Customer Reviews

Binaural

5 star:		(224)
4 star:		(138)
3 star:		(62)
2 star:		(38)
1 star:		(24)

 

 

This album more than met my expectations...Although it may be a fruitless effort to compare pearl jam albums with one another, I can't understand why people have such negative things to say about Binaural. The tracks on this album individually show more development than those on any other album. Just because there isn't a song that sounds like Even Flow or Alive, does that make it a bad album? Does that make it "fall short"? What other comments have I heard? "Not fun"..what are you talking about? If any album isn't fun, it's Ten (not much variation between songs and very little risk was taken). "The songs don't stick in my head"..isn't that kindof a good thing? The less developed a song is, the easier it will stick in your head. Example: Green Day -vs- Soundgarden. 3-chord junk songs versus actual skill. Give the album a few more listens. In addition, if the songs don't stick in your head, then they will age well as a consequence. You won't get tired of them as easily as you would "Jeremy." Binaural also can boast the most equal contributions amongst band members in terms of song composition. Jeff, Stone, and Eddie have really made an effort to work together on this album. Matt Cameron on drums also gives this album alot of energy, and a different feel from the previous albums. While Ten did not take enough risks, Vitalogy (one of my other favorite albums) peaked with creativity; however, take note of all the filler songs, including pry to, aye davinita, and heyfoxymophandlemamathatsme. No Code was very searching and reflective, but didn't rock in the way that many people liked. Yield was diverse and rocking, but exhausting to listen to the whole way through. Binaural pulls it all together, and while it may not contain an "anthem" that you and your buddies can sing along to, I ask once again, isn't that a good thing?

Some say Pearl Jam are finished. Some say they went long ago when Vitalogy became the epitome of what Grunge had become - confused, muddled and dark. Some say they went with No Code, when the brash classic rock meets punk anthems of Ten and Vs. flew out the back door in favour of eastern-influenced singalongs such as Who You are and the rockers on it seemed unfocussed. Some said they died with Yield.

No matter when people say Pearl Jam 'died' or 'sold out' (and there is many a PJ fan who would dispute that last comment to the day they die), the fact remains that Pearl Jam have the potential to create some of most emotional, passionate and beautiful rock music ever made. On this album, they get there.

The album opens quickly, with Pete Townshend like riffs exploding into the speakers - its 'I can see for Miles' except this time it breaks into rapid fire bass and guitar - Breakerfall - the perfect opening for the album, and PJ sounding in fine form. That moves quickly onto 'Gods Dice'- the perfect one-two to floor this listener at the start of the album. Then comes the jilted 'Evacuation' - the Matt Cameron penned piece, filled with sparkling fills.

Then the album sparks into top gear. 'Light Years' follows - the albums mix of the best of Pearl Jam over the past ten years - its Given to Fly, Wishlist, Alive and Immortality all rolled into one and the result is one of the most beautifully crafted pop songs ever made. Stunning. 'nothing as it seems' continues in the same mold, all McCready wailing over the strum of the acoustic.

Still only five tracks in, and already we're knocked out by the sheer BEAUTY of the writing. 'Thin Air' recalls Daughter but never plagiarises it, while Insignificance is possibly the best true rock song PJ have written since their early days. A fullisade of riffs crashes down before its the sparse Of the Girl - perhapsthe song that best shows PJ's versatility. Grievance follows - the line 'Pledge my Grievance to the flag' - proving PJ still have the political roots in them. Then weve got the album closes - the lovely 'Sleight of Hand,' all aural texture, and a quirky Vedder ballad on the ukelele. 'Parting Ways' sounds a little too much 'Long Road' for my liking, but overall its a lovely ending to a magnificent album. They haven't sold out. They're not dead. They always have, and always will be, Alive.

Pearl Jam has never been a band to be boxed into formulaic songwriting or pinned down with simple-minded categorizations. What makes PJ great is their willingness to experiment, evolve and take significant RISKS with each release. It's a risky proposition, because along with great hits can come great misses, and the public is ever so fickle and resistant to change. But it's something that will ultimately make PJ a truly standout - if not classic - band. And who in the hell ever said that you judge a band's quality by the album sales? If you believe that, you've been missing out on 90% of the best music out there. Populist tendencies and crowd-pleaser work do not necessarily a classic make.

The most ironic thing about this all is that on "Binaural" PJ continues on with their original purpose...making experimental, truly "ALTERNATIVE" music, pushing the envelope and exploring sounds and textures. It's ironic because that's what alternative and grunge were about in the first place - the spirit of the movement was about music deviating from the mainstream. No, this isn't a "Ten" or a "Vs." because those were ten years ago...back then, THAT was "alternative". PJ have continued to evolve and follow their vision. And now they're getting slammed for doing what people loved about them at first. Of course each album should be evaluated according to it's musical and lyrical substance and quality, not its genre...it's just a point that I personally find amusing.

Having said that, "Binaural" is quite, quite good. PJ here sounds restrained yet raw, elegant, graceful, mature, MUSICAL. It's a RAUCOUS album played with freshness and almost abandon - yet layered and complex. A WORD OF CAUTION: "Binaural" takes time to grow on you. It's a bit difficult to digest at first and takes repeated listens to really understand the quality behind this album. It's not formulaic, and the hooks are subtle. It's about layers...with each spin new elements emerge that contribute to finally understanding the whole. Give it time and really listen.

The first thing that impacted me was the production - it's raw and almost primitive - almost a throwback to the analog days. A reviewer said it best when he said they sound like an indie band. Don't get me wrong, each instrument is distinct and clearly heard...it's just missing the typical slick, "digital" production. It's as if the songs were recorded live in the studio with minimal effects (maybe they were?). Almost muddy, but not quite. To me it works, but not everyone will be pleased with it.

The musicianship on this album is excellent. Eddie's voice is more versatile and uses more textures and inflection than ever. Some of the screaming rage is gone, but it's replaced by a simmering, brooding anger and a deeper frustration and emotion. The guitars are outstanding...listen to the interplay between Stone and Mike, the subtle strains of classic rock, southern rock, folk...the emotional licks and riffs. There is always a dual attack going on which gives the music dimension. A bit of the biting, electric wall-of-sound approach is missing to be replaced by a more textured, classsic, almost jangly (at times) sound...it's a small gripe I have. But worry not, they still rock when needed. Jeff's bass playing is spot-on and supports the rhythm solidly while providing melodic elements of his own. And Matt Cameron's drumming is sensational. This is a brilliant drummer - one of the best in any style of rock today.

For the most part, this album is a hit. The aggressive rockers like "Breakerfall", "God's Dice" are true standouts. Again, think raw indie approach. "Insignificance" and "Grievance" are arguably two of the best songs PJ has ever penned. Beautifully done. And of their slower tracks, "Light Years", "Thin Air" are very good, with brooding emotion and subtle hooks. Of their more experimental songs, "Nothing Is As It Seems" and "Sleight of Hand" are great, psychedelic numbers...with "Parting Ways" being absolutely brilliant.

Now, some misses (to me): "Rival" is too experimental and to me comes off sounding forced and out of character. "Soon Forget" (Eddie's ditty with a ukelele) sounds genuine but bland and forgetful. It's missing expression and I believe Eddie could have done more with it. Finally, the rocker "Evacuation" does rock, but it's difficult to latch on to, even after repeated listenings...it toes the line of sounding dissonant and disjointed and ALMOST out of control - like a last-minute improvised jam session. It works to some effect, but it can be a bit annoying.

Some have said that if this was an album by a new band, it would be ignored. I take a different tack...if this was an album by a new band, it would be hailed as brilliant, original, fresh, etc. But since it's PJ and PJ has been boxed into a formula and sound by the public, it doesn't conform to expectations, so the album is not widely accepted. Think about it.

Great album...if you're open-minded enough.

I have to say that Pearl Jam has completely outdone themselves with this release. Moving, driving, progressive, and sincere are the four best words I can find to describe this true masterpice. Most bands are burnt out of fresh ideas by the ten year point of their career, but Pearl Jam just keeps on going. Here's how I feel about this disc song by song. A word of note, like any Pearl Jam CD, this disc takes some time to grow on you, it kinda, seeps itself under your skin and takes a hold of you. I must admit, at first, I thought that this album started great, but ended too bland, but after listening, it has become one of my higest priority desert island discs.

1. Breakerfall- Must be heard loud for maximum effect, matt cameron takes a hold of you right away with his drumming, eddie is great, guitars are blazing, and jeff goes to town. Very Who-ish. (Isn't it great how Pearl Jam always starts their albums with a relentless rocker?)

2. God's Dice- Takes off right away after track 1, could be seen as a modern day "Spin the Black Circle". A very focused track with great lyrics and excellent drumming once again. Another one to turn the volume to 10.

3. Evacuation- I don't see why people don't get this song. So what if it doesn't find a good hook, and goes three different directions? Does pearl jam have to follow your traditional song formula? the lyrics aren't that bad, and Stone and Mike really go to town on this one. I love the vocal harmony on the chorus, YEAH! This is vintage pearl jam left over from Vitalogy.

4. Light Years- 1 of 3 perfect tunes on this CD. Everything about this song is sincere, and has the most singable chorus I think pearl jam has ever had since "Alive". The instrumental break is so lovely and well done, and eddie's higher range sounds ever so melodic and clear. Beautiful song, and one that will surely live on.

5. Nothing As It Seems- Not the best choice for first single(I still think Grievance should have been the first single), but it's a great moody tune with excellent work by Mike on guitar.

6. Thin Air- Another great, sincere mid tempo rocker that shows why Eddie is the best vocalist of the last 10-15 years (sorry Maynard, you're a VERY close 2nd).

7. Insignificance- 2nd of 3 perfect songs on this disc. This is a CLASSIC pearl jam tune, with a rocking beat, a strong dose of emotional tension, agressive guitars, and a great climax. If you can't feel the energy on this one, you must be dead.

8. Of The Girl- A tune with a strong eastern vibe, kinda the oddball progressive tune on the album (a la "WMA", "I'm Open"), yet has an infectious groove and some great bluesy licks from Mike, (well, sounds like mike, could be stone). I dig it, but it feels weird cause it's somewhat without a bridge, so it sounds like just like one long vamp, but it rocks anyway.

9. Grievance- In my opinion, the best song on the album, and the 3rd of 3 perfect songs on the disc. Probably also one of pearl jams 5 best songs ever <im my personal opinion> ("Alive", "Rearviewmirror", "Do The Evolution", "Nothingman", "Greivance") This song has it all, it IS everything pearl jam, Mike and Stone wailing away some massive licks on the guitar, Jeff slamming down some huge bass grooves, Matt doing some TOTALLY insane things on the drums and of course Eddie's voice soaring all over the entire song, especially on the outro... I nearly lost my mind when I first heard this tune on letterman. DAMN!

10. Rival- Another misunderstood song which seems weak at first, but grows on you. Has a deliciously dissonant guitar riff and great background singing.

11. Sleight of Hand- it's chilling that a band can create such a loose, liquid-like feel and still sound so tight. Eddie once again sounds magical... probably one of Pearl Jam's best slower tunes since "Nothingman" or "Low Light"

12. Soon Forget- GENIUS lyrics, with a great story, and of course, Eddie rocks no matter what he sings (or plays).

13. Parting Ways- While I agree with a previous reviewer who said the he was waiting for Pearl Jam to finally end an album with a straight ahead rock tune, it's kinda become their trade mark to end with a slower song (Release, Indifference, Stupid Mop (ugh), Around The Bend, All Those Yesterdays), this one is so gorgeously done, it's hard to find it a bad thing. Again, the guitar textures are lush, and Eddie's voice sounds sincere and gentle, yet still powerful. A great closer.

As you can see, I have a great adoration for the album, and I truly feel that it kinda takes the best of each previous release, and creates something a summation of the bands first decade. After ten years, this is where they have come, and I can't think of anything better. Pearl Jam is still going strong, and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. As pretty much the SOLE surviving band of their era, Pearl Jam have truly shown everybody what it means to survive in the vicious world of the music business. Bravo Pearl Jam, and keep the great albums coming!

Binaural, the sixth studio album from Pearl Jam is another great effort from Pearl Jam. There is more varied song writing in this with Stone writing Thin Air, Of the Girl, and Rival, while Jeff writes God's Dice and Nothing as it Seems. Out of the these five Of the Girl and Nothing as it Seems are brilliant songs, the other three are good, but could fade with repeated listenings. On the other hand, Evacuation, Light Years, Insignificance, and Grievance are all brilliant songs. All lyrics to these songs are penned by Eddie, and it seems to me he's been reading a lot of Kurt Vonnegut. He makes points about depression, spirituality, big brother, and the lack of love in the world. Matt sounds great on drums, in particular in Rival and Sleight of Hand, which is one of the Pearl Jam songs I've heard in a while, wonderful instrumenation. Soon Forget is fun little ukele tune that Eddie does alone, and it's kind of a "can't take it with you" anthem. He sings very folky on it. You can hear a Neil Young influence on this album more than any other, which is a good direction for the future of this band. They're not concentrating on saving rock n' roll, they're not employing silly uses of technology in order to make a different album. They're just crafting songs, and making albums saying what they want to say. It keeps me happy. While it's not a perfect album, it's an extremely good one and a must for any fan.

Poor Eddie Vedder. Few souls are more troubled with success and accolades...remember his Grammy acceptance speech that consisted of "This means nothing, but thanks"? Well, get ready for more, Mr. Vedder...the thoughtful, innovative rock of "Binaural" is sure to have airplay and acclaim knocking at your door once again.

The project kicks off with three breezy rockers: "Breakerfall," "God's Dice," and "Evacuation." The power of the songs is undeniable, and the writing (especially on "Evacuation") is as tight as anything they've penned over the years; it certainly has more energy and life than you might expect from a ten-year-old band. Further into the album, "Insignificance" and "Grievance" are both strong, driving numbers that will no doubt inspire a lot of jumping up and down at concerts.

But the finest moments on "Binaural" are quieter ones; the gentle love song "Thin Air" and the mournful "Light Years" are of distinctly different but nonetheless equal beauty. Vedder's voice hasn't lost any of its longing ache, and as a result we have two of Pearl Jam's finest ballads. It's hard not to hear a Beatles here and there, especially during the guitar licks on "Of the Girl" and "Rival"; but the songs are anything but knock-offs, boasting classic examples of the Seattle sound that Pearl Jam helped form in the early 90's. Furthermore, the folky and surprising "Soon Forget" is a whimsical character study that would do Lennon & McCartney proud.

But such influences being found aren't a detriment in the least; this record finds Pearl Jam maturing and continuing to break musical ground instead of merely resting on their Fathers-of-Grunge laurels. Hopefully Eddie Vedder is prepared to shade himself from the spotlight once again, as "Binaural" cements the band's status as one of America's most important rock bands.

This album, like the previous two studio releases, required some listening to before I began to really appreciate it. At first listen, I was less than impressed...borderline disappointed; but I refused to turn it off. I listened to it again, and again, and again, and...you get the picture. Now, it is my favorite album of all (I still can't turn it off, though).

Pearl Jam cannot be critiqued through the rosey glasses of today's bubble-gum pop music, because it outdates it (not to mention out-performs it). When the so called "big names" of today have faded into obscurity, Pearl Jam will still be making music that is both challenging and enjoyable.

Buy Binaural! You won't be disappointed, if you give it a chance.

This eclectic and extremely talented quintet from Seattle have struck gold on their 6th studio album "Binaural."

This album cannot be summed up as a whole. Where some people say they believe "Binaural's" tracks should have been arranged differently to create more of a flow, I would say that would ruin the album. To place a label on "Binaural" would be about as impossible as placing a label on it's creators.

"Breakerfall," "Gods'Dice," "Evacuation," "Insignificance," and "Grievance" are all birdie for the course tunes that elevate Pearl Jam to a different level. "Insignificance" being the best track out of the 5, and the best track on the album, offers a groove that is unparalleled in today's rock genre. The alarming rolls through the versus and U2-ish finish to the chorus makes this song one of Pearl Jam's best songs of all time. "Gods' Dice" and other Ament creations on this album have thrusted him into the limelight as a premier song writer. Though "Gods' Dice" is a catchy as hell tune with a rockin' foundation (and would be a great single), Ament's other contributions are more sultry and seductive. "Nothing as it seems" possesses guitar work from the master McGready that we have never heard. "Nothing as it seems" shows Aments flare for the groovy and savvy. Aments other creation on "Binaural" - "Sleight of Hand" - is equally as sultry as "Nothing" - but has a chorus that will surly knock your socks off. "Sleight" upon first listen of "Binaural" was my favorite song. "Light Years," "Parting Ways," and "Thin Air" offer a softer gentler side of Pearl Jam. Much like Pearl Jam's past ballads, these are all done very well. Sticking out from this group of sob lovers delights is "Light Years." This song displays the best from Pearl Jam. Ed's voice is so tranquil and rhythmic, and the flow of the song is most head bobbing worthy. "Of the Girl" has distinctly poignant and flowing versus with a breakdown mid way that brings this song into the realm of the surreal. "Rival" is a pure bluesy masterpiece that has Stone Gossard written all over it. This song is reminiscent of some older Pearl Jam songs from the beginning, but takes on a life of it's own within 20 seconds of listening (after the dog). This takes us to "Soon Forget." Ed on a ukulele. Need I say more?

If I could have written a shorter review of this album, I would have. However the diversity and brilliance is too much for me to sum up quickly. All-in-all, bottom line, Armageddon time - "Binaural" is Pearl Jam's best album.

Pearl Jam's 6th studio effort Binaural is a solid mix of up-tempo rockers and softer, more melodic songs that, while not as satisfying as 1998's Yield, is a welcome listen in today's testostorone driven rock environment.

Binaural starts off with 2 hot tracks, "Breakerfall" (think "Brain of J" or "Not for You") and "God's Dice" before settling for an average rocker titled "Evacuation". The CD's next 3 songs represent the best work on the album--and none of them are up-tempo.

"Light Years" is a fantastic song with typical soulful Eddie Vedder lyrics ("We were but stones/your light made us stars"). The song sounds better and better after each listen. The next song is "Nothing as it Seems" which is the first single released off of Binaural--its also the best song on Binaural and one of the best ever recorded by Pearl Jam. Bassist Jeff Ament penned this classic and with its moody guitar riffs and haunting vocals, the song just absolutely kills. If you've heard this song on the radio, and don't like it, don't bother buying the CD. Go back to your Korn downloads from Napster and crunch yourself.

The final song of Binaural's holy trinity is "Thin Air" another light song that sounds as if it was written in Nashville. The country/folk sound works well with Vedder's vocals.

The rest of the CD is hit ("insignificance") and miss ("Sleight of Hand" and "Soon Forget"). All fiver members including new drummer (again!) Matt Cameron, formerly of Soundgarden, contribute music and lyrics. The result is an enjoyable mix of songs and styles, with a fabulous 3 song set, right in the middle.

Binaural (2000.), the Pearl Jam's sixth studio album

The Pearl Jam were one of the great, if not the greatest rock acts of the 90's. From being part of the 'grunge' alternative rock explosion at first, the band were able to go off in their own direction by the end of the decade. By 2000, they were probably the only band from the grunge era to be still together, much to most people's amazement; not surprising, due to the band's withdrawal from the media spotlight. 'Binaural', the Pearl Jam's sixth studio album, released in 2000 is the capture of the great band entering the new millenium. 'Binaural' has proved to be the Pearl Jam's most criticised studio album, producing controversial opinions from reviewers and fans of the band alike. However, does this album really deserve its reputation as an ok but overly flat album?

When I first bought 'Binaural', I was sceptical. I expected to like it but I reckoned that it wouldn't be in the league of 'Ten', 'Vs.', 'Yield' and 'No Code'. After a couple of listens to this album, I couldn't have been more wrong. 'Binaural' is one of those rare works, an album that sounds like no other, a disc that has a sound to it that's so unique whilst at the same time being unmistakably Pearl Jam. In fact, I would go as far to say that after 'Ten' and 'Yield', this album is next best in terms of greatness. Ok, the album overly lacks the aggression of 'Vs.' or the pure rockability of 'Yield' but it more than makes up for it in superb songwriting, diversity and atmospherics. That's not to say the album doesn't have its harder sometimes punk rocking moments like with 'Grievance' or 'Breakerfall' but on the whole the album is reflective and impacts on the senses in an undescribable fashion. Many people have dissed this album for the things I consider as plusses on the album. Many probably forget (non-fans who happen to own this album can be excused from this) that the Pearl Jam always look for a new direction every album and really this album, with its unique style, is one they had to make - fans especially must remember that this band have experimentation at their core. 'Binaural' is also the first Pearl Jam album to feature ex-Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron, who replaced Jack Irons. Certainly a great addition to the band, some of the drumming, 'Grievance' is the song that comes to mind, is excellent. Furthermore, this is an album where the guitar work is much more subtle. McCready's guitar work may not be solo filled, but nevertheless the lower key but certainly adept guitar work works well with the album's style.

To get things rolling, the album begins in rocking fashion, with the short 'Breakerfall'. The influence of the Who is definitely here in this one and that's no bad thing in this powered opener. Following this is another short song, the punk rocking 'God's Dice'. On a first listen this song didn't really do it for me, but over time I've appreciated it more; not quite classic Pearl Jam but I'll take it nonetheless! However, next up is a great song in 'Evacuation'. I found this one quite catchy; the drumming is powerful and this backdrops well to Vedder's howling chorus. Then we come to the longer more thoughtful stuff. 'Light Years' is a heartfelt lyrical offering from Vedder with some great but subtle guitar play. Similarly, the thoughtful theme continues with 'Nothing As It Seems', a more downbeat sounding song but with more atmospheric moments. 'Thin Air' is an acoustic gem with some more great lyrics and 'Insignificance', next up, has some sombre but compelling guitar melodies, and a superb crashing chorus. After this impressive passage, things get even better with the beautifully complex 'Of The Girl' with more hushed but striking vocals from Eddie Vedder and some luscious guitar work. Following this is the Grammy-nominated 'Grievance', a stunning track to say the least both lyrically and instrumentally. The pace of the track changes a few times but it works magnificently, especially where the drumming is concerned; a great protest song that only Vedder himself could pen. 'Rival' follows this; a step down from previous songs but still a good song, with an interesting growling dog opening. Then we have 'Sleight Of Hand', slow but atmospheric; a classic that builds but to great climax. 'Soon Forget' is an interesting interlude consisiting of Eddie Vedder and a ukelele. Its a poetic ramble that draws comparisons with The Who song 'Blue, Red and Grey'; again though I have no problems with the Pearl Jam being influenced by The Who. Then, to finish this great album we have the emotionally moving and striking 'Parting Ways'. Vedder's vocals are at their most reflective here and the song exit, using guitar and violins/cellos is heart-rendering.

If you had to take the two albums which the Pearl Jam have made which have a difference of opinion right down the middle between fans, you have 'Vitalogy' and 'Binaural'. With the former I was on the sceptical side, enjoying a fair share of the album but being left disappointed by some moments, however with 'Binaural' I'm firmly in the positive. This album is a mellow but atmospheric and compelling stroke of genius. Eventhough this is up there with the best (in my opinion), I wouldn't recommend this album to a newbie to the Pearl Jam - that's what 'Yield' is for. However, any fan who appreciates the Pearl Jam's evolvoing and experimental edge should enjoy this album and appreciate its greatness. I'll not doubt that it needs a few listens to get into but nevertheless it is one hell of a masterpiece, just sadly an album that has become underrated and bashed by critics.