Customer Reviews

Jeremy / Footsteps / Yellow Ledbetter

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4 star:		(5)
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The Jeremy single is a must for any pearl jam fan because of the song "footsteps." It is an acoustic jam where Vedder sings with astounding emotion. There is another plus to this album, "yellow ledbetter." This bluesy song reminds me of a Hendrix tune called "little wing." It has intense emotion and style. This single is a must for die-hard Pearl Jam fans, as well as people who enjoy good music.

I confess that I bought this single, not for the title song, but for "Yellow Ledbetter." Jeremy is a good song, but there is no reason to review it here, everyone knows Jeremy. "Yellow Ledbetter" is an amazing song. Eddie Vedder is often difficult to understand. He is not known for his clear anunciation, but it is never more apparent than on this track. From the first time I heard this song I was so into the music and wanted to sing along, but I, honest to God, could not comprehend a word. I bought the cd and listened to it over and over again and came up with my own version based on my understanding that makes it very interesting lyrically. It is Eddie Vedder's mumblings that make this song so intriguingly brilliant though. I wouldn't have it any other way.

So, as I confessed, I bought the cd for "Yellow Ledbetter." What I wasn't expecting was "Footsteps" which is equally as amazing and a very pleasant surprise. Great lyrics with just Eddie's blissfully strained vocals and a guitar. It just doesn't get any better than this.

So often, the b-sides of singles are forgettable but in this case, they outshine the single. Even if "Jeremy" is not your favorite PJ song, buy this cd for the other two tracks. It is a definite worthwhile purchase.

this is the best single by anyone ever! the three songs are some of pearl jam's best stuff! the best song on here is probably footsteps, although jeremy and yellow ledbetter rock! a must for any rock fan!

Just look at that picture on the cover of "Jeremy". Innocence mixed with violence. That's what the song is about. That's what many Pearl Jam songs are about, in one way or another. The clash between the two is something many people can relate to, which is one of the reasons why "Ten" sold 10 million copies in the U.S. alone. One other reason, of course, is the band's immense talent and the incredible musicianship present on every single record Pearl Jam has put out to date. The three songs on this single show off both of these very well. Start with "Jeremy", a definitive "teenage angst" anthem, a song that defined a generation, a music video that shot so deep into the American consciousness that even now many consider it to be one of the finest music videos ever created. Follow it up with a live acoustic performance of "Footsteps", easily one of the most haunting early Pearl Jam songs (and the final part of the trilogy that also includes "Alive" and "Once" from "Ten"). Finish off with Mike's incredible solo in "Yellow Ledbetter". Perfection. Must own.

I'm not a huge fan of singles: I prefer albums since they have a much longer running time and therefore let you get a better feel for the music. Singles are short, b-sides (not always, but sometimes) can be below-par, after the initial pleasure the same three tunes repeated tend to get old quick.

However, I consider this disc to be truly perfect, and the only single I listen to on frequent occasion.
Granted, the album version of Jeremy is longer (and IMHO better for it) but the cut takes away little of the impact of this incredible track. Jeremy was the song that introduced me to PJ (though its not my fave PJ song) and from the first strains of guitar I was hooked, by the time Eddie's voice kicked in it was apparant this was not a band I'd forget easily. Jeremy isnt just a classic of "grunge" nor is it merely a classic of the 90s. Its an alltime classic song that will no doubt stand the test of time.
Of course, thats not a reason to buy the CD, as the full version is featured on Ten.
But theres more....

Footsteps. Wow.
The third and final part of the Mamason trilogy (I wont explain the story since previous reviewers have already described it) its acoustic softness comes as a surprise after the guitar riffs in Alive and the troubled thunder of Once. But listening to it, you see its the same tortured character as appeared in those two songs: created and calling for help thru Eddie Vedder's hurt cry. I love Chris Cornell's voice, but the Temple of the Dog song Times of Trouble (same music as Footsteps, different vocals and vocal melody) holds little of the power Footsteps possesses, and the vocal melody uses the simple backing to soar, dip and tremble in a way the melody in ToT neglects to. Footsteps is the only PJ song thats brought tears to my eyes.... no, in fact the only song by anyone to do that.

Yellow Ledbetter is the reason I bought this CD. The (almost entirely) indistinguishable lyrics somehow contribute to the pain and sense of longing that resonates through this piece of utter perfection. I'd rate it among the top five Pearl Jam songs ever written.
Frustrating as it is, its impossible to describe the sheer bittersweet beauty of Yellow Ledbetter in words, you only have to listen to it to understand how affecting it is.

All three songs have the same nostalgic pain, they corrolate perfectly together in a way most singles neglect to do. You don't need to be a PJ fan to love this, you merely need to be a fan of music. Beauty and power are rarely as accesible as they are here.

It's right here, boys. A little ditty called "Yellow Ledbetter". If you're reading this you probably already have "Ten". So you really don't need this version of Jeremy. This is the single version that was played on the radio. Obviously, right, considering this is a single. This cuts out Eddie's use of a naughty word (you know what I'm talking about) and also the song ends with a fade out. So you're better served with the album version, it is the complete song.

The real reason to get this CD, if you've read any of the other reviews and have been paying attention, is the song "Yellow Ledbetter". If you have never heard this tune, you are in for a very pleasant surprise. It is absolutely unbelievable. I can't say enough good things about it. One reviewer said they couldn't believe how such a sad song could make them feel so great. That's not an exact quote, but that feeling and idea captures the essence of the song perfectly. I have no idea what Eddie is saying, and I don't think I want to know. It might change what I take away from the song. It's the greatest thing Pearl Jam has ever written and recorded. A blues inflected, although not really acoustic number, but with undistorted and toned down guitar that is probably most comparable with "Black". When the solo starts to wind down and Eddie's primal howl of apparent anguish and ecstasy begins, I get shivers down my spine. Pick this up and I think you might feel the same way.

The other track here is pretty good, although I don't get too excited by it. To me, it kind of sounds unfinished. Maybe the right word is unpolished. The vocal is really right in your face. Some people might get a kick out of that, but I think it sounds not quite done. Seems like it was recorded live in one take. I have no idea if that's true, but it's what it sounds like. Anyway, do yourself a favor and get this CD. You won't find a better way to spend five bucks.

Yellow ledbetter is simply the best Pearl Jam song to date. Eddie Vedder's voice is absolutely marvellous for this song. If you don't own this cd already, then buy it.

Jeremy is my favorite song. When I first saw the video I was like 5 yrs old and I didn't really understand anything besides people getting bloody at the end. Now when I recently saw it on a MTV special I remebered it so I taped the video and bought the single. I think Footsteps and Yellow Ledbetter are also really good songs but Jeremy is the best!

this song is very dear to my heart. every time i hear it, i cry my eyes out. it was a favorite song of one of my friend's, becuz his name was Jeremy too. he was always saying how they wrote that song about him, and now, looking back, i understand. My friend Jeremy died on September 1st, 1998, and i'm shocked that his death hasn't killed me yet. this Christmas, i got the cd. and now i feel closer to Jeremy than ever.

JEREMY (off of the album TEN) stands as a great song on it's own, but get this CD single for the other tracks. FOOTSTEPS is a great, blues-infused melodramatic song. Eddie Vedder sings with a painful, raspy voice and expresses the emotional strain of the song perfectly. It's Eddie at his peak.

But the main reason to get your hands on this CD single is for Track 3 -- the classic YELLOW LEDBETTER. It's not on any PJ album, so this is the best place to find it. Mike Mcready's guitar shines and Jeff Ament's bass is phenominal as it merges beautifully with Vedder's vocals. And although you can barely understand what he's singing, you feel the emotion and passion of the song pulsate through you. It's an absolute gem and must-have for all Pearl Jam fans!