Red Mosquito

Dance ..is just so good. What an amazing song.

VinylGuy wrote:Dance ..is just so good. What an amazing song.

Ms Harmless wrote:

RockPusher wrote:

PHATJ wrote:

Ms Harmless wrote:

PHATJ wrote:Outside shooting hoops with my kids over the weekend and my 13 year old daughter put on Dance. Everything else was either modern day pop or a few current indie rock songs. She said Dance is her favorite PJ song.

one thing I think makes this album feel quite contemporary (more than BS and LB, their deliberate attempts, I guess, to sound contemporary) is just how danceable it is

Agreed. I think that’s what is attracting the younger listeners for sure. All three of my kids (14,13,10) love the outro to Dance. So do I.

This album is chock full of the best outros!

totally agree! their next job in their rise to power is to pay closer attention to their intros, imo

Ten had great intros.

RockPusher wrote:

Ms Harmless wrote:

RockPusher wrote:

PHATJ wrote:

Ms Harmless wrote:

PHATJ wrote:Outside shooting hoops with my kids over the weekend and my 13 year old daughter put on Dance. Everything else was either modern day pop or a few current indie rock songs. She said Dance is her favorite PJ song.

one thing I think makes this album feel quite contemporary (more than BS and LB, their deliberate attempts, I guess, to sound contemporary) is just how danceable it is

Agreed. I think that’s what is attracting the younger listeners for sure. All three of my kids (14,13,10) love the outro to Dance. So do I.

This album is chock full of the best outros!

totally agree! their next job in their rise to power is to pay closer attention to their intros, imo

Ten had great intros.

haha read my latest post in the Ten thread

Ms Harmless wrote:

RockPusher wrote:

Ms Harmless wrote:

RockPusher wrote:

PHATJ wrote:

Ms Harmless wrote:

PHATJ wrote:Outside shooting hoops with my kids over the weekend and my 13 year old daughter put on Dance. Everything else was either modern day pop or a few current indie rock songs. She said Dance is her favorite PJ song.

one thing I think makes this album feel quite contemporary (more than BS and LB, their deliberate attempts, I guess, to sound contemporary) is just how danceable it is

Agreed. I think that’s what is attracting the younger listeners for sure. All three of my kids (14,13,10) love the outro to Dance. So do I.

This album is chock full of the best outros!

totally agree! their next job in their rise to power is to pay closer attention to their intros, imo

Ten had great intros.

haha read my latest post in the Ten thread

I think I just realised something I've been trying to articulate about what is "the best" about Ten because even though it's not my favourite Pearl Jam album anymore, I feel in my very soul that it is "the best" at many things, and -- in this moment anyway -- the best at one thing in particular

I think this album has the highest number of exciting *song intros* of any album; regardless of where the songs go -- and a few I find anti-climactic as an older woman -- they all sound so exciting, so gripping, and so promising, when they start up

"Alive", "Jeremy", "Porch", "Deep"

they all say "get in bitch, we're going for a ride"

Zackly! And don't forget the opening to the album itself, which I consider one of the greatest album openings of all-time, mirrored so nicely by its closing.

THOUGHTS ON GIGATON, WITH APOLOGIES TO ANYONE WHO LIKES AVOCADO…

Over the last month or so I’ve listened to GITATON on my headphones on my government mandated one walk a day under quarantine, listened on headphones at home, blasted it out of speakers, had it on while cooking, listened to it via Single Podcast Theory, and finally (when it arrived) spun the vinyl. I’ve been living and breathing this shit enough to make some kind of informed judgement now,=.

I then dived back into Lightning Bolt, Backspacer and Avocado. Haven’t listened to LB for at least a year, only really put Backspacer on during barbeque situations, and try to avoid listening to the audible fart that is Avocado as much as possible. Looking at GIGATON on it’s own is one thing, but in the context of what came before, it’s a truly fascinating listen.

For the record, I’m one of those PJ fans that regards everything Riot Act and backwards to be pretty sacrosanct. Yeah, there are a few mis-fires on Riot Act, but it still feels like the “classic” PJ to me.

Gigaton is a lot to take in, and listening back to the records that precede it, it’s clear just how much more depth there is, more room to breathe, some really interesting dynamics, and the sound of a band actually pushing for something new - even if they don’t always get there.

Listening to Gigaton is like hearing an old guy telling you “I still got it in me, you know…” and in response you feel you can nod and smile. Whereas, on Avocado, the old guy is screaming at you, in a shiny red sports car and you respond by cringing and running to the hills. GIGATON has left me feeling nothing but respect for these (like it or not) elder statesmen of rock. This is Dad rock, but in the “Wilco Dad Rock” realm (not that it sounds anything like Wilco), rather than the “Bon Jovi Dad Rock” realm we were stuck in before.

I wanna start with the older records. Going back to LB after so long, I was genuinely surprised at how much I enjoyed it, having panned it for so long as autopilot radio rock. The opening 5 songs - “Getaway” through to “Lightning Bolt” are great fun, an exhilarating listen, and basically a continuation of the upbeat, pop-rock sound of Backspacer. Yeah, ok, MYM might be on the heavier side, but it doesn’t sound like they're taking themselves seriously at all. Depending on what your thoughts are on Backspacer, that’s either refreshing, or dull as dishwater.

Then “Infallible” comes along, and the rest of the album feels a bit juvenile and limp. Pendulum is fine, but lacks any sort of substance or edge, and Sleeping by Myself is pretty - but it’s all very MOR and forgettable from there on in.

Going back further, Backspacer is just as vapid, silly and fun as I remember. As I’ve said, PJ for summer gatherings. It doesn’t require a great amount of attention, its surf-rock for the masses - but it does include “Gonna see my friend” which is a certified banger, plus “Amongst the Waves” & “Unthought Known” which are both cracking as the sun sets. And it contains “The End” - which I find genuinely moving. It’s all rattled off in about 35 minutes, and we’ve all had a good time. Well, some of us…

Listening back to Avocado, it’s clear that Backspacer is a reaction to it.

I’m gonna say it. Avocado is utter bollocks. From the moment “Life Wasted” begins, and Eddie’s strained, constipated vocals crest the wave of utter dumbfuckery, it’s a downhill slope. From there through to the end of “Army Reserve” I find literally nothing of value. So it’s boring, forced, meandering (‘Gone’ might be one of the worst songs of all time). From track 1 - 11, the only bit I like is the “if I don’t lose control…” bridge from “Marker in the Sand”. At least, I think it’s on that song, cos they all sound the same.

Finally, “Come Back” and “Inside Job” come along, and I remember I’m listening to Pearl Jam. But it’s a slog. For all eeeee terrrr naaaa TEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH

So, to GIGATON.

Well, fortunately they’ve dropped the forced “aggression” of Avocado, and the band sounds - wait for it - COOL.

Woah.

Looking back over these records, I can say with certainty that it’s the best of the bunch. In fact, fuck it, its just a really lovely record. A huge pick-me-up in these horrible times we live in, and all but 2 songs I’d class as “Excellent” and there certainly is nothing skippable. Nothing forgettable. Nothing half hearted or auto-pilot. It’s inventive, and yup, once again - COOL. Best since Riot Act for sure - whether it climbs higher, time will tell.

WHO EVER SAID. 9/10

The mere fact that this record starts with atmospherics, then the guitar kinda gets “plugged in”. It’s the kind of false start for previous actually good PJ records, and makes a change from the clean, crisp openings of the last three records. And Eddie’s voice sounds EXCELLENT. Relaxed and edgy and that lovely baritone is back! Love how inventive it is, moving from section to section, ebbing and flowing - rocking hard then holding back. The only thing that keeps this off of a 10/10 is that the chorus refrain is pretty basic. Aside from that - this has been the biggest grower for me. Smashing it, lads.

SUPERBLOOD WOLFMOON 8/10

How does he get away with going “Yourseeeeeeeeeelf” here and it doesn’t sound corny? I gonna go with the production - it's got proper swagger. I’m sure this will be fun live. Love the “stunner and I am stunned” bit. And the solo is crispy and just what the doctor ordered. I mean, it’s not “Porch” but it definitely kicks ass.

DANCE OF THE CLAIRVOYANTS 10/10

YES PEARL JAM. YES. Inventive, different, THAT GUITAR CHUNK BIT. It's groovy, and not in an embarrassing Dad way. Love all of it. Love the “cos they’re out of this world” but...but then THAT GUITAR BIT COMES BACK AND I’M HOOKED. BACK IN LOVE WITH PEARL JAM.

QUICK ESCAPE 10/10

Every time I listen to this I find something else that is fucking magical about it. I can’t write about it succinctly because it's so good that I’ll just spunk superlatives into the air.

ALRIGHT 8/10

Sounds gorgeous on vinyl for sure. Love the atmosphere, and although the chorus is a little slight, I’ll forgive it because this song is basically “Pendulum” if Pendulum was in any way interesting. Also - shout out to the sequencing of this album.

SEVEN O’CLOCK 7/10

You know what, when I listen to this, I’m just so appreciative that they are trying to do interesting things and MOVE FORWARD rather than retreading old formulas, and can therefore forgive a few of the mis-steps in this song. It does come across a bit Genesis circa “We Can’t Dance” but my goodness EV has upped his lyric game - on this, and basically the whole record.

NEVER DESTINATION 6/10

Yeah, these next two are the two songs I’m less bothered about. This is Pearl Jam doing Pearl Jam. Not a great amount of interest, and could fit on either Backspacer or Lightning Bolt. I do like the fact that they just end up jamming for a bit in the middle - but it’s almost like they are trying to come up with a better idea for 30 seconds or so, but then just go back to the song. BUT THE ENDING - THE CODA!!! Yum! Why didn’t they go further with that bit?!?

TAKE THE LONG WAY 5/10

It’s fine. It passes by without much exciting happening. It sounds like Ghost/Help Help/Green Disease & Evacuation had a baby. Solid, and not exactly a mis-step, but the least interesting thing here by a mile.

BUCKLE UP 8/10

Ah, that’s better. Back to the PJ re-invention. It’s got a McCartney/REM like quality to it, and I love the build to the chorus, although the words “Buckle up” in the middle of a global pandemic are a bit ominous. Love the blocks and the live-ness of the drums, love the dark lyrics jutting against the pretty melodies. Excellent work, Stone.

COMES THEN GOES 10/10

Stone cold classic. What else is there to say? Gorgeous tribute to Chris, or indeed any long lost friends. The acoustics have been captured in such a way that there are parts of this song that rock harder than the “heavier” parts of this album. Reminds me of Seasons. I feel spoilt that this is coming out and being delivered into my ears right now.

RETROGRADE 8/10

Ok, imagine if you took the cheesier elements of Lightning Bolt, and moulded them into a PROPERLY GOOD SONG with progressions that send chills down the spine. It sounds like a classic Aerosmith ballad - and that is a MASSIVE compliment by the way. Fuck the haters. It’s pretty as fuck - and in the last minute and a half THEY ACTUALLY BLAST EDDIE INTO OUTER SPACE. So there.

RIVER CROSS 9/10

Perfect closer. The sun sets, one last candle burning. Jeff’s walking bass part makes this. The drums drive it along, and it drives off into the sunset, and I love Pearl Jam all over again.

RockPusher wrote:

Ms Harmless wrote:

RockPusher wrote:

Ms Harmless wrote:

RockPusher wrote:

PHATJ wrote:

Ms Harmless wrote:

PHATJ wrote:Outside shooting hoops with my kids over the weekend and my 13 year old daughter put on Dance. Everything else was either modern day pop or a few current indie rock songs. She said Dance is her favorite PJ song.

one thing I think makes this album feel quite contemporary (more than BS and LB, their deliberate attempts, I guess, to sound contemporary) is just how danceable it is

Agreed. I think that’s what is attracting the younger listeners for sure. All three of my kids (14,13,10) love the outro to Dance. So do I.

This album is chock full of the best outros!

totally agree! their next job in their rise to power is to pay closer attention to their intros, imo

Ten had great intros.

haha read my latest post in the Ten thread

I think I just realised something I've been trying to articulate about what is "the best" about Ten because even though it's not my favourite Pearl Jam album anymore, I feel in my very soul that it is "the best" at many things, and -- in this moment anyway -- the best at one thing in particular

I think this album has the highest number of exciting *song intros* of any album; regardless of where the songs go -- and a few I find anti-climactic as an older woman -- they all sound so exciting, so gripping, and so promising, when they start up

"Alive", "Jeremy", "Porch", "Deep"

they all say "get in bitch, we're going for a ride"

Zackly! And don't forget the opening to the album itself, which I consider one of the greatest album openings of all-time, mirrored so nicely by its closing.

absolutely! Master / Slave is brilliant

samiad wrote:THOUGHTS ON GIGATON, WITH APOLOGIES TO ANYONE WHO LIKES AVOCADO…

Over the last month or so I’ve listened to GITATON on my headphones on my government mandated one walk a day under quarantine, listened on headphones at home, blasted it out of speakers, had it on while cooking, listened to it via Single Podcast Theory, and finally (when it arrived) spun the vinyl. I’ve been living and breathing this shit enough to make some kind of informed judgement now,=.

I then dived back into Lightning Bolt, Backspacer and Avocado. Haven’t listened to LB for at least a year, only really put Backspacer on during barbeque situations, and try to avoid listening to the audible fart that is Avocado as much as possible. Looking at GIGATON on it’s own is one thing, but in the context of what came before, it’s a truly fascinating listen.

For the record, I’m one of those PJ fans that regards everything Riot Act and backwards to be pretty sacrosanct. Yeah, there are a few mis-fires on Riot Act, but it still feels like the “classic” PJ to me.

Gigaton is a lot to take in, and listening back to the records that precede it, it’s clear just how much more depth there is, more room to breathe, some really interesting dynamics, and the sound of a band actually pushing for something new - even if they don’t always get there.

Listening to Gigaton is like hearing an old guy telling you “I still got it in me, you know…” and in response you feel you can nod and smile. Whereas, on Avocado, the old guy is screaming at you, in a shiny red sports car and you respond by cringing and running to the hills. GIGATON has left me feeling nothing but respect for these (like it or not) elder statesmen of rock. This is Dad rock, but in the “Wilco Dad Rock” realm (not that it sounds anything like Wilco), rather than the “Bon Jovi Dad Rock” realm we were stuck in before.

I wanna start with the older records. Going back to LB after so long, I was genuinely surprised at how much I enjoyed it, having panned it for so long as autopilot radio rock. The opening 5 songs - “Getaway” through to “Lightning Bolt” are great fun, an exhilarating listen, and basically a continuation of the upbeat, pop-rock sound of Backspacer. Yeah, ok, MYM might be on the heavier side, but it doesn’t sound like they're taking themselves seriously at all. Depending on what your thoughts are on Backspacer, that’s either refreshing, or dull as dishwater.

Then “Infallible” comes along, and the rest of the album feels a bit juvenile and limp. Pendulum is fine, but lacks any sort of substance or edge, and Sleeping by Myself is pretty - but it’s all very MOR and forgettable from there on in.

Going back further, Backspacer is just as vapid, silly and fun as I remember. As I’ve said, PJ for summer gatherings. It doesn’t require a great amount of attention, its surf-rock for the masses - but it does include “Gonna see my friend” which is a certified banger, plus “Amongst the Waves” & “Unthought Known” which are both cracking as the sun sets. And it contains “The End” - which I find genuinely moving. It’s all rattled off in about 35 minutes, and we’ve all had a good time. Well, some of us…

Listening back to Avocado, it’s clear that Backspacer is a reaction to it.

I’m gonna say it. Avocado is utter bollocks. From the moment “Life Wasted” begins, and Eddie’s strained, constipated vocals crest the wave of utter dumbfuckery, it’s a downhill slope. From there through to the end of “Army Reserve” I find literally nothing of value. So it’s boring, forced, meandering (‘Gone’ might be one of the worst songs of all time). From track 1 - 11, the only bit I like is the “if I don’t lose control…” bridge from “Marker in the Sand”. At least, I think it’s on that song, cos they all sound the same.

Finally, “Come Back” and “Inside Job” come along, and I remember I’m listening to Pearl Jam. But it’s a slog. For all eeeee terrrr naaaa TEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH

So, to GIGATON.

Well, fortunately they’ve dropped the forced “aggression” of Avocado, and the band sounds - wait for it - COOL.

Woah.

Looking back over these records, I can say with certainty that it’s the best of the bunch. In fact, fuck it, its just a really lovely record. A huge pick-me-up in these horrible times we live in, and all but 2 songs I’d class as “Excellent” and there certainly is nothing skippable. Nothing forgettable. Nothing half hearted or auto-pilot. It’s inventive, and yup, once again - COOL. Best since Riot Act for sure - whether it climbs higher, time will tell.

WHO EVER SAID. 9/10

The mere fact that this record starts with atmospherics, then the guitar kinda gets “plugged in”. It’s the kind of false start for previous actually good PJ records, and makes a change from the clean, crisp openings of the last three records. And Eddie’s voice sounds EXCELLENT. Relaxed and edgy and that lovely baritone is back! Love how inventive it is, moving from section to section, ebbing and flowing - rocking hard then holding back. The only thing that keeps this off of a 10/10 is that the chorus refrain is pretty basic. Aside from that - this has been the biggest grower for me. Smashing it, lads.

SUPERBLOOD WOLFMOON 8/10

How does he get away with going “Yourseeeeeeeeeelf” here and it doesn’t sound corny? I gonna go with the production - it's got proper swagger. I’m sure this will be fun live. Love the “stunner and I am stunned” bit. And the solo is crispy and just what the doctor ordered. I mean, it’s not “Porch” but it definitely kicks ass.

DANCE OF THE CLAIRVOYANTS 10/10

YES PEARL JAM. YES. Inventive, different, THAT GUITAR CHUNK BIT. It's groovy, and not in an embarrassing Dad way. Love all of it. Love the “cos they’re out of this world” but...but then THAT GUITAR BIT COMES BACK AND I’M HOOKED. BACK IN LOVE WITH PEARL JAM.

QUICK ESCAPE 10/10

Every time I listen to this I find something else that is fucking magical about it. I can’t write about it succinctly because it's so good that I’ll just spunk superlatives into the air.

ALRIGHT 8/10

Sounds gorgeous on vinyl for sure. Love the atmosphere, and although the chorus is a little slight, I’ll forgive it because this song is basically “Pendulum” if Pendulum was in any way interesting. Also - shout out to the sequencing of this album.

SEVEN O’CLOCK 7/10

You know what, when I listen to this, I’m just so appreciative that they are trying to do interesting things and MOVE FORWARD rather than retreading old formulas, and can therefore forgive a few of the mis-steps in this song. It does come across a bit Genesis circa “We Can’t Dance” but my goodness EV has upped his lyric game - on this, and basically the whole record.

NEVER DESTINATION 6/10

Yeah, these next two are the two songs I’m less bothered about. This is Pearl Jam doing Pearl Jam. Not a great amount of interest, and could fit on either Backspacer or Lightning Bolt. I do like the fact that they just end up jamming for a bit in the middle - but it’s almost like they are trying to come up with a better idea for 30 seconds or so, but then just go back to the song. BUT THE ENDING - THE CODA!!! Yum! Why didn’t they go further with that bit?!?

TAKE THE LONG WAY 5/10

It’s fine. It passes by without much exciting happening. It sounds like Ghost/Help Help/Green Disease & Evacuation had a baby. Solid, and not exactly a mis-step, but the least interesting thing here by a mile.

BUCKLE UP 8/10

Ah, that’s better. Back to the PJ re-invention. It’s got a McCartney/REM like quality to it, and I love the build to the chorus, although the words “Buckle up” in the middle of a global pandemic are a bit ominous. Love the blocks and the live-ness of the drums, love the dark lyrics jutting against the pretty melodies. Excellent work, Stone.

COMES THEN GOES 10/10

Stone cold classic. What else is there to say? Gorgeous tribute to Chris, or indeed any long lost friends. The acoustics have been captured in such a way that there are parts of this song that rock harder than the “heavier” parts of this album. Reminds me of Seasons. I feel spoilt that this is coming out and being delivered into my ears right now.

RETROGRADE 8/10

Ok, imagine if you took the cheesier elements of Lightning Bolt, and moulded them into a PROPERLY GOOD SONG with progressions that send chills down the spine. It sounds like a classic Aerosmith ballad - and that is a MASSIVE compliment by the way. Fuck the haters. It’s pretty as fuck - and in the last minute and a half THEY ACTUALLY BLAST EDDIE INTO OUTER SPACE. So there.

RIVER CROSS 9/10

Perfect closer. The sun sets, one last candle burning. Jeff’s walking bass part makes this. The drums drive it along, and it drives off into the sunset, and I love Pearl Jam all over again.

I love so much of this post, but thank fuck someone else likes "Amongst the Waves" as much as me

just you wait until those other Gigaton songs grow on you, especially "Seven O'Clock"

Haven't been able to muster any enthusiasm to listen to this album.

Maybe things will swing back around at some point, but I wonder if my interest in Pearl Jam is now primarily historical.

I feel so happy i love this album the way i do. I listened to both Yield and Binaural, saw a few Ed clips, listened to the podcast with Jeff and Ed...and tomorrow ill dive into a boot.

Happy days.

i'm over the moon with how much I love this record.

Ms Harmless wrote:

samiad wrote:THOUGHTS ON GIGATON, WITH APOLOGIES TO ANYONE WHO LIKES AVOCADO…

Over the last month or so I’ve listened to GITATON on my headphones on my government mandated one walk a day under quarantine, listened on headphones at home, blasted it out of speakers, had it on while cooking, listened to it via Single Podcast Theory, and finally (when it arrived) spun the vinyl. I’ve been living and breathing this shit enough to make some kind of informed judgement now,=.

I then dived back into Lightning Bolt, Backspacer and Avocado. Haven’t listened to LB for at least a year, only really put Backspacer on during barbeque situations, and try to avoid listening to the audible fart that is Avocado as much as possible. Looking at GIGATON on it’s own is one thing, but in the context of what came before, it’s a truly fascinating listen.

For the record, I’m one of those PJ fans that regards everything Riot Act and backwards to be pretty sacrosanct. Yeah, there are a few mis-fires on Riot Act, but it still feels like the “classic” PJ to me.

Gigaton is a lot to take in, and listening back to the records that precede it, it’s clear just how much more depth there is, more room to breathe, some really interesting dynamics, and the sound of a band actually pushing for something new - even if they don’t always get there.

Listening to Gigaton is like hearing an old guy telling you “I still got it in me, you know…” and in response you feel you can nod and smile. Whereas, on Avocado, the old guy is screaming at you, in a shiny red sports car and you respond by cringing and running to the hills. GIGATON has left me feeling nothing but respect for these (like it or not) elder statesmen of rock. This is Dad rock, but in the “Wilco Dad Rock” realm (not that it sounds anything like Wilco), rather than the “Bon Jovi Dad Rock” realm we were stuck in before.

I wanna start with the older records. Going back to LB after so long, I was genuinely surprised at how much I enjoyed it, having panned it for so long as autopilot radio rock. The opening 5 songs - “Getaway” through to “Lightning Bolt” are great fun, an exhilarating listen, and basically a continuation of the upbeat, pop-rock sound of Backspacer. Yeah, ok, MYM might be on the heavier side, but it doesn’t sound like they're taking themselves seriously at all. Depending on what your thoughts are on Backspacer, that’s either refreshing, or dull as dishwater.

Then “Infallible” comes along, and the rest of the album feels a bit juvenile and limp. Pendulum is fine, but lacks any sort of substance or edge, and Sleeping by Myself is pretty - but it’s all very MOR and forgettable from there on in.

Going back further, Backspacer is just as vapid, silly and fun as I remember. As I’ve said, PJ for summer gatherings. It doesn’t require a great amount of attention, its surf-rock for the masses - but it does include “Gonna see my friend” which is a certified banger, plus “Amongst the Waves” & “Unthought Known” which are both cracking as the sun sets. And it contains “The End” - which I find genuinely moving. It’s all rattled off in about 35 minutes, and we’ve all had a good time. Well, some of us…

Listening back to Avocado, it’s clear that Backspacer is a reaction to it.

I’m gonna say it. Avocado is utter bollocks. From the moment “Life Wasted” begins, and Eddie’s strained, constipated vocals crest the wave of utter dumbfuckery, it’s a downhill slope. From there through to the end of “Army Reserve” I find literally nothing of value. So it’s boring, forced, meandering (‘Gone’ might be one of the worst songs of all time). From track 1 - 11, the only bit I like is the “if I don’t lose control…” bridge from “Marker in the Sand”. At least, I think it’s on that song, cos they all sound the same.

Finally, “Come Back” and “Inside Job” come along, and I remember I’m listening to Pearl Jam. But it’s a slog. For all eeeee terrrr naaaa TEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH

So, to GIGATON.

Well, fortunately they’ve dropped the forced “aggression” of Avocado, and the band sounds - wait for it - COOL.

Woah.

Looking back over these records, I can say with certainty that it’s the best of the bunch. In fact, fuck it, its just a really lovely record. A huge pick-me-up in these horrible times we live in, and all but 2 songs I’d class as “Excellent” and there certainly is nothing skippable. Nothing forgettable. Nothing half hearted or auto-pilot. It’s inventive, and yup, once again - COOL. Best since Riot Act for sure - whether it climbs higher, time will tell.

WHO EVER SAID. 9/10

The mere fact that this record starts with atmospherics, then the guitar kinda gets “plugged in”. It’s the kind of false start for previous actually good PJ records, and makes a change from the clean, crisp openings of the last three records. And Eddie’s voice sounds EXCELLENT. Relaxed and edgy and that lovely baritone is back! Love how inventive it is, moving from section to section, ebbing and flowing - rocking hard then holding back. The only thing that keeps this off of a 10/10 is that the chorus refrain is pretty basic. Aside from that - this has been the biggest grower for me. Smashing it, lads.

SUPERBLOOD WOLFMOON 8/10

How does he get away with going “Yourseeeeeeeeeelf” here and it doesn’t sound corny? I gonna go with the production - it's got proper swagger. I’m sure this will be fun live. Love the “stunner and I am stunned” bit. And the solo is crispy and just what the doctor ordered. I mean, it’s not “Porch” but it definitely kicks ass.

DANCE OF THE CLAIRVOYANTS 10/10

YES PEARL JAM. YES. Inventive, different, THAT GUITAR CHUNK BIT. It's groovy, and not in an embarrassing Dad way. Love all of it. Love the “cos they’re out of this world” but...but then THAT GUITAR BIT COMES BACK AND I’M HOOKED. BACK IN LOVE WITH PEARL JAM.

QUICK ESCAPE 10/10

Every time I listen to this I find something else that is fucking magical about it. I can’t write about it succinctly because it's so good that I’ll just spunk superlatives into the air.

ALRIGHT 8/10

Sounds gorgeous on vinyl for sure. Love the atmosphere, and although the chorus is a little slight, I’ll forgive it because this song is basically “Pendulum” if Pendulum was in any way interesting. Also - shout out to the sequencing of this album.

SEVEN O’CLOCK 7/10

You know what, when I listen to this, I’m just so appreciative that they are trying to do interesting things and MOVE FORWARD rather than retreading old formulas, and can therefore forgive a few of the mis-steps in this song. It does come across a bit Genesis circa “We Can’t Dance” but my goodness EV has upped his lyric game - on this, and basically the whole record.

NEVER DESTINATION 6/10

Yeah, these next two are the two songs I’m less bothered about. This is Pearl Jam doing Pearl Jam. Not a great amount of interest, and could fit on either Backspacer or Lightning Bolt. I do like the fact that they just end up jamming for a bit in the middle - but it’s almost like they are trying to come up with a better idea for 30 seconds or so, but then just go back to the song. BUT THE ENDING - THE CODA!!! Yum! Why didn’t they go further with that bit?!?

TAKE THE LONG WAY 5/10

It’s fine. It passes by without much exciting happening. It sounds like Ghost/Help Help/Green Disease & Evacuation had a baby. Solid, and not exactly a mis-step, but the least interesting thing here by a mile.

BUCKLE UP 8/10

Ah, that’s better. Back to the PJ re-invention. It’s got a McCartney/REM like quality to it, and I love the build to the chorus, although the words “Buckle up” in the middle of a global pandemic are a bit ominous. Love the blocks and the live-ness of the drums, love the dark lyrics jutting against the pretty melodies. Excellent work, Stone.

COMES THEN GOES 10/10

Stone cold classic. What else is there to say? Gorgeous tribute to Chris, or indeed any long lost friends. The acoustics have been captured in such a way that there are parts of this song that rock harder than the “heavier” parts of this album. Reminds me of Seasons. I feel spoilt that this is coming out and being delivered into my ears right now.

RETROGRADE 8/10

Ok, imagine if you took the cheesier elements of Lightning Bolt, and moulded them into a PROPERLY GOOD SONG with progressions that send chills down the spine. It sounds like a classic Aerosmith ballad - and that is a MASSIVE compliment by the way. Fuck the haters. It’s pretty as fuck - and in the last minute and a half THEY ACTUALLY BLAST EDDIE INTO OUTER SPACE. So there.

RIVER CROSS 9/10

Perfect closer. The sun sets, one last candle burning. Jeff’s walking bass part makes this. The drums drive it along, and it drives off into the sunset, and I love Pearl Jam all over again.

I love so much of this post, but thank fuck someone else likes "Amongst the Waves" as much as me

just you wait until those other Gigaton songs grow on you, especially "Seven O'Clock"

i love reading people’s extended and contextualized thoughts, so thank you.

VinylGuy wrote:I feel so happy i love this album the way i do.

Happy days.

Strat wrote:i'm over the moon with how much I love this record.

Birds in Hell wrote:Haven't been able to muster any enthusiasm to listen to this album.

Maybe things will swing back around at some point, but I wonder if my interest in Pearl Jam is now primarily historical.

If you can’t enjoy Gigaton, you don’t like Pearl Jam anymore.

I am very carefully picking the times I listen to this, and how I do. I haven't done this since long, long ago. This is such a treasure I don't want to mistreat it.

RockPusher wrote:I am very carefully picking the times I listen to this, and how I do. I haven't done this since long, long ago. This is such a treasure I don't want to mistreat it.

same for me.

PHATJ wrote:

Birds in Hell wrote:Haven't been able to muster any enthusiasm to listen to this album.

Maybe things will swing back around at some point, but I wonder if my interest in Pearl Jam is now primarily historical.

If you can’t enjoy Gigaton, you don’t like Pearl Jam anymore.

I thought this, but didn't want to say it.

PHATJ wrote:

Birds in Hell wrote:Haven't been able to muster any enthusiasm to listen to this album.

Maybe things will swing back around at some point, but I wonder if my interest in Pearl Jam is now primarily historical.

If you can’t enjoy Gigaton, you don’t like Pearl Jam anymore.

That's a stretch. Maybe he doesn't like modern PJ, but still likes older PJ

samiad wrote:THOUGHTS ON GIGATON, WITH APOLOGIES TO ANYONE WHO LIKES AVOCADO…

Cool post! Though i like Avocade a heck of alot more than you do.

Unlike you, my "untouchable" Pearl Jam period only runs up to Yield. I've got Gigaton higher than anything that's come since (note that i really love Binaural-Riot Act just not at an untouchable level).

Birds in Hell wrote:Haven't been able to muster any enthusiasm to listen to this album.

Maybe things will swing back around at some point, but I wonder if my interest in Pearl Jam is now primarily historical.

As in you've listened thru once or twice and its just not for you or haven't even given it a chance yet?