Backspacer

If you've spent more than ten minutes reading this blog thus far, you had to have good money down on today's topic being the new Pearl Jam CD. The 9th studio album was released on Sunday via iTunes, Target, Ten Club website, and local independent record stores. Yes my friends, you can go ahead and pick yourself up a vinyl edition of the latest masterpiece. I'm certainly going to do my best to objectively capture the highs and lows of these new eleven tracks. I'm hoping to assist the casual fan in their decision whether or not to invest in Backspacer.

The first three tracks are a locomotive out of the gate. A solid punch in the mouth to follow up the inspired self titled album from 2006. Gonna See My Friend is a quick rocker with an easy listening hook. I don't think it is quite as strong as the next two tracks, but it serves as the perfect interlude to get you fully lubed up for some rock n roll. Got Some has certainly come a long way since that infamous debut on opening night of The Tonight Show w/ Conan. I'm personally drawn to this track since I've heard it live twice, but I think even the album version will rock your face off. It is a must listen even if you're just looking to add another single to your workout collection. The debut single of The Fixer is track 3 and it is a solid all around rock song. It appeals to consumers because of the easy hook and classic rock vibe. Johnny Guitar is filler. As a devout PJ fan, I'll listen to it and marginally enjoy it. It is quick, so feel free to give it a fair shake. It just doesn't deliver like the rest of the album. Just Breathe certainly isn't a remake of the Faith Hill classic. Fans who really love the slow PJ ballads like Wishlist, Oceans, or Nothingman will certainly appreciate the writing in this effort.

Halfway home now, have I worked you into a froth yet? Did you take a break from reading to start the iTunes download? I suggest the actual CD as there is some stellar artwork in there as well as the full lyrics. Amongst the Waves brings back the old school rocker. It's a little slower than classics like Alive and Jeremy, but comparable to Black. This will be a top of the rotation tune for years to come. Unthought Known is my personal pick to click. After three spins of the new album last Friday, I woke up Saturday morning with a song pacing through my head. I had to put the album on to figure out which song it was, and this is the one. It's just a solid, catchy rock song. Supersonic is Chet approved. His early leader in the clubhouse is a punk style, in-your-face rocker. It's fast, fun, and a good addition. Speed of Sound qualifies as filler for me as well. This tune was the first track to be introduced to the skip button. It just has no pace or real direction. Force of Nature has a really good open which draws you in. Overall, it is a pretty nondescript track, but we're not going to get another Ten or Vs. so we'll take it. The End is another great slower ballad. It might be short enough that you could actually hold your lighter up the entire tune without it flaming out.

That's your full album review of Backspacer. Certainly give all the songs a listen and form your own opinions. I'd love to hear anything that you have to say about Backspacer if you've given it a few spins. If you're still apprehensive, go to Rhapsody and use 11 of your free monthly plays without logging in to preview the whole album. I've got official bootlegs from each of the two Chicago shows coming in the mail this week, so if you post your review and want a live version of Got some, The Fixer, or Supersonic I'll be happy to email one your way.

Digital Ditty

I won't pass up this opportunity to piggyback the Pearl Jam post with even more suggestions to add to your personal collection of PJ. It would be worthless to suggest one of the new tracks here, so I'll go real deep and hit the Lost Dogs double disc. Most people our age forget about this album as it was released during the college years in the midst of one of the band's down times. I'll give you a pick off each disc for review. If you're looking for another rocker, you need to add the Ten album outtake Alone. For those of you who long for another rock ballad, you can't fail with Hold On. Don't worry, as far as I know PJ won't be in the area for a concert or releasing another album anytime soon, so we'll switch it up in the following weeks. More new CD reviews forthcoming.