Pearl Jam's Iconic Sound and... THE BRIDGE

[Oversize]

So, on my way into work this morning, with the new album playing moderately loud... I started thinking a bit. This band may sound different than the Ten and Vs. band.. but one thing has stayed consistent, and it's something I believe they do better than just about anyone.

THE BRIDGE.

Am I right? When I think about the shape of modern music, things we hear on the radio or see at music award shows, one thing to which I never paid too much attention (and have now come to truly appreciate), is the fact that we're consistently treated to a solid verse, usually okay or better chorus, and just a kick-ass bridge which is a beautiful change or pace or breakdown that sets the stage for a killer finish to the song.

I'm sure this has been discussed elsewhere, but, what are some of YOUR favorite PJ bridges?

[Tuolumne]

I think the bridges are very well done on Lightning Bolt. Specifically, the bridges to Swallowed Whole and Lightning Bolt, and Yellow Moon really keep me coming back and tie together the lyrical themes of the record. I can't remember the last time a bridge like Swallowed Whole's, which is turning out to be one of my favorite parts of the entire album, kept me coming back and back and shines a light on the rest of the album. My Father's Son is also one I foresee possibly impacting me this way too. I think they're bridge writing has always been strong going all the way back to Alive.

[harmless]

I agree. If only they wrote choruses that matched them in quality.

[mray10]

Pilate really sets the standard, though part of that is because it's so markedly better than the rest of the song.

[Thejambi]

Yeah the Pilate bridge is the only reason to listen to that song.

[Jorge]

Yeah the Pilate bridge is the only reason to listen to that song.

Cool. Here you go, buddy. The Ultimate Version of Pilate.

[Thejambi]

Yeah the Pilate bridge is the only reason to listen to that song.

Cool. Here you go, buddy. The Ultimate Version of Pilate.

That's the sweetness, pal.

[Strat]

My god tha tbridge is gorgeous. Eddie sounds about as good as it gets right there.

[Thurman Murman]

Yeah the Pilate bridge is the only reason to listen to that song.

[Jorge]

I mostly agree with this thread's premise, but I think "The Fixer"'s bridge is really bad.

"My Father's Son" and "Swallowed Whole" have really good bridges.

Also, I wonder how we'd feel about "Just Breathe" if what we now know as its chorus served as a bridge, which was the original arrangement.

[Oversize]

I mostly agree with this thread's premise, but I think "The Fixer"'s bridge is really bad.

"My Father's Son" and "Swallowed Whole" have really good bridges.

Also, I wonder how we'd feel about "Just Breathe" if what we now know as its chorus served as a bridge, which was the original arrangement.

I'd like to hear that arrangement. Sounds pretty interesting, actually...

[Oversize]

The Pilate bridge reminds me of another song, of which I am not too fond, but does contain a really killer bridge....

Evacuation.

[EJ]

I'm surprised by how much I like the bridge on LTRP, considering I really don't have a lot of interest in what surrounds it.

[harmless]

Everything about Evacuation is great, but the bridge is even better.

I would put Lightning Bolt and Yellow Moon in the "great bridge" pile. I would put FD in there too, but I won't just because its bridge is the only part I really like.

[harmless]

I'm surprised by how much I like the bridge on LTRP, considering I really don't have a lot of interest in what surrounds it.

Me too. Should've been the chorus.

[EJ]

I'm surprised by how much I like the bridge on LTRP, considering I really don't have a lot of interest in what surrounds it.

Me too. Should've been the chorus.

Have you finished your drum review of the album yet?

[bune]

Can you explain what a bridge entails, and also can you explain it like you're talking to a music noob? Thanks.

[evenslow]

I'm surprised by how much I like the bridge on LTRP, considering I really don't have a lot of interest in what surrounds it.

Me too. Should've been the chorus.

Have you finished your drum review of the album yet?

[harmless]

I'm surprised by how much I like the bridge on LTRP, considering I really don't have a lot of interest in what surrounds it.

Me too. Should've been the chorus.

Have you finished your drum review of the album yet?

No, I stalled on it. I realised that the drums are rarely the reason for my favourite parts on this album (which is a credit to other aspects, coming from me). That doesn't mean the drumming isn't pretty good in spots, but it's just slightly unremarkable. There's not a lot to say. Having said that, maybe I could do something that talks about the highlights. I'm basically just lazy, also.

[harmless]

Funnily enough, I thought there was more rhythmic diversity on Backspacer as a whole.