One of the most anticipated albums of this year was released this month. "Backspacer," the latest from Pearl Jam, is a great combination of the band's traditional sound, but with a much more mature sound. Pearl Jam did not re-sign with J Records this year, but released the album through its own label Monkeywrench Records in the United States and internationally through Universal Music Group.
Known for their alternative sound, Pearl Jam's ninth album is no different, and then what you would expect to hear from them. The record's modest songs don't have the group's usual depressing angst or undertones- even the gloomy song "Speed of Sound" starts off slow but ends on a high note. The collection of songs on "Backspacer" is the perfect combination of the bands past and what they are transforming into.
Throughout the years, Pearl Jam has collaborated with several different labels, writers and producers- but for this year's "Backspacer," the group teamed up with Brendan O'Brien. This is the first time O'Brien has produced one of Pearl Jam's albums since "Yield."
"Yield," was the 1998 Grammy award-winning album that defined the mature alternative-rock sound, the group is known for producing. "Yield" also, represented a group effort between all members of the band. Both "Yield" and "Backspacer," utilizes the classic-rock quality with a punk-rock charge.
"Backspacer," differs a little from the group’s past albums, not just in sound but in length. Pearl Jam is known for their long- running songs- but "Backspacer" wraps up in 37 minutes, a personal record for the group. The album was exclusively released through the band's official website, independent record stores, online retailers and iTunes, but now is sold in stores everywhere.
The fans that purchased the CD or iTunes version of the album have access to 11 concerts the band has put on from 2005 through 2008. Combined with the release of "Backspacer," the entire album has been made downloadable for the video game "Rock Band."
In addition, this is Pearl Jam's first album that has reached number one in the US since "No Code," in 1996. "Backspacer," sold 189,000 copies in its first week and debuted as number one on the Billboard 200.
The first single released from "Backspacer," sets the pace for the rest of the album. "The Fixer," introduces the audience to the blood-pumping and stimulating songs that fill the record. Out of all the songs on "Backspacer," "The Fixer" is my personal favorite.
Fans of Pearl Jam will understand the difference between the past albums and "Backspacer." The more you listen, the more it just sounds like the group is living it up and doing what they do best- creating music. After a few rough years, Pearl Jam is over the ominous, silent-suffering their music used to exemplify.
The group has been through a lot over the years, but the fact that nine albums later, numerous appearances and countless concerts- the group is still true to who they are, says a lot about their standards and character.
Known for their alternative sound, Pearl Jam's ninth album is no different, and then what you would expect to hear from them. The record's modest songs don't have the group's usual depressing angst or undertones- even the gloomy song "Speed of Sound" starts off slow but ends on a high note. The collection of songs on "Backspacer" is the perfect combination of the bands past and what they are transforming into.
Throughout the years, Pearl Jam has collaborated with several different labels, writers and producers- but for this year's "Backspacer," the group teamed up with Brendan O'Brien. This is the first time O'Brien has produced one of Pearl Jam's albums since "Yield."
"Yield," was the 1998 Grammy award-winning album that defined the mature alternative-rock sound, the group is known for producing. "Yield" also, represented a group effort between all members of the band. Both "Yield" and "Backspacer," utilizes the classic-rock quality with a punk-rock charge.
"Backspacer," differs a little from the group’s past albums, not just in sound but in length. Pearl Jam is known for their long- running songs- but "Backspacer" wraps up in 37 minutes, a personal record for the group. The album was exclusively released through the band's official website, independent record stores, online retailers and iTunes, but now is sold in stores everywhere.
The fans that purchased the CD or iTunes version of the album have access to 11 concerts the band has put on from 2005 through 2008. Combined with the release of "Backspacer," the entire album has been made downloadable for the video game "Rock Band."
In addition, this is Pearl Jam's first album that has reached number one in the US since "No Code," in 1996. "Backspacer," sold 189,000 copies in its first week and debuted as number one on the Billboard 200.
The first single released from "Backspacer," sets the pace for the rest of the album. "The Fixer," introduces the audience to the blood-pumping and stimulating songs that fill the record. Out of all the songs on "Backspacer," "The Fixer" is my personal favorite.
Fans of Pearl Jam will understand the difference between the past albums and "Backspacer." The more you listen, the more it just sounds like the group is living it up and doing what they do best- creating music. After a few rough years, Pearl Jam is over the ominous, silent-suffering their music used to exemplify.
The group has been through a lot over the years, but the fact that nine albums later, numerous appearances and countless concerts- the group is still true to who they are, says a lot about their standards and character.
