I realized the other day that even though the Pearl Jam era that I enjoy the most was when they were collaborating with Jack Irons, I really don't know much else about his music. I know that he was some sort of spiritual, earth-loving guy and I know that a lot of the sound on Yield and No Code could be attributed to his influence, but other than that I have no clue. Where should I start?

You could listen to his album "Attention Dimension" or just listen to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

I get jokes.

His website has a list of albums he's played on: http://jackirons.com/bio.html

His version of Shine On You Crazy Diamond is pretty awesome, though Les Claypool took that version and plays it even better.

A few years back, I bought 'The Uplift Mofo Party Plan' by RHCP. This is the only album that features the original band, sadly however, I find this album to be damn near unlistenable. I've now had the album for like 4 years, and now and then I revisit it with the hopes that I'm missing something, but every time is the same result; I hate it. I like a lot of the other Chili Pepper's albums however, but this one sucks. What's even worse is that Jack is fucking BORING! If you like Jack on Mirror Ball, No Code, and Yield, then you will be sorely disappointed with his playing on Uplift Mofo Party Plan. It's a truly shitty album (at least to these ears).

I'm with you, Reid. Best stuff the band ever did was with Jack on drums and I don't think it's a coincidence - his playing is so loose, funky and swinging. Really brought the band alive in that period. I'm eternally grateful I got to see the band with him on drums (touring for Yield, no less) - even if it was only once.

I've never bought Attention Dimension, though I think I probably should. I've never really been a big follower of Pearl Jam's side project stuff.







And of course there's this show Jack did with Ed and Flea:





They were also meant to play Bridge School that year and cancelled at the last minute due to a "family situation", I think.

I'd be very, very interested if Pearl Jam went on hiatus and Ed and Jack decided to play together again full-time. I think it speaks volumes that Ed could probably have chosen any drummer you can name to play his solo stuff (including Matt) and he asks Jack. He also had Jack play drums on a few songs at his solo show in LA in 2008.



I heart Jack.

Ooooooold Jack-related vid, by the proto-Eleven band What Is This? (w/ Hillel Slovak and Alain Johannes)



and w/ Eleven:



I've tried but not been quite able to get into Eleven. Ah well, can't win 'em all.

You've given me a lot to chew on, Spenno. Thanks!

Also, i had no idea that EV recently toured with Jack Irons. You're right, that does speak volumes. Also it makes me very happy. I've said it in a few threads over the last couple of years but I'll say it again: It's time for Pearl Jam to call it quits and Eddie to make more Into The Wild type albums. It seems like a more natural progression than what is happening now with the band.

as long as they come together every couple of years to tour, i agree.

That sounds like a good situation to me.

I think so too. I didn't think this until this last month. I saw video of Stone at the Brad/reunion show and also when I went to the Flight To Mars show. Stone looked way more into it at the Brad show than he did at least when I saw PJ in 2009. Mike tore it up playing the heavy metal songs and it also seems he is writing some stuff that he is tinkering with acoustically. Seriously, go your separate ways, do your thing, and come back and tour every other year or so. Keep the 10C side of it running to release some vault stuff. I think this would be an ideal situation.

We'd get a lot more interesting music, and more importantly, we'd get music that the guys were interested in making.

I could get on board with this...maybe add an EP type thing every other year or so too (something like 3 to 8 new songs). Still though, I think they all enjoy collaborating with each other, maybe they just take it for granted occasionally.

Oh, speaking of the side project stuff...Anyone listen to Well Water Conspiracy? I've only hear a few songs, but they sound pretty good.

yeah, wellwater conspiracy is good stuff

I'd like to see Stone, Jeff, and Jack form a power trio.

More like fucking awesome stuff.