Pearl Jam - Riot Act
My Thoughts:
(Reviewed by K-Billy)
There is no greater band in the world then Pearl Jam. Simply put they have been the most consistent group of musicians with the quality of their music. Which is especially impressive considering they emerged in the Grunge era, which claimed the lives of so many flash in the pan groups. Pearl Jam was too good for that though and with each new release their legacy just becomes greater and greater. Jam’s seventh studio album Riot Act continues in the same fashion as previous releases, building on a previous sound that the band showcased while experimenting in different elements of their musical prowess. The difference maker with this cd is similar to 1996’s No Code, this release has an almost subdued melancholy mood to the entire album. Make no mistake however for there are some definite rocking tracks such as the fuck me ridden “Save You” and the excellent guitar track “1/2 Full” with excellent licks provided by Mike McCready, possibly one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time. The quiet subtley comes through in such tracks as “Can’t Keep” which is one of the better opening songs to a Pearl Jam cd and the standout acoustic “Thumbing My Way.” Of course with two conflicting styles why not blend them together on a few songs. “Love Boat Captain” is a perfect example of this, beginning so quiet with a low organ playing in the background (courtesy of new member Boom Gaspar) and then exploding into grand theatrics with Vedder putting forth excellent vocals. And like similar tracks from No Code and Yield there happens to be a spoken word song entitled “Bushleaguer” an open attack of sorts on the current president. One interesting thing about Riot Act happens to be Eddie Vedder’s voice. Considered by me to be the greatest rock vocalist of all time with one of the more unique voices in rock. On this release his voice is decidely deeper, almost intentionally more gutteral in his delivery. It’s not as if Vedder is doing this untintentionally, it seems to be a another method of adding mood to the album. And as I stated above this album is definitely much darker then previous releases. This may be my only grievance with Riot Act. I entirely love the new songs and don’t once question the integrity of the music but it’s somewhat difficult to sustain interest for an entire session for you find yourself almost on the verge of depression. However I suppose this would be the effect Pearl Jam was going for, a darker, more subtle album. They seem to be moving ever farther away from their Ten heyday, refusing to relent to public opinion that they should make an album to the tune of “Even Flow” or “Alive.” Pearl Jam refuse to relent however, they are far too serious as artists to rehash their older hits simply for profit. Whether you enjoy them or not you have to respect this band and what they’ve been able to do. Riot Act is another solid release from the best band in the world.
Key Tracks:
Can’t
Keep
Love Boat Captain
Cropduster
Thumbing My Way
Save You
1 / 2 Full
I Am Mine