Backspacer

Pearl Jam 1991 - 2003
The last good LP by PJ was Binaural which was over produced so the tracks from which can only be appreciated on the live recordings the band issued for that tour and tours previous. It's time for Pearl Jam fans to get introduced to Queens of the Stone Age because Pearl Jam is essentially 'spent' just as U2 has been (1979 - 1992). Any work from PJ past 2003 is to fund side projects and to donate to charity, both of which are worthy projects, so buy the disc but don't bother trying to be moved intellectually or spiritually or even physically by it because it won't happen. My apologies if that opinion offends. The Industry would be smart to have Brendan O'Brien work on and release the VH1 Honors Who Tribute with Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Incubus, etc. because that is the last great recording from each band.

Pearl Jam, knocks it out like usual.
Backspacer is a danm good cd, I bought mine from I tunes for 7.99.

Wow, an amazing ablum
I've owned every PJ album since they debuted and many bootlegs, live albums, etc. This is without a doubt the best PJ album in at least 10 years based on just my first time listening. And it might be one of the best ever. I won't take the time to describe each song as I have yet to identify my favorites, I've really liked them all. A little more melodic than some previous albums, although some songs are simplistic really but hauntingly memorable. But go buy it at Target, this import price is too much and they have it for much less there.

PEARL JAM: 2009 on CD.
The new record is quite satisfying to listen to, with a well rounded song selection, ranging from an acoustic song to some rocking songs, and a couple slow ones as well. The good thing about Pearl Jam is, that their signature sound doesn't really change all that much from record to record, plus when they play their material live, it sounds a lot like the record.

Pearl Jam... Carefree?!?!
Pearl Jam's self-titled album, released in 2006, may have been their angriest to date. The album contained an immediacy that was perhaps lacking in their previous release, and the band's dissatisfaction with Bush's reign as president gave them a new sense of purpose. Many (including myself) were wondering how the band's music was going to evolve from that into the beginning of the Obama era, a candidate whom the band publicly supported. Whether or not you agree with Obama's policies is one thing, but to think that the band would continue to write songs as a reaction to the political world would be pretty naive, considering Bush's reign was over. As it turns out, that thought process was only half right. While it's true that there isn't a song that directly addresses politics, there is a sense of hope and renewal in these songs that haven't been seen before. For instance, first single "The Fixer" is centered around a simple lyrical motif in which what's considered bad or broken can be "fixed" into something positive. Is it possible that this is a reflection of the general feeling of change that overcame the country at the time? So, in essence, the album isn't as "heavy" as their previous releases. In fact, it's a rather fun listen. The album is short and engaging, clocking in at 36 minutes. It moves briskly, winding its way through tight, punky rock numbers, sing-alongs that are sure to be hits on a live stage, and, in a new twist, a couple of Into the Wild-style acoustic ballads for good measure. Its best moments - the catchy "The Fixer," the beautiful, string-laden "Just Breathe," the anthemic "Amongst the Waves," and "Unthought Known" (a song that definitely shows off Eddie Vedder's songwriting chops) reflect a newfound positive sentiment. Fans of the band may be turned off by this, as Pearl Jam are often at their best when they're pissed about something, but it's a relief to hear the band cut loose and have fun. It's not perfect, but in some way, that adds to its charm.