I like the word "efficient" for this record. When I heard the title track; I thought immediately "this is no slop, here". Even some of the greatest bands develop some sloppy habits after 20-30 years at or near the top; they're either doing fanservice, or they lose all perspective and try and turn themselves into something they ain't, just to not get bored.
PJ did neither here; they sound like themselves without pandering to who they used to be (or who used to love them). Quite an achievement.
"they sound like themselves without pandering to who they used to be"
This is the secret success of this album. They didn't do the Rick Rubin thing and just try to sound like replications of their 20 year old selves. But it still sounds like Pearl Jam. Just not any other Pearl Jam album that has come before it.
Okay you convinced me to give it a listen. Listened to "Wreckage " today and liked it way more than the other singles, though if it's supposed to be the highlight, I hope the rest is somewhere in between..
I like the word "efficient" for this record. When I heard the title track; I thought immediately "this is no slop, here". Even some of the greatest bands develop some sloppy habits after 20-30 years at or near the top; they're either doing fanservice, or they lose all perspective and try and turn themselves into something they ain't, just to not get bored.
PJ did neither here; they sound like themselves without pandering to who they used to be (or who used to love them). Quite an achievement.
"they sound like themselves without pandering to who they used to be"
This is the secret success of this album. They didn't do the Rick Rubin thing and just try to sound like replications of their 20 year old selves. But it still sounds like Pearl Jam. Just not any other Pearl Jam album that has come before it.
Really looking forward to listening to it tonight! Thanks for the honest review.
Okay you convinced me to give it a listen. Listened to "Wreckage " today and liked it way more than the other singles, though if it's supposed to be the highlight, I hope the rest is somewhere in between..
You’re going to like Waiting For Stevie I think.