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OTHER A & E STORIES - (Rage - 1) + (Soundgarden - 3) = Mediocrity - Brian thinks you should... It must be heaven for Pearl Jam fans Brian Kerin A & E Editor I've always compared Pearl Jam to the Stones for their longevity, and to the Beatles for their musical creativity, and all this has lead me the realization that Seattle's best band might be the world's as well. Recently, Seattle fans of the band received a Pearl Jam overdose as the band released their eighth studio full length album and no more than a month later played two shows at Key Arena and a smaller one at the Showbox. I was one of the lucky thousands that got to see the band before they headed off on a world tour only to come back for another tour of the US. All this is only proof that Pearl Jam is ever the ever-enduring entity they appear to be, and that their durability will remain as long as the band keeps evolving musically and has the will to share their music with the masses. Normally we would not run a press photo. However, it was extremely difficult to find a good live shot with updated hairstyles and fashion. Photo courtesy of www.pearljam.com Riot Act, the bands latest CD, reflects a time in America where politics overshadow personal problems and the other issues that rock music normally addresses. The album is filled with creative, original music that gets better with each listen. The CD starts of with "Can't keep," a mellower song that reflects the woes of staying stagnant in life. "Save you" picks up the tempo with a great guitar riff and Eddie Vedder's vocals are poignant as he sings, "cause this is but you, and something within you its taken control, lets beat it, get up lets go!" The next song reflects a somber vibe as Vedder and the guys try and address the tragedy that occurred in Denmark where fans rushed the stage at one of their concerts trampling people in the process. Vedder's normally vague lyrics take a direct approach as he sings, "lost nine friends well never know two years ago today." Some of the highlights on the disk include "You are," a song written by the drummer, Matt Cameron, who ran a guitar through a drum machine to achieve a delay type sound heard throughout the song. This track shows how much an influence the former drummer for Soundgarden has had on Pearl Jams music. Not only is he one of the best drummers, but he pitches in on the song writing process as well. "Help me" is another great song, with overlapped-moody guitars, and double-tracked vocals that echo the phrase "tell me lies, tell me lies," this song cries morose feelings of loneliness. "1/2 full" is another song I would have never expected Pearl Jam to make, with Stevie Ray Voughn-esqe blues guitar, and Vedder's wailing vocals, the guys definitely aren't afraid to venture into new musical territory. Throughout the years, Eddie has sported many a hairstyle. This time he pays homage to punk rock. Photo courtesy of www.pearljam.com After listening to Riot Act and seeing the band live recently, it has become apparent that the guys are not taking their power as performers for granted. Both the album and their live performance exhibit obvious political undertones, and with the current state of things, it's about time someone with clout took a stand. After the bands first intermission Vedder came out on stage wearing a President Bush mask, only to take it off during the middle of the song to swat it off the mike stand on to the floor. As well, during "Wishlist" (from Yield) Vedder added to a string of wishes with, "I wish I was the president, then I wouldn't go to war." Upon hearing these words the audience roared to life with claps and cheers. The band's political message can also be heard on Riot Act, in the song "Bushleaguer," where the president's abilities are brought to question, "He's not a leader, he's a Texas leaguer." On the same song the very obvious but effective line is uttered, "The haves, have not a clue." Another song that addresses the problems with modern day society is called "Green disease." This song states more than obviously the negatives to our preoccupation with money, "It's a disease, and they're all green, it emanates from their being, a satiation, with occupation." The lyrics for the song match the music almost too well, leaving the listener with feelings of agreement with what the song is saying. Who knows whether Pearl Jam will have the longevity they seem to be headed for. I mean, with the exception of their opening band Mudhoney, for their Dec. 9 show at Key Arena, they are the only other band left standing from the early nineties Seattle music scene explosion. As long as they continue to keep the music new and creative, while still showing their love for touring, they can continue to play till their as old as the Stones, and look better doing it too. I also hope that the bands message continues to get more political, for in this media controlled world, we need true and honest people telling us what is right and what is wrong. © 2003 Shoreline Community College™