From the snippets I've been reading in Rolling Stone, it seems like some of the editors dig this album. The newest issue of Rolling Stone refers to the album as their "strongest in years" and "very hard-rocking" or something like that.

Of course even if the album gets a shitload of bad reviews it won't change my opinion of the disc. But it would be nice if the new stuff gets some appreciation from outside of the hardcore fanbase. This album certainly deserves it.

I predict most magazines will give it around 4 stars.

People who like Pearl Jam will write good things, and people who don't will write bad things. It's been that way forever and I don't see it changing now.

hopefully it will be reviewed really well, but i dont know what all they go by so im not sure what to look for

Yeah, I'm expecting Pitchfork to give the album a horrible review, no matter how good they really think the album is.

Rolling Stone has been a supporter of the band's music over the years, even post-Vitalogy, but they even gave RIOT ACT a 3-star review.

I write for an online site, and have reviewed Pearl Jam albums in the past. If I was assigned to review the new Pearl Jam, I would honestly and objectively give it an 8 out of 10.

Which online site, if you don't mind me asking?

http://www.sloweducation.blog.com

Nope. Not a blog. An online magazine. Not gonna give it up though, sorry folks. But I'll tell you this: the album I reviewed was Lost Dogs.

Album? What album?

Here you go, kids.

http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/p/pearljam-lostdogs.shtml

Damn. Outed. Thanks a lot, Owen.

One of the better music sites on the 'net. Nothing to be ashamed of.

Shouldn't put your Myspace page in your profile if you want to keep your identity a secret.

I'm hoping it gets good reviews but I can guarantee some pretentious jackass at Pitchfork will use a lot of big words to trash it because the guys in the band aren't giant fucking nerds like he is.

Nice review. Once you actually hear a clean copy of the record you should make sure you post one here, even if it doesn't make it on to that site.

i really don't care about reviews and you shouldn't either.

I love reviews. I like hearing what other people think.

do you care what cal thinks? no offense, you know i love you both, but i mean, who cares? if you love the music, that's it.

this isn't news and debate. this isn't fact and fiction. if you love the music, you love it. i don't care what a reviewer -- who at this point in time, is trying to say anything that will stick out because every reviewer sounds the same -- says about pearl jam. i like the music and i'm not wasting my time with what you think about the music i listen to.