ThePresentTense.net

I fail at blogging.  I wrote this post like three weeks ago and thought I published it.  Apparently not.  Here it is anyway.

The biggest difference between this and previous PJ records is that its…happy?  My first reaction when I started listening was, “huh? what happened to the dark and brooding PJ I know and love?”  After I got past how different it was from their previous albums, I quickly realized how good of a straightforward rock album it is.  It easily takes its place as one of my favorite PJ albums.

PJ’s music has always reflected their feelings and viewpoint on society, culture, politics, etc.  Whether it be in the lyrics directly or the feeling and tone of the music.  Through the 90’s they were working through some personal demons and some of the negatives of fame and some of the over-commercialization of the music industry and the music sounded like it.  From 2000 to 2008 there was no doubt the band was less than excited about those running the show in Washington.  Backspacer seems to reflect the feeling of hope that the new administration is trying to promote.

Favorite tracks:

Got Some: First heard it on the new Late Show. Damn the Late Show’s sound people because they made a great song sound like crap.  I was actually worried about the album when I first heard it, but it turned out to be one of the gems for me.

Just Breathe: One of the only pure love songs the band has ever written.  It sounds very much like the Into the Wild Soundtrack Vedder did by himself, and its slightly addicting.

Supersonic: Straightforward rocker.  Not a whole lot more to say about it than that.  Banging drums and driving guitar.  Love it.

Only track I don’t like on the album is Johnny Guitar.  I honestly can’t put my finger on it beyond the fact that it just feels a little disjointed.  They vocals and music just don’t seem to flow together like the other songs on the album.

Here are a couple of selections to give you a little flavor what is there to listen to.