Joined: Thu Apr 19, 2007 9:19 am Posts: 728 Location: Island Continent Gender: Male
As far as I'm concerned PJ peaked during the amazing run of Vitalogy, No Code and Yield. 1994-1998 was the peak.
_________________ Vedder’s sticking with the underdog, McCready’s classicist rock solo, Gossard, Ament, and Abbruzzese’s solid yet organic and rootsy rhythm section. It’s earnest, it’s got tension, and that nod to classic rock. It’s Pearl Jam.
Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2004 4:02 am Posts: 44183 Location: New York Gender: Male
pjammer66 wrote:
bertis downs (rem manager) reckons that PJ are now at the top of their game.
soo, have PJ peaked? are greater things on the way (of the earth)? or is it all downhill now? discuss.
can you link the quote?
_________________ "Better the occasional faults of a Government that lives in a spirit of charity than the consistent omissions of a Government frozen in the ice of its own indifference."--FDR
Joined: Tue May 30, 2006 2:48 pm Posts: 3115 Location: Edinburgh/Lincoln, UK
I definitely don't think the peak ended at '98. I think if the follow up albums (Binaural/Riot Act) were steered the right way they would have been magnificent, and topped Yield.
It's a really hard think to argue for, as their material is so broad that every fan wants a different type of Pearl Jam. You have to assess it from different perspectives and see if there are remarkable drop offs.
I think PJ today are in a great position: First off, they're comfortable with their fame; secondly, they've had the same line up for 11+ years now which reflects in an understanding of each other musically and also personally (they're definitely happier than they've ever been).
On top of that they're showing signs of great musicianship - Matt Cameron's drumming on Backspacer is fantastic, ITW and The End are some of Ed's greatest achievements. I think they're in a good spot, but like I said they can't please everyone.
I think as a band, they would definitely consider themselves at the top of their game right now. They are in an ideal situation for the lifestyles they want to lead while still knowing they still love being their band. They can record, perform, take breaks, explore different avenues outside the band, whenever they want and probably for as long as they want. They no longer have the pressure to churn out albums every 2 years or whatever their Sony contract demanded.
(Now, some rambling thoughts): However, in my opinion, the band peaked as a creative entity during the Binaural recording sessions. I'd say that was the last mostly original output the band has made. You can really see a lot of rehashing of ideas in the subsequent albums. Sometimes it does come across as lazy and tired to me. Other times, it does seem kind of nice that PJ definitely has a recognizable sound to my ears - which I will always love. They have me for the rest of my life.
But, what I'd really like them to do now, in between proper albums, is just take a left turn and put out something different - maybe just an EP of 5-9 songs. They just released another very straightforward album to get them back on the radio. Why not just throw something out there unexpected? Its not like they have to tour to support it. I don't need another Porch-esque solo from McCready to make me happy, but I do miss hearing Jeff's bassline! It'd be nice to hear a more bass-driven song or two.
I love what Ed did with Better Days. Yes, there was some resemblance to what he did back with the Dead Man Walking soundtrack, but it was still refreshing considering all the samesy type of punky songs he's been trapped in writing since Riot Act.
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