Net Music Review

Pearl Jam - Backspacer

Pearl Jam's 2009 offering, Backspacer is something of a departure for the band in comparison to previous albums such as 2006's self titled album "Pearl Jam". I should explain myself, 2006's release was an overtly political album focusing it's rage at George W Bush and the Iraq war reflecting the atmosphere at the time, however with a change in the White House (Barak Obama) this has left the group with time to actually enjoy being a band again and boy does that show. Backspacer clocks in at just 34 minutes long and features some of the most upbeat songs the band has ever produced both musically and lyrically and nowhere is this demonstrated better on the first single The Fixer. Whisper it quietly but they seem to be having fun!

The change in style may also be in part due to producer Brendan O'Brien getting the band out of Seattle and down to the sunshine of LA. The album kicks off with a 10 minute blast of pop punk tunes that immediately grabs your attention. "Gonna See My Friend" starts off with a crescendo of guitar before setting off at break neck speed in what appears at first to be a heavy drug song, although closer inspection of the lyrics tells a story of someone trying to help a friend off drugs. Next up is "Got Some", a spiky new wave tinged song which likens music to a drug with the singer taking the perspective of a dealer offering up a great rock song, which it is. It's a song that will defiantly have the crowed jumping at future live performances. As soon as it finishes it's straight into lead single "The Fixer", a poppy punk song which finds Eddie Vedder in upbeat mood that is incredibly catchy. It features possibly the most positive lyrics in a Pearl Jam song ever and is prime evidence of the bands new found sense of fun. Forth track, "Johnny Guitar" ends the first segment of the in your face opening to the album and raises eyebrows with its sexual innuendo laced lyrics and almost funky guitars.

"Just Breathe" leaves the listener with time to come up for air with its minimalist guitar and string arrangements, yes you were right, string arrangements in a Pearl Jam song - who'd have thought it! It is a beautiful song and is Vedder's take on a love song and while some may criticise the lyrics for being cheesy in places this misses the point. it's a celebration of the happiest times in life and encourage the listener to take a step back and just breathe in the moment. Next is life as surfing analogy "Amongst The Waves" which takes us back to traditional Peal Jam territory with its anthemic guitars hinting at past glories such as "Alive" and "Dissident" but with a far more positive outlook and serves as an introduction to the second half of the album. "Unthought Unknown" again starts quietly building up to a climax with Vedder soaring vocals perfectly placed to show off his unique sound. "Supersonic" is up next and is another piece of pop punk but seems to blend into the background in the context of the album.

"Speed of Sound" finds the band back in a more sombre mood, and it seems to stand out from the rest of the album by using a less traditional rock time signature. It's written from the point of view of the last person left in a bar late at night and seems to be tinged with regret. Penultimate track, "Force of Nature" sees the volume on the guitars turned up again and brought to the fore, it sees Vedder singing about a relationship on one persons strength of personality and putting up with perceived faults in the other. There is a lovely melody that comes out during the chorus with some keyboards in the background which set the scene for the albums closing statement "The End". It's another delicate, atmospheric song with Vedder accompanied by acoustic guitar, horns and strings reminiscent of his solo work for the Into The Wild soundtrack. After all the fun and exuberance of the first part of the album it seems fitting that it should end with this dark reflective song.

Another thing that stands out from previous Pearl Jam releases is the album artwork, in contrast to the truly awful album cover of 2006's "Pearl Jam" (remember that avocado?) here we are treated to a cartoonish like cover drawn by Tom Tomorrow. It really does fit in with the feel of the album and compliments it well. It is also worth noting that the writing credits are shared out equally among the group members with everyone contributing to the music, interestingly it is the first time since 1994's Vitalogy that Vedder has penned all the lyrics.

Pearl Jam seem to have matured well and have reached the point where they always wanted to be, being able to release great records without the whole world peering in on them. You can tell this is the sound of five mates enjoying hanging out with each other and just making music. Pearl Jam may be laced with a certain stigma in some peoples eyes and they may not win many news fans, but those who listen to this record will find a band unrecognisable from their former selves. It's just good old fashioned rock and roll and there is nothing wrong with that. More of the same next time please boys!