There’s nothing subtle about Pearl Jam. For example: the new cd, the self titled “Pearl Jam” is their ninetieth (90th!) album (they’ve released a few live albums recently.) This is also their first album for a new label, the first such change in their fifteen year recording career. It’s not surprising then, to find them with the proverbial chip on the shoulder and they come out of the gate rockin’ hard. The first five tracks have them doing what they’re best at, global commentary through the howl of Eddie Vedder’s lyrics and the high velocity double barrel guitar attack over a thunderous rhythm.
They say this is a more band oriented effort (there’s even a song with words by someone besides Vedder) but it’s not a great departure from their approach on their last studio album, 2002’s “Riot Act.” So what make this album seem more relevant? Maybe it’s the fact that there aren’t as many PJ wannabes on the radio anymore making Pearl Jam’s furrowed brow, serious rock and roll seem that much fresher. Maybe their plan to become the anti-rock star band is finally kicking in. “Worldwide Suicide” is one of the most powerful singles released so far this year and they are able to inject that same socially conscious self-examination into “Life Wasted”, “Severed Hand” and “Army Reserve.”
Pearl Jam has always tempered their hard edges with more melodic, acoustic oriented songs. They’ve got that covered on “Pearl Jam” with songs like “Parachutes”, “Come Back” and the intensely building grand finale “Inside Job.” I’m not sure what the significance of the avocado on the cover is but whatever they’ve been putting in their guacamole, it’s been good for them.
Listen for lots of tracks all week from "Pearl Jam" on Paul Shugrue's new music show, "Out of the Box" Monday through Thursday from 7pm to 9pm and Saturday from 1pm to 5pm on Public Radio 89.5 WHRV-FM