ONE LUCKY FAN

Pearl Jam Live @ Easy Street

2010-01-28T23:44:00.001-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

2006-08-15T18:26:00.000-07:00

TAKE A BOTTLE, DRINK IT DOWN...

So as promised by EDDIE, here is the bottle (with setlist) he passed to me during the FIRST night at the GORGE...the bottle was taken from me and given back to Eddie by security after I had taken a drink.

2006-08-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

THE GORGE NIGHT ONE SET LIST:

2006-08-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

THE ENCORE:

2006-07-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

WHAT I DID THIS SUMMER...
The Gorge Night One...enjoy!
Here are a bunch of pics I took of the band at the Gorge last Saturday, most came out quite nice I think. Anyway, out of the 25 or so Pearl Jam shows I've seen in my life this was easily one of the BEST shows ever (and that includes the Easy Street show). I had seats in the 11th row, but after the first set I was able to get up to the FRONT row thanks to a friend who had an extra pass. I don't ever remember seeing the band play with such a high energy before, which was amazing considering the temperature was around 90 degrees!! The highlight of the evening for me was at the end of the show during YELLOW LEDBETTER/LITTLE WING when Eddie, who had noticed me earlier, came over towards me and told one of the security guards to give me his bottle of wine. The guard told me to take a sip and pass it right back, so I took a sip then turned to the audience and toasted them. Finally, at the end of the show Eddie pulled the taped setlist off the stage and had the guard hand it to me. AMAZING, is all I can say. One last note, I got to hang out with Eddie for a bit after the second show and he told me that he still has the bottle for me & that it's a late birthday gift. So hopefully now everyone knows why I call myself ONE LUCKY FAN, because I truely am.

2006-07-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

2006-07-24T22:37:00.000-07:00

2006-07-24T22:35:00.000-07:00

2006-07-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

2006-06-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

WHO IS THIS EDDIE VEDDER??

It was July 11th,2002 and I was at work when I got a phone call from a friend telling me that I might want to head down to CHOP SUEY later that night. She told me that there was going to be a 'surprise tribute show' for JOHN ENTWISTLE, who had recently passed away, that I wouldn't want to miss. My friend wouldn't go into any other details, but I had a good idea about what might be happening. I arrived at the show early to make sure I'd be able to get in. Inside the venue I spotted a few local heroes including, Kim Thayil from Soundgarden & Stone Gossard from Pearl Jam. Somehow I was able to work my way up to the front of the sold out crowd as the opening band went on. The band was made up of local musicians, Kurt Bloch, Mike Musburger and Rusty Willoughby. I don't remember too much about their set, except when Eddie Vedder came out to share a toast with them. Finally, around 11pm or so it was time for the act everyone was there to see...EDDIE VEDDER & C-AVERAGE. Eddie said a few words about John and then the band went right into 'HEAVEN & HELL'. The band played an amazing 10 song set, which included an incredible version of one of my favorite WHO songs 'A QUICK ONE (while he's away). After the show was over, I was able to grab a copy of the set list off of the stage. Unfortunately, at least to my knowledge, the show was not taped by anyone in the audience. I didn't even think of trying to tape the show, as I was too busy taking the pictures you see above and below....anyway, enjoy the mohawk!!

2006-06-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

2006-06-24T21:29:00.000-07:00

2006-06-02T21:36:00.000-07:00

DON'T DREAM IT'S OVER...

so these aren't the BEST pictures in the world, but they were taken with a disposable camera (before the days of digital, at least for me). so here's my one little quick story about the show....i was hanging out at the show with my friend Kevin who was working. he was then able to get back stage (well side stage is (sometimes) actually back stage at the SHOWBOX) anyway...he told me that Eddie was there watching the show. later on in the evening i was somehow able to borrow another friend's pass to hang out in the area as well. i ended up watching most of the show near Eddie, until he left to go and play a few songs with Neil. after Eddie finished playing he came back and stood next to me. finally at the end of the show Neil came back out to play one more song, it was DON'T DREAM IT'S OVER. i remember trying not to freak out as Eddie stood next to me singing along, as i was, to the song. it was one of my first truely special moments in seattle.

ps. i got to meet Neil Finn after the show and he was an incredibly sweet guy...enjoy the pics!!

2006-06-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

2006-05-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

JOHN DOE IN-STORE 05*01*05
okay, so better late than never,right?? finally, here are my pics from the in-store John Doe did last year at EASY STREET RECORDS with Eddie Vedder...enjoy!!

2006-05-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

this one is one of my favorites...

2006-05-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

2006-05-22T22:24:00.000-07:00

2006-05-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

2006-05-09T23:06:00.000-07:00

I'VE BEEN...GONE.

sorry for the lack of posts lately (did ANYONE miss me?), but i've been busy listening to a new record, and downloading a ton of live stuff (letterman, aol, jools...) by some band named PEARL JAM....so their tour kicked off tonight in toronto, and from what i hear it was a great show...if you happen to catch them on tour this spring/summer make sure to pick up these awesome pins my friend heidi made for the band...sorry, but the second set won't be for sale, they are a special set she made for me (and the band, i think). anyway, i heard they are only 6 bucks, so don't be a cheap ass and pick 'em up!! if you are interested in her other cool pins & artwork check out her website at http://www.galaxygloo.com/index.html

that's it for now...coming soon will be pics from the JOHN DOE w/ EDDIE IN-STORE '05

ps. BIG THANKS TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO CAME OUT TO THE MIDNIGHT SALE @ EASY STREET LAST MONDAY...GOOD TIMES!!!

2006-04-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

04*29*05.....ONE YEAR LATER

they say a picture is worth a thousand words...when people ask me what it was like to have my favorite band play a show in the store i run, i think about that first picture....as much as i find it to be an embarrassing picture, it definitely describes how i was feeling that night...one year ago today.

don't forget you can now pre-order the LIVE @ EASY STREET EP NOW!! the CD will be in CIMS stores on my birthday JUNE 20th.

http://www.buymusichere.net/stores/easystreet/

2006-04-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

04*29*05
so in celebration of the LIVE AT EASY STREET EP coming out on JUNE 20th i am doing a THREE PART series of pictures from the show. here is PART THREE (b): THE SHOW!!

up next THE JOHN DOE INSTORE (05*01*05)...

2006-04-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

2006-04-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

2006-04-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

2006-04-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

2006-04-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO MONDAY NIGHT?

come join EASY STREET RECORDS in
WEST SEATTLE (4559 CALIFORNIA AVE SW)
as they celebrate the release of the new PEARL JAM CD this MONDAY MAY 1st. The FUN starts @ 9pm.

LISTEN!
9:00 pm - 10:30: CLASSIC & RARE PEARL JAM SONGS
10:30 - 11:00: 'SNEAK PREVIEW' of the LIVE @ EASY STREET ep
11:00 & on: THE NEW CD 'PEARL JAM'

ENJOY!
FREE PIZZA, SNACKS & NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR ALL!!
AND the cafe will be open and selling CHEAP BEER (21+) and COFFEE

WIN BIG!
ENTER TO WIN:
*AUTOGRAPHED PJ SKATEBOARD DECK
*OFFICIAL PEARL JAM 'LIVE @ EASY STREET' POSTER
*AUTOGRAPHED LIMITED EDITION 'LIVE AT BENAROYA HALL' LP BOX SET

CD WILL GO ON SALE @ MIDNIGHT FOR ONLY $9.98!!!

2006-04-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

THE ROLLING STONE INTERVIEW

What was the first record you bought?
I remember how much it cost -- $5. It was probably a Jackson 5 record. It might have been Got To Be There -- the Michael Jackson solo record...at like a liquor store.

In Illinois?
Yeah, in Chicago.

What about the last?
The Joe Strummer and the 101ers -- his early stuff. I got a batch though. I got the new Crosby record, which is genius. I bought another copy of the Evens record for my friend. When I finally get down to the store, I buy a lot. They know me down there. It's called Easy Street, which we played recently.

You played a benefit there, right?
All the independent record store owners were in town in Seattle, of which the owner of Easy Street is part of that organization. So we thought it would make him look good and he'd be proud if we played his shop.

Do you get ten percent off now?
He sent me a gift certificate, which I still haven't used. I feel like I need to be paying for music.

check out the rest of the interview here:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/9961927/eddie_vedder?rnd=1145767173439&has-player=true&version=6.0.12.1040

and YES, he does get 10% off.

2006-04-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

04*29*05
so in celebration of the LIVE AT EASY STREET EP coming out on JUNE 20th i am doing a THREE PART series of pictures from the show. here is PART THREE (a): THE SHOW!!

yet even more pics to come...

2006-04-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

2006-04-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

NOW AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER....ONLY $5.99!!!

head on over to the EASY STREET RECORDS website and pre-order your copy today.

UPDATE: EASY STREET is NOW able to take orders from ANY part of the country!! Sorry for any confusion that happened but they have fixed the glitch and are ready to take orders from EVERYONE...AND they have also decided to give away one OFFICIAL 'LIVE AT EASY STREET' POSTER to one lucky winner from the pre-orders as well!!! if you have any questions or problems ordering, please feel free to contact them at
info@easystreetonline.com

here's the tracklisting again:
1. 1/2 full
2. lukin
3. american in me
4. save you
5. bleed for me
6. new world (with john doe)
7. porch

CD in stores on JUNE 20th....seriously though, who is the guy in the corner with those sideburns?? :)

http://www.buymusichere.net/stores/easystreet/

more pics from the show coming soon....

2006-04-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

2 MORE WEEKS....

hopefully everyone caught PEARL JAM's awesome performance of WORLD WIDE SUICIDE & SEVERED HAND on SNL over the weekend, if not you missed out...i was able to sneek a peek at the inside artwork for the new record the other day and all i can say is that it is REALLY different from ANYTHING they've ever done in the past. i won't say anything else about the artwork because i don't want to spoil it for others, but i will say that the all the lyrics are included...so everyone can sing a long with eddie.

hope you are enjoying my inside look at the EASY STREET SHOW...lots of more pics to come!!!

2006-04-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

04*29*05
so in celebration of the LIVE AT EASY STREET EP coming out on JUNE 20th i am doing a THREE PART series of pictures from the show.
here is PART TWO (b): THE SOUNDCHECK continued...

even more pics to come...

2006-04-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

2006-04-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

04*29*05
so in celebration of the LIVE AT EASY STREET EP coming out on JUNE 20th i am doing a THREE PART series of pictures from the show.
here is PART TWO (a): THE SOUNDCHECK

*SONGS PERFORMED DURING THE SOUNDCHECK*
1. Sad
2. The New World
3. Wash (riffs only)
4. Breakerfall (twice)
5. Crapshoot Rapture (comatose)
6. Small Town
7. I Got You (riffs only)
8. Whipping
9. Corduroy (riffs only)

more pics to come...

2006-04-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

2006-04-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

04*29*05
so in celebration of the LIVE AT EASY STREET EP coming out on JUNE 20th i am doing a THREE PART series of pictures from the show.
here is PART ONE: SETTING UP
(it's not very exciting, but none the less still cool)

2006-04-15T11:47:00.001-07:00

2006-04-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

2006-04-15T11:46:00.001-07:00

2006-04-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

2006-04-15T11:44:00.001-07:00

2006-04-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

"LIVE AT EASY STREET" EP TRACKLISTING

here's a picture of the calm before the storm last year...

1. 1/2 full
2. lukin
3. american in me
4. save you
5. bleed for me
6. new world (with john doe)
7. porch

available JUNE 20th at ALL CIMS stores (including EASY STREET RECORDS)

don't forget to watch PEARL JAM on SNL tomorrow night!!!

2006-04-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

WATCH YER STEP...

it seemed like a good idea at the time, but i don't suggest walking around on roof of EASY STREET RECORDS at 3am after you've been drinking....who woulda thought?!?!
anyway, just to clear a few things up about the LIVE EP that's coming out on June 20th:

a. i have NOTHING to do with this release, i am NOT the one who picked the songs or waited a year to release it. i'm flattered that people think i have this kind of power, but i don't. so to repeat i have NOTHING what so ever to do with the release of this CD, it is all PEARL JAM. so PLEASE stop e-mailing me with complaints about the CD....thanks.

b. the reason there will only be 7 songs on the CD, and not the whole show is because that's what the band wants. believe me i wish it was the whole show too! so please accept it and move on...i have. remember you don't have to buy the CD (even though you should...it's only gonna be about 6 bucks!!)

c. the CD is NOT available to PRE-ORDER...yet, but it will be very soon (i promise).

d. as far as i know the EP will ONLY be available on CD, and not on vinyl.

i think that's about it for now, please feel free to e-mail me any OTHER questions and i'll try to answer 'em on here. tracklisting coming soon...and MORE pics!!!

2006-04-12T20:11:00.000-07:00

LIVE FROM EASY STREET IT'S...

finally, after much speculation the 7 song ep PEARL JAM 'LIVE AT EASY STREET' will be released on none other than my birthday JUNE 20th...anyone know who the cute guy sittin' there with the sideburns is??? more details soon...including track listing

ALSO COMING SOON:
exclusive pictures from the show, including the set-up & soundcheck.

2006-04-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

WANT TO WIN ONE OF THESE??

because EASY STREET RECORDS loves you THIS much,
they are giving you TWO chances to win your very own
"PEARL JAM:LIVE @ EASY STREET RECORDS" POSTER!!!
here's how you can win:

1. head over to www.easystreetonline.com PRE-ORDER your copy of 'PEARL JAM' for ONLY $12.99 and you will automatically be entered to win a copy of the actual poster. every CD you order is another chance to win!!!
Easy Street will pick one winner at random on May 2nd.

2. head over to the WEST SEATTLE store
(4559 California Ave SW) on MONDAY MAY 1st for their PEARL JAM MIDNIGHT SALE, buy a copy of the CD when it goes on sale at MIDNIGHT for ONLY $12.99 and you will automatically be entered to win a copy of the actual poster. every CD you buy is another chance to win!!!
Easy Street will pick one winner at random THAT NIGHT!!

**MORE details about the MIDNIGHT SALE coming soon!!!

2006-04-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

3 MORE WEEKS TO GO....

i know that the new album has been leaked on the internet already, but it's a really shotty sounding version of the record. i've heard the real version of the record and the songs sound 100 times better than the version that's floating out there now, PLEASE don't form any opinions of this record until you hear it the way it was intended to be heard!!! MAY 2nd is just around the bend....

UPDATE:
got another chance to listen to the actual album again tonight (with headphones on) and it sounds SOOOOO much better than these crappy mp3's that are out there. i know people are curious and want to hear the songs but please wait for the album to come out before you form any opinions about this record.
it really is that good....

2006-04-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

a B.I.T. of GOMEZ

BEN, IAN & TOM (B.I.T.) of GOMEZ were recently in town on a promotional tour for their incredible new CD 'HOW WE OPERATE' which comes out on PEARL JAM DAY, or as most of you may call it May 2nd. This was the 3rd time i've been able to hang out with the guys, my memories of the 1st time are a bit hazy but i do recall hanging out backstage at the showbox smoking something and singing LIONEL RICHIE songs with the band until 2 am or so. the 2nd time was after they performed at our QUEEN ANNE store in '04, we ended up playing basketball outside of the store...anyway, i wasn't too sure about the new album at first, but after listening to it for the past month it has really grown on me. some of my favorite songs on it are:
*HOW WE OPERATE
*NOTICE
*GIRLSHAPEDLOVEDRUG
*TEAR YOUR LOVE APART
*SEE THE WORLD

i love everything GOMEZ has done over the past 8 years, and i would say this album is right up there with my favorite 'BRING IT ON'. if you're not familiar with the band PLEASE check them out, some of my favorite songs are:
*FREE TO RUN
*IN OUR GUN
*SILENCE
*LOVE IS BETTER THAN A WARM TROMBONE
*DETROIT SWING 66

2006-04-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

1st GAME...1st BEER

MY BEST FRIEND KEVIN & MY GIRLFRIEND MEGAN ENJOYING A BEER WITH ME IN THE RAIN (or the drizzle) BEFORE THE GAME...IT WAS THE FIRST OF MANY (WELL OKAY 4, BUT SOME CONSIDER THAT MANY)...REMEMBER KIDS DON'T DRINK & YELL THINGS OUT AT THE BALLGAME, NOTHING GOOD CAN HAPPEN FROM THAT.

2006-04-04T17:40:00.001-07:00

MOYER'S 1st PITCH OF THE SEASON (BALL ONE)

NOT THE GREATEST PICTURE IN THE WORLD, BUT YOU GET THE POINT...OPENING DAY WAS FINALLY HERE...IT WAS COLD, IT WAS RAINY, IT WAS FUN!! EVEN THOUGH WE LOST 5-4 THE M's LOOKED PRETTY GOOD AND SHOULD HAVE WON THE GAME, BUT THAT'S HOW IT'S GONE FOR THEM THE PAST 2 YEARS...WELL ONE DOWN 161 TO GO!! BY THE WAY, ICHIRO WENT 1 FOR 5.

2006-04-04T17:40:00.000-07:00

2006...LET'S PLAY BALL!!!

2006-04-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

EE-CHE-ROW

tomorrow is opening night for MLB & monday is opening day for the MARINERS, which means i get to leave work early along with my girlfriend megan & best friend kevin to watch my favorite player ICHIRO. the reason i love ichiro so much is that he plays the game the right way & respects it (something i can't say for all players). i love ichiro so much i even named my pet fish LI'L ICHIRO. in 2004, i was lucky enough to be at the game the night he broke the 84 year old record for hits in a single season (262), it was almost as thrilling as watching pearl jam in concert. even though i, along with most of the town, have low expectations for the M's this year, i'll still be there rooting them on from the left field bleachers!!!

2006-03-30T17:36:00.000-08:00

wanna push you in the MUD...HONEY

it's no secret that i LOVE grunge (even though i hate that word)...and what band is more grunge than MUDHONEY??? NO ONE...exactly!!! so when the band stopped by the store to celebrate their new record UNDER A BILLION SUNS and perform for 500 people or so, you know i was there with my flannel tee and ripped jeans on!! while the new record may not be classic (touch me,i'm sick) mudhoney, it's still one fine record...some of my favorites tracks are:
WHERE IS THE FUTURE?
HARD-ON FOR WAR
and the incredible ON THE MOVE

at the in-store, i finally got a chance to properly thank MARK ARK for making me feel welcome to seattle five years earlier (even if he didn't know it at the time).
here's my story: MAY,2001

i had just moved to seattle and didn't know a soul. mudhoney was playing @ the crocodile and i decided to go and see them, my 1st official seattle resident show. before the band went on mark was hanging out by the bar, so i decided to say "hi" to him. i explained my situation and how i had just moved here from new york and didn't know anyone, he then offered to buy me a beer. we ended up talking for 20 minutes or so, before he finally had to leave and go play. before he walked away, he asked me if there was any song i wanted them to play. i mentioned some song (i can't remember which one), he said they had a new bass player and he didn't know that one. i then mentioned a second song, but was told the same answer. finally, i said just dedicate a song to me or something, he laughed and said "i'll see what i can do." (he didn't dedicate a song to me). after the set, mark walked by me and asked me if i was doing okay. i just smiled and said "i'm doing okay, thanks for asking." that was the moment i knew i had made the right decision to move to seattle, for the first time i felt like i was home.
so once again...THANK YOU,MARK ARM.

2006-03-28T18:07:00.000-08:00

can't you just feel the love??

had a chance to check out BEN HARPER live at the Triple Door here in Seattle today, and then meet him briefly after his acoustic show for about 250 people. if you haven't heard his new double album, BOTH SIDES OF THE GUN, you should check it out...it's one of his best records in years. Ben seems like a very humble guy and even thanked us for stocking his new CD. pretty sweet hat & jacket,huh???

UPDATE:
Ben came into the store today (Wednesday) to check us out and have some breakfast before he left for the airport. the minute he walked into the store he was blown away and told us how awesome the store was....he almost flipped out when we explained how we cleared out the store last year for Pearl Jam to play a show. Ben then said, "that's it I'm playing here next time I'm in town, we're gonna make it happen." he then took the time to take pictures and sign CD's for a few employees and customers, he didn't think twice about it even though he had a plane to catch...so all i can say is that Ben Harper is one very down to earth person who hasn't let becoming a 'rock star' go to his head. i've met a lot of people over the years with much less success then Ben and think they are somebody that should be worshipped. THANK YOU BEN for staying so grounded.

2006-03-28T18:02:00.000-08:00

the avocado debate

is it or isn't it....the artwork that is.
the debate rages on...i'm leaning towards yes,
but i have been known to be wrong on occassion.

2006-03-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

and up first....MY MORNING JACKET

i was lucky this past year to see one of my favorite new bands MY MORNING JACKET play a show in SEATTLE...i was VERY lucky when JIM JAMES agreed to play at our QUEEN ANNE location the next day!!! he ended up playing 8 incredible songs for us, the show was also broadcast on the local station 90.3 KEXP. i didn't get to spend much time with Jim, but he was a very nice (& hairy) soft spoken man. pearl jam couldn't ask for a better opening band for the first leg of the tour...i am very jealous!! if you're not familair with the band, i beg you to check them out...you will NOT be dissapointed!!
some of my favorite MMJ songs:

*it beats 4 u
*just one thing
*gideon
*bermuda hwy
*sooner
*golden
*hopefully
they also do an amazing cover of the ERYKAH BADU song 'TYRONE'

if you want to check out Jim's EASY STREET performance go here:
http://www.archive.org/audio/etree-details-db.php?id=30710

2006-03-26T15:51:00.000-08:00

my 'PEARL JAM' album review

well even though almost half of the new album has been leaked already, i've still decided to do my own little review of the new album...i've been very lucky over the past month or so to have been allowed to listen to the record on numerous occassions. i'm not allowed to say who hooked me up, in fear of them getting in trouble, but i am very grateful for their generosity!

1.LIFE WASTED (music:gossard/words:vedder)
most of you have probably already heard this one, I think it's a great opening track to the album...a very upbeat rock song that really sets the tone for the beginning of the album. To me the lyrics seem like they could be answering 'SAVE YOU' from 'RIOT ACT'. this is a song about someone being down and almost out, and then fighting back to save themselves from a 'life wasted'.

I HAVE FACED IT...A LIFE WASTED
I'M NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN
I ESCAPED IT...A LIFE WASTED
I'M NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN
HAVING TASTED...A LIFE WASTED
I'M NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN
OH I ERASED IT...A LIFE WASTED
I'M NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN

rumor has it that the band originally planned on this song being the first single so much that they even made a video for it...will we ever see it?? one can only wonder and hope so....

2.WORLD WIDE SUICIDE (m:vedder/w:vedder)
OK, i'm positive EVERYONE has heard this song by now, if not you must go to ITunes right now and spend the 99 pennies to download it....DO IT...NOW...GO!!!
anyways, i think this is a great song...not the best on the album but still damn good...enough said.

3.COMATOSE (m:mccready,gossard/w:vedder)
another of the 'leaked' songs, the version out there now is a bit different than the actual album version. the biggest difference i noticed, is in the beginning when eddie starts to sing, his vocals are only on one side and the other side is the music. for some reason, and i don't know why, it just really sounds incredible. this is definitely one of my favorites on the new record. i've always enjoyed the live version the band did a year ago, but this studio version blows it away. i think this song could easily have fit onto 'VS' or 'VITALOGY'. eddie just sounds very raw and energized, it reminds me of his vocals from 'BLOOD'. some very interesting lyrics as well:

CONSIDER ME AN OBJECT. PUT ME IN A VACUUM.
FREE OF ALL CONDITIONS. FREE OF AIR & FRICTION.
YEH,I'LL BE HANGING UPSIDE DOWN.
AND THERE I WILL SWING.
FOR ALL ETERNITY.

FEEL IT RISING...YEH,NEXT STOP FALLING.
FEEL IT RISING...COMATOSE,WITH NO FEAR OF FALLING.

CONSIDER ME AN ABCESS. LEAVE ME IN MY VACUUM.
BLOOD ON ALL THE PISTONS. RUNNING MY TRANSMISSION.

FEEL IT RISING...YEH,NEXT STOP FALLING.
FEEL IT RISING...COMATOSE,WITH NO FEAR OF FALLING.

FEEL IT RISING...YEH,NEXT STOP FALLING.
FEEL IT RISING...

HIGH ABOVE I'LL BREAK THE LAW. IF IT'S ILLEGAL
TO BE IN LOVE...LEAVE THE HATRED...ON THE CROSS.

YEH,I'LL BE HANGING UPSIDE DOWN.
AND THERE I WILL SWING.
FOR ALL ETERNITY.

FEEL IT RISING...YEH,NEXT STOP FALLING.
FEEL IT RISING...COMATOSE,WITH NO FEAR OF FALLING.

FEEL IT RISING...YEH,NEXT STOP FALLING.
FEEL IT RISING...SOMETHING NEVER THOUGHT YOU'D NEVER BE A PART OF.

sorry, i just had to put all the lyrics down for this one....such a great song.

4.SEVERED HAND (m:vedder/w:vedder)
another one of the 'leaked tracks', this is the 4th straight rocker to open the album. seems the band really wanted to make a statement by doing this, and i think it works.
for some reason, the first 45 seconds or so of this song remind me of something that might have been on SOUNDGARDEN's 'SUPERUNKNOWN' album. when the guitars kick in i'm reminded of GUNS N' ROSES's 'WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE' mixed with a bit of 'PORCH'. i must admit i wasn't really blown away by this song at first, but now after a bunch of listens i absolutely LOVE it!! it's a very weird & interesting song, especially the lyrics:

TRIED TO WALK...FOUND A SEVERED HAND.
RECOGNIZED IT FROM THE WEDDING BAND.
SAID IT'S OKAY, DO YOU WANT SOME MORE?
I SAID...YEH.
YOU'LL SEE DRAGONS AFTER 3 OR 4
I SAID...YEH.

apparently this song is about being wasted on something...any takers on what it might be?

5.MARKER IN THE SAND (m:mccready,vedder/w:vedder)
after 4 straight 'rock' songs, the band slows the pace down a little, but not a lot. this is another song that i just didn't get right away, i think after the 5 or 6th time i heard it is when it really clicked with me, especially the last few minutes of the song. the song keeps a steady beat throughout much of it, until that last 90 seconds or so when the band just goes off on a jam session, which ends with BOOM joining in on the organ for the last 30 seconds. i think this song will defintely be a highlight for me when they play it live, especially if they extend that end jam and have it lead into another song. the opening lines to the song are:

THERE IS A MARKER...NO ONE SEES IT CAUSE THE SAND
HAS COVERED OVER...ALL THE MESSAGES IT KEPT
MISUNDERSTANDING...WHAT ORIGIANL TRUTH WAS
AND OUT EXPANDING...IN A FAITH, BUT NOT IN LOVE.

6.PARACHUTES (m:gossard/w:vedder)
i had high hopes for this song, especially after reading the band go on & on about how beautfiul this song was. i'm not sure if it's because the song is so much slower than the first 5 songs, but for whatever reason i just don't love this song (yet). it's definetly starting to grow on me, when i listen to the lyrics i imagine an old man lying on his death bed and telling his wife, family and friends how lucky he was to have them all and much he loves them. i can definetly hear some BEATLES influence going on with this song, it also reminds me a bit of 'ALL THOSE YESTERDAYS'. anyway, i'm sure i'll come around and end up loving this song too.

7.UNEMPLOYABLE (m:cameron,mccready/w:vedder)
i'm assuming that just about everyone has also heard this song already, it's the b-side to the 'WORLD WIDE SUICIDE' digital single...if you haven't heard it, seriously go to ITunes NOW!! anyway, this was another song that took me forever to get into, but now i am really digging it, especially the 'OH OHH OHH OHH' harmonies throughout the song. plus, this song contains one of my favorite lines on the album:
THINKING IF HE CAN'T SLEEP HOW WILL HE EVER DREAM?

8.BIG WAVE (m:ament/w:vedder)
yep, you guessed it this song is about surfing...

I USED TO BE CRUSTACEON
IN AN UNDERWATER NATION
AND I SURF IN CELEBRATION
OF A BILLION ADAPTATIONS...
GOT ME A BIG WAVE, RIDE ME A BIG WAVE, GOT ME A BIG WAVE...

even though matt cameron didn't write the music, i can't help but hear a little bit of SOUNDGARDEN's 'KICKSTAND' when i hear this song. it's a quick little rocker that should be fun to see/hear live.

9.GONE (m:vedder/w:vedder)
EVERYONE seems to be very excited about this one, especially after hearing the incredible version eddie did on tour last fall. well, fear not, the studio version is just as good as eddie's solo version. this version isn't much different from the demo, the band adds a bit of piano and drums...keeping it very simple. this song reminds me a lot of 'THUMBING MY WAY', i'm not positive but i think eddie even uses the same guitar on this song. if you like the demo version from last year's (or would that be this year's) x-mas single, then you will like the album version.

10.WASTED REPRISE (m:gossard/w:vedder)
this is a quick little version of the chorus from 'LIFE WASTED', just BOOM playing an organ as eddie sings:

I HAVE FACED IT...A LIFE WASTED
I'M NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN
I ESCAPED IT...A LIFE WASTED
I'M NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN
HAVING TASTED...A LIFE WASTED
I'M NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN
OH I ERASED IT...A LIFE WASTED
I'M NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN

i think the whole song is about 50 seconds long, but it's very beautiful. it sounds like something that could have easily been on the 'MIRRORBALL' album with NEIL YOUNG.

11.ARMY RESERVE (m:ament/w:vedder,echols)
this is another song that took me a few listens before i could get into it, but now i love it!!
the song has a similiar tempo to 'MARKER IN THE SAND', a little bit slower, but still rocking.
my favorite part of the song is eddie's voice during the chorus:

I'M NOT BLIND
I CAN SEE IT COMING
LOOKS LIKE LIGHTNING
IN MY CHILDS EYE

I'M NOT FRANTIC
I CAN FEEL IT COMING
DARLING YOU'LL SAVE ME
IF YOU SAVE YOURSELF

in case you were wondering who the ECHOLS is that co-wrote the song with eddie, it's DAMIEN ECHOLS of the WEST MEMPHIS 3.

12.COME BACK (m:mcready,vedder/w:vedder)
this is definetly one of my favorite songs on the record, it is a song about losing a loved one and hoping that maybe someday they will 'come back'. knowing that eddie wrote the lyrics for this one i wonder who he is talking about...my guess would be johnny ramone, since they became very close. there's no other pearl jam song i can think of that sounds anything like this one. it's a very raw bluesy song that features BOOM on the organ and eddie sounding incredible as he sings:

AND THESE DAYS, THEY LINGER ON
AND IN THE NIGHT. AS I'M WAITING ON
THE REAL POSSIBILITY I MAY MEET YOU IN MY DREAMS
I GO TO SLEEP...
THERE MUST BE AN OPEN DOOR
FOR YOU TO
COME BACK

the harmonies are even better at the end of the song eddie wails away over and over again:

I'LL BE HERE
COME BACK
COME BACK

this could have easily been the album closer, but the band choose to use an even better song to do that...

13.INSIDE JOB (m:mccready,vedder/w:mccready)
this WITHOUT a doubt is my FAVORITE song on the album. it was the first song i heard from the album, it would make a great opener, but it makes an even better closer. there is a 2 minute musical intro to the song with acoustic guitars and then a piano that reminds me a bit of 'THE WHALE SONG'. after all of that eddie finally begins the song:

UNDERNEATH THIS SMILE LIES EVERYTHING
ALL MY HOPES, ANGER, PRIDE & SHAME
MAKE MYSELF A PACT, NOT TO SHUT DOORS ON THE PAST
JUST FOR TODAY...I AM FREE

it hard to describe, but when eddie sings the words just seem to slide out of his mouth and intersect with one another. i don't know if that makes any sense, but i can't recall ever hearing eddie sing like this before, so it's very hard to describe.

the chorus, is simple yet, powerful:
I WILL NOT LOSE MY FAITH
IT'S AN INSIDE JOB TODAY

MIKE has always been known for his guitar playing, so it's hard for me to believe he wrote such an AMAZING song. he should be very proud of it....the first thing i thought of when i heard this song was that, for some reason, it could have been a TEMPLE OF THE DOG song. i was completely blown away by this song and it's only gotten better with each listen.

**MY FINAL THOUGHTS**
the first couple of times i listened to this record i thought "it's a decent record, there's some really cool songs and a bunch that are okay." now that i've had more than a few listens and have been able to really digest this record, i can honestly say that this is really an incredible PEARL JAM record that just about every fan will like. there really isn't one song on here that makes me want to skip over it, the record just gets better and better with each listen. i am very excited to see the band perform all of these songs live. finally, i can definetly see this record ending up as one of my favorite PEARL JAM records EVER (for the record, 'NO CODE ' is my favorite).

2006-03-23T22:24:00.000-08:00

So let's get this thing goin'!!!

Here's my objective, to share all of my musical stories & adventures that have happened to me over the past 5 years and also the ones that will happen to me in the future. (did that make sense?) Most of my stories will involve my favorite band PEARL JAM, so if you're not a fan of theirs my blog might not be for you...anyway here's one of my favorite pictures of all time (ev & me).

ps. look for some exciting info on their new album (out 05/02/06) in the near future, including my own thoughts and review on the new album 'PEARL JAM' a.k.a. the avocado album

2006-03-06T23:05:00.000-08:00

So this is me...i'm ONE LUCKY FAN

and this is my blog...pretty impressive so far,huh?