5. NAIS (1:50-2:16) vs. Present Tense (3:58-5:43)

[stip]

Nothing As It Seems (1:50-2:16) vs. Present Tense (3:58-5:43)

Voting ends 5/9

[evenslow]

If it were the live McCready NAIS face-melter, that would take it but it's Present Tense outro here. Takes the song to such an entirely different place from where it started.

[doone]

Actually I think the outro of Present Tense showcases Jeff's bass solo more than anything from the guitars. So for the first time in an RM tournament, I am voting for NAIS.

[mikejasond]

If it were the live McCready NAIS face-melter, that would take it but it's Present Tense outro here. Takes the song to such an entirely different place from where it started.

This hardly seems like a fair fight, if we're counting the whole outro vs that one solo.

Personally I think both of these sections are a lot better live, but I have to go with Present Tense anyways.

[PHATJ]

I love both of the songs, and both of the moments selected. They are both in my top 10% of PJs catalog. I'm picking Present Tense because it has always felt like a special moment to me. There's just something magical about the band jamming with Jack, and then the way the song builds and breaks away and beautifully lingers. It's just really great. Mike wails on NAIS, and if that wins I'll totally understand, but PT is my pick.

[stip]

nothing as it seems is such an expected guitar god moment. Present Tense, perhaps more than any other pearl jam song, has descended from the lofty heights of near favorite to a song I always skip. That outro is really good, especially if I can just start there, but it isn't close to NAIS.