears. so wtf Watt?

[stip]

Stop review:

Waiting for Stevie does not sound like it belongs to Ten. It belongs to Dark Matter. It is still very much of this moment. But it captures, it evokes, it embodies everything that I felt back then and have been unconsciously chasing ever since. What Pearl Jam was. What Pearl Jam could be. What Pearl Jam is. Somehow in that moment, I was simultaneously the person I am at forty-seven, having lived a life I would not change, and sixteen once again, with an entire future in front of me, a world where anything and everything is still possible. I have never felt anything like it and must assume I never will again. But there are echoes of memory I will cherish every time they drift into focus. It was indescribable. What I wrote here is not enough. It was just a song. But somehow it was everything.



Man you ain’t lying. It’s true. Someone said it before. Something to the effect that this album is like an old friend coming back after being gone for a very long time and putting their arm around you and saying I’m ok and you’re ok.

Such a hard thing to describe and it’s so neat to come here and read your thoughts and the thoughts of others that are siimilar.

We have been given a gift that we get to experience this new PJ record in 2024 but also say hello to an old friend from long ago.

Maybe that person is us and the feelings we had all those yesterdays ago.

I think it's worth noting that when Brother came out with the Ten box set, in all its Ten era glory, I yawned. That sounded like the early 90s to. But it's not a good song. It felt like a cast off. It probably made me more sad than anything - a reminder of what was lost.

[tragabigzanda]

pearl jam sucks now

[stip]

So I finally got the time to settle in with this album on vinyl for the first time. I had the day off and managed to get to the Washington coast for the next three days. For a reference point I’m listening on a pair of KEF LS60’s, a pro-ject X2 turntable with a Sumiko moving coil blue low output cartridge and needle with a tube phono preamp.

For a point of reference I put on The Raconteurs Consolers of the Lonely. One of the greatest rock albums of the 21st century recorded entirely using analog technology. In other words, a pretty fucking high bar.

After its conclusion I gave Dark Matter a good wet cleaning and dropped the needle. While still a little hot in the mix, the stereo mix represented with the vinyl format produced a much more balanced presentation than any of the streaming options. The low end that is an inherent advantage of vinyl really helped with the shrillness of the songs and although still suffering from some of the mixing decisions it was a much more satisfying listen. I can’t say enough about the cohesiveness in the tracking of this record.

@stip - while we may not see eye to eye on Waiting For Stevie, I got it. With the bottom end present, the song really soars.

Nice to hear! I’ve been reticent to buy the Lp. Would appreciate your feedback on my remixes in the Dynamic Range Rescue thread.

WFS is driving me nuts!

its the worst offender when it comes to clipping(i think thats the term) making my speakers sound staticky. if i drop my phones volume by a notch it helps but then the music doesn't sound as full.

whats the purpose or thinking behind producing an album like this? i dont see any upside to it. gigaton sounds great and doesn't have any of these issues to my ears. so wtf Watt?

What version/format are you listening to? Try the visualizer if you haven't.

[stip]

So I finally got the time to settle in with this album on vinyl for the first time. I had the day off and managed to get to the Washington coast for the next three days. For a reference point I’m listening on a pair of KEF LS60’s, a pro-ject X2 turntable with a Sumiko moving coil blue low output cartridge and needle with a tube phono preamp.

For a point of reference I put on The Raconteurs Consolers of the Lonely. One of the greatest rock albums of the 21st century recorded entirely using analog technology. In other words, a pretty fucking high bar.

After its conclusion I gave Dark Matter a good wet cleaning and dropped the needle. While still a little hot in the mix, the stereo mix represented with the vinyl format produced a much more balanced presentation than any of the streaming options. The low end that is an inherent advantage of vinyl really helped with the shrillness of the songs and although still suffering from some of the mixing decisions it was a much more satisfying listen. I can’t say enough about the cohesiveness in the tracking of this record.

@stip - while we may not see eye to eye on Waiting For Stevie, I got it. With the bottom end present, the song really soars.

Nice to hear! I’ve been reticent to buy the Lp. Would appreciate your feedback on my remixes in the Dynamic Range Rescue thread.

WFS is driving me nuts!

its the worst offender when it comes to clipping(i think thats the term) making my speakers sound staticky. if i drop my phones volume by a notch it helps but then the music doesn't sound as full.

whats the purpose or thinking behind producing an album like this? i dont see any upside to it. gigaton sounds great and doesn't have any of these issues to my ears. so wtf Watt?

*Ghanea. And it’s really crappy how you can hear the volume slam the limiter just when the song is supposed to explode.


And I am on the case!

Trag, which point in the song does that happen at. There is a moment where I can hear something odd, and I wonder if that's what you're talking about.

[Noaheb]

So I finally got the time to settle in with this album on vinyl for the first time. I had the day off and managed to get to the Washington coast for the next three days. For a reference point I’m listening on a pair of KEF LS60’s, a pro-ject X2 turntable with a Sumiko moving coil blue low output cartridge and needle with a tube phono preamp.

For a point of reference I put on The Raconteurs Consolers of the Lonely. One of the greatest rock albums of the 21st century recorded entirely using analog technology. In other words, a pretty fucking high bar.

After its conclusion I gave Dark Matter a good wet cleaning and dropped the needle. While still a little hot in the mix, the stereo mix represented with the vinyl format produced a much more balanced presentation than any of the streaming options. The low end that is an inherent advantage of vinyl really helped with the shrillness of the songs and although still suffering from some of the mixing decisions it was a much more satisfying listen. I can’t say enough about the cohesiveness in the tracking of this record.

@stip - while we may not see eye to eye on Waiting For Stevie, I got it. With the bottom end present, the song really soars.

Nice to hear! I’ve been reticent to buy the Lp. Would appreciate your feedback on my remixes in the Dynamic Range Rescue thread.

WFS is driving me nuts!

its the worst offender when it comes to clipping(i think thats the term) making my speakers sound staticky. if i drop my phones volume by a notch it helps but then the music doesn't sound as full.

whats the purpose or thinking behind producing an album like this? i dont see any upside to it. gigaton sounds great and doesn't have any of these issues to my ears. so wtf Watt?

What version/format are you listening to? Try the visualizer if you haven't.

both the flac leak and the mp3 download from amazon music...i just got the cd so im going to rip that and see what happens. any suggestions on the best bitrate to use or how to rip the cd with better results?

[stip]

I'm not the one for that question Noaheb. But someone knows.

[Arthur Morgan]

Stop review:

Waiting for Stevie does not sound like it belongs to Ten. It belongs to Dark Matter. It is still very much of this moment. But it captures, it evokes, it embodies everything that I felt back then and have been unconsciously chasing ever since. What Pearl Jam was. What Pearl Jam could be. What Pearl Jam is. Somehow in that moment, I was simultaneously the person I am at forty-seven, having lived a life I would not change, and sixteen once again, with an entire future in front of me, a world where anything and everything is still possible. I have never felt anything like it and must assume I never will again. But there are echoes of memory I will cherish every time they drift into focus. It was indescribable. What I wrote here is not enough. It was just a song. But somehow it was everything.



Man you ain’t lying. It’s true. Someone said it before. Something to the effect that this album is like an old friend coming back after being gone for a very long time and putting their arm around you and saying I’m ok and you’re ok.

Such a hard thing to describe and it’s so neat to come here and read your thoughts and the thoughts of others that are siimilar.

We have been given a gift that we get to experience this new PJ record in 2024 but also say hello to an old friend from long ago.

Maybe that person is us and the feelings we had all those yesterdays ago.

I think it's worth noting that when Brother came out with the Ten box set, in all its Ten era glory, I yawned. That sounded like the early 90s to. But it's not a good song. It felt like a cast off. It probably made me more sad than anything - a reminder of what was lost.

This album has a way of being nostalgic but fresh at the same time. It’s magic

[stip]

So here are Spotify listening stats, at the close of day 3

In order

1. Dark Matter -7,7266,000
2. Running - 2,934,000
3. Wreckage - 1,273, 000
4. Scared of Fear - 723,000
5. React Respond - 592,000
6. Won't Tell - 514,393
7. Upper Hand - 492,277
8. Something Special - 388, 682
10. Got to Give - 358,406
11. Setting Sun - 338,029


So basically perfect descending order other than the singles.


Taylor Swift ranges from 6.5 million to just about 40 million. Shel seems to be going places.

[WaitingForBluey]

I can't believe people aren't talking about the clipping that happens at the end of the Upper Hand intro... that is next level

[Farmer John]

Anyone try the visualizer for Waiting for Stevie yet?

[Arthur Morgan]

So here are Spotify listening stats, at the close of day 3

In order

1. Dark Matter -7,7266,000
2. Running - 2,934,000
3. Wreckage - 1,273, 000
4. Scared of Fear - 723,000
5. React Respond - 592,000
6. Won't Tell - 514,393
7. Upper Hand - 492,277
8. Something Special - 388, 682
10. Got to Give - 358,406
11. Setting Sun - 338,029


So basically perfect descending order other than the singles.


Taylor Swift ranges from 6.5 million to just about 40 million. Shel seems to be going places.

I expect Wreckage to rise. But they need a video or need to play when people are watching, maybe Stern tomorrow.

[WaitingForBluey]

So here are Spotify listening stats, at the close of day 3

In order

1. Dark Matter -7,7266,000
2. Running - 2,934,000
3. Wreckage - 1,273, 000
4. Scared of Fear - 723,000
5. React Respond - 592,000
6. Won't Tell - 514,393
7. Upper Hand - 492,277
8. Something Special - 388, 682
10. Got to Give - 358,406
11. Setting Sun - 338,029


So basically perfect descending order other than the singles.

Hmm Stip.. I'm wondering if you forgot one of the less important tracks?

[Arthur Morgan]

So here are Spotify listening stats, at the close of day 3

In order

1. Dark Matter -7,7266,000
2. Running - 2,934,000
3. Wreckage - 1,273, 000
4. Scared of Fear - 723,000
5. React Respond - 592,000
6. Won't Tell - 514,393
7. Upper Hand - 492,277
8. Something Special - 388, 682
10. Got to Give - 358,406
11. Setting Sun - 338,029


So basically perfect descending order other than the singles.


Taylor Swift ranges from 6.5 million to just about 40 million. Shel seems to be going places.

Also the Wreckage visualizer is at 245k at the 4 day mark.

Taylor Swifts video got something like 11 million in 24 hours. Of course she is the hottest thing going on planet earth at the moment it seems.

[VinylGuy]

Yeah she is on another level. I still kind feel her new album was not universally praised or liked.

[stip]

So here are Spotify listening stats, at the close of day 3

In order

1. Dark Matter -7,7266,000
2. Running - 2,934,000
3. Wreckage - 1,273, 000
4. Scared of Fear - 723,000
5. React Respond - 592,000
6. Won't Tell - 514,393
7. Upper Hand - 492,277
8. Waiting for Stevie - 461, 779
9. Something Special - 388, 682
10. Got to Give - 358,406
11. Setting Sun - 338,029




So basically perfect descending order other than the singles.

Hmm Stip.. I'm wondering if you forgot one of the less important tracks?

Waiting for Stevie Edition now live...

[stip]

Anyone try the visualizer for Waiting for Stevie yet?

I should do that!

[stip]

Also, March Madness is back up - Dark Matter bracket!

[Buck Swope]

As someone who has lurked in the shadows of this board for awhile, the time has finally arrived to join in with the discussion surrounding Dark Matter.

Like many of you, I have followed this band from the moment I saw the 'Alive' video on MTV when I was 14 years old. Ten was one of the most influential albums in my musical development, and my love for the band only intensified with each subsequent release. As the band's music continually evolved, I was always open and willing to take the ride with them as they intentionally distanced themselves from what people 'expected' them to be.

For the record, my favorite PJ album is Yield, followed closely by Vitalogy, Vs., Ten, and then No Code to round out the top five. I love all of the albums though, and I do not believe they've made a 'bad' record yet.

Having said that, and after spending the last four days listening to the various available incarnations of Dark Matter—the crappy mp3 leak; the proper digital version; the Atmos mix on Apple Music; and now my CD copy—I'm here to say that this album is exceptional in almost every way.

Twelve studio albums deep, and now in their fourth decade as a band, I'm simply amazed with what they still have left in their creative tank.

The production in some areas is not necessarily my cup of tea, but I must give Watt full credit for pulling an album out of these guys that seamlessly captures everything that makes them 'Pearl Jam'—and for ultimately delivering an album so balanced from front-to-back that I can't even fathom them working with anyone other than this cat for album #13.

Ed's vocals sound stronger than they have in a decade; McCready shines on nearly every song; Stone and Jeff lay a solid foundation that is essentially the backbone of the album; and for maybe the first time in his long and illustrious tenure with PJ, Matt Cameron has finally been unleashed.

FWIW… This is how I'd rank the songs, right now…

1. Won’t Tell
2. Upper Hand
3. Setting Sun
4. Waiting for Stevie — This is like stepping into a PJ time machine. Insert Don Draper’s pitch on nostalgia <<here>>.
5. Got to Give
6. Wreckage
7. React, Respond
8. Dark Matter
9. Running
10. Scared of Fear — I can’t believe I ranked this song 10th. Love the guitar riff. Ed’s vocal delivery is great as well, IMO.
11. Something Special

One other thing I'd like to point out, and maybe it has been discussed in this thread already, but I found that many of the problems I had with the production of the album—the over compressed drums, Ed's vocals sitting too far back in the mix at times, and the general blaring assault on the ears, all seemed to be mitigated on the actual CD. I don't know if it's just a case of the 'Apple Digital Master' being way too 'hot', but I found my rip of the CD to be much 'cleaner' and much more enjoyable to my ears. For example, the drums and overall mix on 'Waiting for Stevie' were kinda bumming me out on the streaming versions, but they are actually not too bad on the CD, IMO.

And one final thing for Stip…

I'm right there with you on 'Waiting for Stevie'.

On Friday morning, I loaded up the album on my Apple Music and proceeded to embark on my morning run, and I got pretty emotional at WFS—specifically the section after the bridge where they go to the re-intro and into the outro that is so reminiscent of 'Breath'.

Incredible song and a real testament to the enduring power of this band's music.

Also, thank you for your extensive and excellent review write-up that was posted yesterday. I shared it on another board with some folks who were struggling with the new material. As they opined that the band no longer sounds like the Pearl Jam they loved during the first two albums, and questioning why Ed no longer sings like he did back in '93, I simply pointed out that it is unfair to hold them to the standard of being frozen in time.

I really think some of the sentiments in your review helped open them up to why we still love this band, and as to why we are still so affected by their music some thirty years later, as their opinions began to change after reading your review and spending some more time with the album.