i don't know exactly how to describe this, but in the past year, particularly since the release of the album, the band seems to have been infinitely more professional in the approach to their album, promotion, and their live show in particular.

to start with the album and their promotion, i know some people on here said that they were selling out, but everything that they've done has been spot on. the maida vale sessions, including the interviews, were all very erudite and well versed. for some reason i always associate promoting an album with 'OH BUY OUR ALBUM', but it was nothing of the sort. if promotion is telling people about the recording process, ideas behind the songs, putting the album together, i am ready for more, really. i mean, basically all of the promotion has essentially been a behind the scenes look at the band put into audio form or video, which is great.

and their live show.. the biggest thing that stuck out when i started listening to the first toronto bootleg was how they used the pre-recorded intro from severed hand. that actually struck me as really well-rehearsed. then when they played rats and satans bed, even though eddie had to read the lyrics, all the melodies of the vocals were spot-on and the music was all nearly perfect. they've said they rehearsed more for this tour than ever before and that's very apparent. even old songs that they're playing that HAVE been tour regulars seem tighter and more rehearsed. i don't know, i've never been so excited to go see them. the lights are better (in my opinion). the biggest feeling i get from watching videos from this tour is that they seem.. bigger, like as a band. on previous tours when i'd see videos they seemed really approachable. now they seem sort of larger than life, at least to me, but that's a fine thing.

meh.

Are you sure it was pre-recorded? On SNL and from what I've heard elsewhere, they've played the intro live, and in fact sounded it rather different, as I think Ed was using a delay or maybe phaser of some kind (I'm not really a big effects guy, sorry). I honestly hope they aren't using the studio intro for live shows, thats a bit too Roger Waters or something for me to deal with at a Pearl Jam show (as much as I like Waters).

it starts out pre-recorded when they are walking out and then they start to play it after about 30 seconds of the pre-recorded intro.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. August will tell, I suppose.

I don't know why I'm curious about this, but is your name pronounced B Knollenberg or B.K. Nollenberg? Or am I way off?

don't worry. its actually really cool. i saw a perfect circle start off a show in a similar fashion. they were playing the song vanishing and for the first intro of the song where its filtered out on the record that was prerecorded and then they came in when that effect drops off.

first name brad, last name knollenberg, pronounced knoll in berg. you know, like a grassy knoll.

the pre-recorded part in severed hand sounds great.

tons of bands do this. metallica does this with a number of songs live including Battery, Blackened, Damage Inc., and Fight Fire With Fire

i have no problems with it. could be cool. ill have to wait until boston, camden, nj, dc, and the gorge to pass my own judgement.

If promoting the new album means we get more webcasts, interviews, live recordings, and t.v. appearances I'm all for promoting the shit out of this record. We've been absolutely spoiled this time around.

good thread

i think what we're seeing from the band is a re-newed enthusiasm or at the very least a renewed dedication to not only notifying the public and thier fans of their songs, but to be prepared to offer the best show they can. now one can argue whether this is motivated out of self-interest or a matter of just believing these songs are important and need to be heard. I think what we saw the last few album cycles is the band not really being as into the process as much. perhaps the collaboration with J has renewed their faith. guess we'll see...

i'd like to think it's because eddie's fucking a hot model now. she's rejuvenated him and thusly the band. booyah!

i loved the down to earthness of the band. especially first time seeing l@tg. still a great band and i dont think theyve really lost it all, it just natural when the leadman has longer hair

He has been with her for years. His relationship with Beth was over in 2000 and he was with another woman before the end of that tour.

I think some people feel like they are getting away with something by making references to Jill - grow up.

if this place were run by certain ppl, youd all be banned.

It works fine, and since they have problems duplicating the actual severed hand sound (like on SNL, Letterman) it's better this way. Great way to start a show.

I like severed hand...in fact it's my favorite tune off the new album on the strength of Mike's awesome work throughout the song...I can imagine it being a solid opener...

Having said that...my favorite opener will forever be Release...I love warming up to a show...to feel my excitement build for that 4-5 minutes...it's almost like a tantric orgasm...then to go into something heavy...whoa...that's the pearl jam live experience I love the best...

And as for promotion...I think the surrounding processes for this album have been great. I very much enjoy seeing the behind the scenes looks at the band and as I'm sure most folks on this board would agree, I will ALWAYS take more shows!

I dont think the Metallica reference will make anybody feel better about this. That being said, im sure it sounds fine...