by Henrik Tuxen
Well, a truth with modifications. There's no new Pearl Jam album available, and I'm actually quite fine.
But it should be fair to say, that there will be a new album. The band has been in the studio recording. Have they just started out? Is an album half-baked or done, mixed and ready for release? Who knows? I don’t.
This has been the longest wait ever in the history of Pearl Jam. The early hit albums, was more or less bashed out, based on the punk mantra, 'don't overthink it'. In later years the gaps has extended, but never six years or even longer.
So why is that? Other priorities, actions and projects? Happy with playing the back catalogue as it is. Different opinions of which direction to go and what to say? Higher ambitions than doing a classic album? Maybe a bigger philanthropic co-op, lack of songs? Feeling the burden of the strength of the past and the strong brand of the band name?
As a live band Pearl Jam's popularity only seems to be rising globally. In 2018 they were amazing on three different continents. I saw them in South America, USA and Europe and was overwhelmed with the appreciation and the turnout of the audience, as well as the ability of the band to play and communicate.
They've only released one new song Can't Deny Me, which hasn't been embraced must by the majority of fans, but what else could be up the sleeve of Eddie and the guys.
In november 2015 Stone Gossard told me, that the band had done 25 demos. That was two years after Lightning Bolt, so if this can be used as a measurement, Pearl Jam should have 75 demos/songs or riffs to choose from. That's a lot of material. (More in the book: PEARL JAM The More you Need - The Less You get, chapter 21)
What To Expect
All of these aspects makes it hard to predict what kind of album we're going to hear within a hopefully near future. The band has always loved doing covers, is this the time where we'll hear a tribute album from the guys? I wouldn't think so at this point, the clear request from fans is new material.. Then how about the political content? Especially the voice of Eddie has been a harsh and consistent critical voice of american government, warfare and more. And with Trump in office, there's more to rage and rave about than ever, one would think. Can’t Deny Me was an outburst in this context.
On the contrary, my impression is that Eddie and the band to an increasingly degree is focusing on the healing, uniting and universal messages, rather than the confrontational, raging condemnations, as in the classic punk rock tradition.
When I saw Eddie solo in Berlin in June this year, Trump was not directly mentioned at any point, although the problems and the hawks of the World, were underlying premises for much that was said and communicated from the stage that night. But the focus was on love, family, gratitude, acceptance. All the good stuff.
Well, with all of this in mind, Here's some wild guess, of what type of record, and what kind of songs to expect, looking at the back catalogue. Seen in reverse chronological order, based on the assumption that creatively, you’re closest to your latest steps rather than a far distant past.
Playlist
Finally Here (album title)
Pendulum – A very spiritual tune, which really turned out to contribute to the live shows. Several shows have started out on a spiritual vibe, with songs as Release, Nothingman, Indifference and Pendulum. Could easily see the band digging further into this atmosphere.
Mind Your Manners – A hit, a crowd pleaser which the band like to play. The frenzy, weird guitar riffs, and the stumbling fast tempo, keeps the band in touch with their punk roots. A comfortable place for the band for several reasons. Wouldn’t expect more than one fast punk song though.
My Father's Son – I wouldn't expect more angry outburst from Eddie Vedder, aimed at his own family of personal relations from his upbringing.. I think he's got things on his agenda, which feels more important.. But this way of expressing a mature rage and anger could certainly be a part of a modern PJ expression. Not unlike Can't Deny Me. But wouldn't expect more than one such song.
Future Days – Seems like a suitable a realistic place for the mature Eddie Vedder. The humble and grateful family father, believing in and hoping for his daughters, as well as mankind. The increasing solo tour would also indicate that more stripped down singer songwriter material would be a part of a new PJ album.
Just breathe – A modern PJ classic. Eddie's still got the voice, the vibe and personal expression. Hope for something more from this category on the upcoming album.
The End – Not unlike Future Days, although the outlook here in on the bleach side contrary to the Lightning Bolt finisher. But it seems like Ed's writing style in later years, fits this pretty classic singer / songwriter/ballad style. And although a positive outlook, there’s no denying plenty of World disorder. And Eddie never held back in expressing his views.
Life Wasted – The quirky guitar chords, and broken song structure, which nevertheless resolved into a sing-along chorus, seems to be a place which inspires and ignites the band. Lyrically a song that expresses strong and powerful, life and death lyrics. Seems like Pearl Jam, probably also reflected in 2019/2020.
Inside Job – On of the songs by Mike McCready, which seems to more frequently occurring on the later records. Mike’s chords and Ed’s words reveals some of the more introverted, dark and dangerous part of PJ's catalogue. Otherwise most featured on albums as Riot Act and Binaural. Seems to work better with age for the band, rather than pure punk aggression, which can seem dated.
Can't Keep – Seem like it's time for an Eddie Vedder tune based on the chords of the ukulele. I hope for something like this.
Brain of J. - A great fast punk rocker, no bullshit, to the point track. Would be great and refreshing to hear something with this edge again. Requires good songwriting to work, in order to not bleach compared to old classic rockers.
Low Light - This original 'album track' has become somewhat of a live favorite and crowd pleaser. Hope for some songs, where the range of Eddie's voice is challenged and fully expressed.
Hail Hail – Over time this is one of the greatest Pearl Jam rockers in my book. High frentic tempo, but in no way pompous or pretentious. A type of timeless song with longevity. Hope the band has something like this up their sleeves.
Smile - How's the pure, melodic songwriting skills in the band these days? Do we dare to wish for something as cool and catchy as this fine tune.
Corduroy – When asked about picking one song that best captures the band, I usually pick this one. The biting, heartfelt, but also complex lyrics, the heavy use of electric guitars from the heavy riffs masters to a Sonic Youth punk vibe. And of course the moving, catching sing along chorus. I still believe this is the overall frame of the band.
Nothingman – Wishful thinking again. But there's something timeless here, which is not locked in early 90s grunge. Jeff Ament wrote the music to this one, would great to hear him top his game.
Glorified G – Wouldn't expect much return to the main grunge vibe of the first album. But this one has an open rocking vibe, and the message is a classic critic of an inherent american problems, which has only worsened over time. Could serve as an inspiration for new material.
Indifference – fits the spirit of newer songs as Pendulum and Unthought known. Keep them coming, don't be shy.
Release – Will we see a mantra, a new manifest? I don't know, but realistically in case closer to Release than Alive, Black of even flow is my guess.
Playlist on Spotify
Alternative PEARL JAM biography approved by the band.
“We never wanted anyone to write the official band biography, and we still feel that way. But if you choose to write your own interpretations, based upon all the things that we have experienced together and about what has happened, I would like to participate in any way that I can. I think that would be an interesting read and an important story to tell.”
— Stone Gossard, Pearl Jam.