Customer Reviews

Live at the Gorge 05/06

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I like Pearl Jam. When I had just graduated from high school they were the biggest thing in Rock. They were cool and more importantly back then, I was cool because I liked them. Some 18 years later, somewhere in a dusty corner of my house I have the CD's alphabetized in some kind of time capsule that my wife wishes was boxed up and out in the garage.

So last week I found myself at a music store and I came across this really cool looking box... "Pearl Jam". I picked it up and looked at the incredible amount of music contained on the discs... some titles I knew, some I had no idea about. I am 39; I have a good job, so I came home and ordered from Amazon. Well I got the package last night... I put in disc one at 11 pm and I sat up all last night listening to these songs, the new and the old, and I held the box like you do when you are 14 and music is everything. I felt transported during this musical journey and I wanted to share with you how good this group of songs is, how drawn in to the concert setting you will be. I liked Pearl Jam when it was 1991 and now in 2008 they seem so damn good, not just angry but powerful. What a find. I encourage anyone with a dusty corner in their home to relearn Pearl Jam and to enjoy the wonderful tracks that you might not even know about it you moved on after the "Vitalogy" years.

Five stars ***** Pearl Jam is the new Dead, with a better catalog. For a few hours I did not have a mortgage, car payment, and a house that needed to be cleaned... For a few hours I was Live at the Gorge with Pearl Jam... and it was a place that I had not been to for a long time, too long.

Seven discs of live Pearl Jam for a reasonable price. I couldn't turn it down, even though I already own the July 22 show, which I also had the privilege of attending. It's a nice colorful box set of digipacks, the only downside being that it does not contain any liner notes or pictures of the shows.

But packaging aside, here is some vital information I assembled that might be useful to some of you who may be indecisive as to whether or not to acquire this box. I did a tally of all the songs and arranged them by era, based on the studio albums, so you can quickly see how many songs you're getting from whatever albums you love. Non-LP songs include b-sides and session songs. (Yeah, I was bored at work.) So here are the album-eras of Pearl Jam, followed by the number of songs performed live in this box set:

Ten ......... 12 (eight LP, four non-LP)
Vs. .......... 11 (nine LP, two non-LP)
Vitalogy .... 7
No Code .... 3
Yield ......... 5
Binaural .... 3 (two LP, one non-LP)
Riot Act .... 6 (four LP, two non-LP)
Pearl Jam ... 12
Covers ...... 8
Other ........ 3

Amidst the three long shows, totaling exactly 100 tracks (there are tracks not listed on Amazon for some reason), there are five threepeated songs (Evenflow, Alive, Corduroy, Given to Fly, and Yellow Ledbetter). As you can tell from the tally, it's a good mix of material; not entirely representative of every album, but most likely representative of the albums that the majority of people want to hear (i.e. Ten and Vs.). But all the performances are spot-on and well done by the band, and of course there's a lot of mid-song banter that gives that "realness" to the shows, and makes you feel like you were there even if you weren't. So if you're a fan, there's really no reason not to pick this up.

A couple of side notes: Among the "other" songs is a dual performance of Mother Love Bone's "Crown of Thorns," which they have been playing fairly often in the past few years. I didn't think it fair to consider that a cover song. Also included in the later versions of Yellow Ledbetter is a Hendrix tribute that McCready has been squeezing in in recent shows, which includes excerpts from "Little Wing" and "The Star-spangled Banner," the former of which is covered as a separate track on the last disc.

Pearl Jam is the most important band to emerge in the early 90's and really the only one that has stood the test of time. That is a huge testament to quality of their music, and the best showcase for their music has always been their live performances. Fortunately for us fans, a few years ago the band decided to start releasing their live performances and ever since we have had a wealth of live Pearl Jam to enjoy. Some fans may have already downloaded one or more of the shows included in this set (as I had), but this box set still remains a worthwhile investment, even if you have downloaded the shows. It provides that tactile feel that is missing from downloaded music (although kudos to PJ for including pictures and artwork with the downloads). Plus the sound quality tends to be better. The packaging is similar to the 03 bootlegs with tri-fold cardboard cases containing each of the three shows. The artwork is nice, with the outer covers giving a sense of the natural environment of the Gorge, with the inside containing what appear to be images of the Gorge under construction (?).

The 05 show is contained on Discs 1 - 3. Disc 1 is an acoustic set, similar to the Mansfield set from 03. This particular set list is not as strong as the Mansfield acoustic set, but is still enjoyable and includes Hard to Imagine. Discs 2 and 3 contain the remainder of the show, and a number of rarities including Alone, Sad and Undone. Other notable songs include Dissident, MFC, Not for You, and In My Tree. The only downside of this show is that the attempts to annoy Tom Petty occasionally take away from the music, in my opinion.

Discs 4 and 5 contain the first 06 show and this show is the highlight of the entire box set. A great set list is highlighted by Wash, great performances of Corduroy and Hail Hail, Down, Daughter/It's OK, and Blood. But it is the first encore (Disc 5) that really shines. The band plays through Footsteps, Once, Alive, State of Love and Trust, Crown of Thorns, Leash and Porch without stopping. This is a real treat for fans of older Pearl Jam as these are all classics - but the best is yet to come when they play the rarely played Dirty Frank in the closing set.

Discs 6 and 7 contain the second 06 show and again fans are treated to some gems including God's Dice, In Hiding, Green Disease, Betterman/Save it for Later, the re-worked Garden, Rats, and Whipping. They close with Yellow Ledbetter, to which Mike adds the Star Spangled Banner. Those familiar with the 06 tour know that Mike frequently played the Star Spangled Banner during Yellow Ledbetter, and together with Eddie's vaguely anti-war lyrics, this classic song has taken on a whole new meaning, one that is especially relevant given the current state of affairs in the world.

In summary, Pearl Jam continues to reward their fans by making their live shows available, in one format or another, for reasonable prices. This set is no exception and it highlights the greatest band doing what they do best. A great mix of classic songs, new versions of songs, and rare songs make this set especially attractive. This is a must have.

Pearl Jam have put out so many live records/bootlegs its hard to even count, but these 3 shows from the Gorge will always be considered to be some of their best. I know many PJ fans say these shows were in the top 5 best shows of the bands 2006 tour. Thats saying something because the band is 95% of the time just flat out incredible live. Im sure people have their own opinions about which of these shows was the best. I can just say that if you love their music or are wanting to get into the bands music this is the best place to start. The band sounds so fresh and energetic here. The whole box set sounds amazing and was remastered very well with everything sounding VERY crisp and clean. The setlists cover a wide variety of songs that are just played perfect for the most part. There are very few mistakes or flub ups made by the band during these shows. There is actually only about 3 or 4 that really stick out and with 3 whole shows clocking in over 7 hours that aint bad. The band was most certainly tight during those shows.

The first show recorded on September 1st 2005, not September 5th like the box says, is the second best show of the set in my eyes. The first disc of this show is just incredible and is worth 40 bucks alone. The band opens up with I Believe In Miracles. Ive NEVER heard a version of this song I liked better. Its really the best Ive ever heard, not to mention a lot of other PJ fans can agree. The takes on Low Light, I Am Mine, Crazy Mary, and Black are also some of the best Ive heard. When I was listening to Black on that disc I actually cried! Ive heard the song hundreds of times, but that version did it for me. The only mistake on this disc is where Eddie messes up the lyrics on Off He Goes, but its forgivable and he just laughs it off. I cant forget the awesome version of Hard To Imagine. The band doesnt play this one much, so its certainly a huge plus. Eds voice has never sounded better. Whoever thinks Ed Vedder has lost his pipes should listen to this. The second disc starts off with the only version of Given To Fly I even listen to. I think the song is overplayed, but this one has the energy like no other. Other stong takes on this disc are Last Exit, Save You, Alone, Sad, Not For You, Dissident, and Undone. Some of those songs are hard to come by live and they are played perfect. Ed messes up on Do The Evolution and Insignificance, but I believe he just got too excited. Disc 3 also has a few good versions of Love Boat Captain, Last Kiss, and Blood. Theres the version of I Wont Back Down thats a little rusty, but is played better on the third show of the box set. The September 1st show was a great one. Really an all around perfect live performance.

The second show recorded on July 22nd 2006 is my personal favorite out of the entire box set. It makes my top 10 favorite PJ shows for sure. The setlist, the energy, and the whole vibe is just WOW. Not to mention the show opens up with a killer take on Wash. I havent got the room to type all the great versions on this show because nearly all are great! The ones that stick out the most as being special are Hail Hail, Severed Hand, Unemployable, Black, Insignificance, Life Wasted, and Blood on the first disc. The second disc is the real treat in my eyes. So many awesome songs that are played perfect. Once, Alive now Ed can certainly belt this one out, State of Love and Trust played so sweetly, Leash, Porch, Inside Job, and Go are all just mind blowingly excellent. The performance of Last Kiss is most likely the best Ive heard... ever. I usually dont like the song live, but its really good here. I didnt list Footsteps because this version is in a league of its own. My God, Ed has never sung the song better. It sends little chills through my whole body. Cant forget Dirty Frank, this song isnt played much at all. Its really cool to hear this live. Ed can still sing it good too. This show is just fantastic anyway you can look at it.

The last show from the Gorge Box Set is my least favorite, but is by no means anywhere near bad. Its still incredible, but compared with the other two shows it lacks. The first disc is the best of this show. I love opening up with Severed Hand. Other really great versions are In Hiding where Eds voice sounds great, Marker In The Sand, and Army Reserve sounds better here than on the studio version. This discs last 5 songs are just pure intense energy. Its so good to hear Garden, Jeremy, and Why Go played with so much energy and raw passion. Garden sounds better here than on the studio version for sure. Its another song where Ed sounds better now than he ever has. I cant believe people say the band sounded better in the early 90s. They sound better here to me. The second disc has good takes on Life Wasted, Big Wave, Satans Bed, Alive, and a wicked version of Crazy Mary. So this show can really hold its ground as being awesome too.

If you read all this Im sorry its long, but with 7 whole discs of music theres a lot to cover. I highly recommend this set to anyone who likes rock music or is just a casual PJ fan. You cant beat 7 discs for 40 bucks. This set just shows how great this band is, how talented, and how hard these boys still rock. God, I wish I could have been a teen in the 90s to hear them!

I feel sorry for the seasoned PJ fan, especially the fanatics who buy EVERYTHING! There are many, many, many live PJ cd's out there. They record everything and offer it to the fans. For collectors it has to be hell to keep up. May have to mortgage the house to have them all, but this set is an exception. Even the big fans that dont buy every one (like myself), but buy their studio CD's should have this.

3 shows in their entirety and very raw yet excellent sounding. The crowd sings along to a lot of tracks, which is good for the feel, but can be annoying. Small complaint to an otherwise flawless live set. The set-lists themselves offer a great variety and hit on each disc. A couple extras and fun covers are here too. The packaging is excellent and is cool for collectors.. Songs do repeat in the set, but makes the shows legit.

I really pick my spots to purchase 'Live' CD's, but i have to say that this one is really well done. A no-brainer for PJ fans. And is a decent value for 7-discs if you find it onsale. Even live rock junkies should have this as the band sounds tighter than ever.

All three of these shows pretty much cover all the bases of pearl jam live. All of the hits, some rarities and some great covers. I was at the first Gorge show ('05) and knew right away that I was experiencing one of the great P.J. shows. I didn't even know this set was going to be released and was quite excited to see it on the store shelf and purchased it immediately. If you're a fan of Pearl Jam's albums or of their live show I do not see how you could be disappointed in this collection. This set is also an excellent introduction for the casual fan to Pearl Jam's live show, with three unique set lists to absorb. Recommended!!

Well it's hard to say something bad about this boxset because it's perfect. You get more than 7 hours of live rock music for only $40, great setlists and many rarities.

Sept. 1st 2005
One show = 36 songs, what to say. On first 3 cd's you can find classic songs like "Black", "Small Town", "Even Flow", "Daughter", "State of Love and Trust", "Alive", "Last Kiss", "Betterman", "Yellow Ledbetter"... and many rarities like "Man of the Hour", "Hard to Imagine", "Alone", "Undone", "Crown of Thorns", "Sad"... plus they played 3 great covers "I Believe in Miracles" (Ramones), "I Won't Back Down" (Tom Petty) and "Baba O'Riley" (Who). They also played "Love Boat Captain", song written after Roskilde tragedy in 2000.

July 22nd & 23rd 2006
Last two shows on American Tour in 2006. On these 4 cd's you can hear almost the whole new album they had released in 2006 (selftitled album "Pearl Jam"). Again, like in 2005 they played many rarities like "Mamasan Trilogy" (Footsteps, Once, Alive), "Leash", "Dirty Frank", "Wash", "Down", "God's Dice", "In Hiding", "Garden", "Rats", Jimi Hendrix "Little Wing" and Neil Young "Rockin' in the Free World" and "F*ckin' up" plus many classics...

After all, if you decide to buy this box, trust me, you won't regret because this box is a piece of art.

Notice: tracklisting on Amazon is incorrect:
Sept. 1st 2005: 1st cd has 9 songs, 2nd cd has 17 songs, 3rd cd has 11 songs
July 22nd 2006: 1st cd has 17 songs, 2nd cd has 15 songs
July 23rd 2006: 1st cd has 18 songs, 2nd cd has 13 songs

I don't usually write reviews for music. For whatever reason I'm arrogant enough to feel qualified to critique a novel yet feel that I somehow lack the expertise necessary to properly review music (not being a musician). But I feel compelled to rave about this Pearl Jam boxed set.

I'm a huge Pearl Jam fan and this 7 disc live set (3 concerts at the Gorge in Washington State) is an exceptional compilation. Like most PJ fans, I have my share of bootlegs (both authorized and unauthorized) from throughout their career but these three concerts are among their best ever. The 7 discs provide excellent coverage of all of their studio albums and popular B-sides and rarities. There are also some rarely played tunes that appear on these albums and some great covers.

What really makes this album stand out though is how clear it is that the band is having a great time and how fully engaged the audience is.

If you are not familiar with Pearl Jam or if you forgot about them after the 90's grunge phenomena faded, this 7 disc set is the perfect way to experience them. They've kept making albums and their sound has evolved. Pearl Jam is a band best experienced live and this boxed set is a great sampler of their music, played as it should be heard - live. (Next to a 1994 Atlanta concert bootleg that I have, these concert recordings are probably the best that I have - and as a set they are incredible).


If you listen to Live at Gorge, you'll be left asking yourself one question. "How can one band be so good?" I don't know the answer to the question. They just are.

If you're a more casual fan though, this might not be your cup of tea. Why do I begin on this negative note? Simple. I'm a Pearl Jam fan and I loved this set but 7 discs worth is a hell of a lot of music to go through. I also begin on this note because there are some repeat tracks and the casual fan will probably get annoyed at this not to mention that there are two tracks that had some major musical screw ups. Some music fans would probably hiss at that while I find it endearing as do most hard core fans. You see, I don't know about other Pearl Jam fans but to me, this is a relationship I've nurtured since I was about 12 or 13. 15 years later I'm as enthused as ever with this band. True you hear people say Eddie's voice is shot, the band is not the same etc etc but to people like me, we don't care because odds are we've seen them live and know for a fact that neither is true. So tracks are repeated. So they mess up in a couple of songs. I still have this as my favorite band ever and I'm sure I'm not the only one. If you're a rabid fan, you should really check this out and if you have a long as hell project to do, pop 3, 4 or all 7 cd's into a player and whistle and headbang while you work. As for people thinking Eddie's voice is shot, i can say it's not the same as 1991, but saying it's shot or bad seems a bit biased. That would be a comment from the same people that say Pearl Jam hasn't made a decent record since Vs. and I'm pretty sure you can imagine what a die hard fan would think of anyone who said such blasphemy, but hey, you're entitled to your opinion, and I'm entitled to enjoy my $40 worth of Pearl Jam. If you need a Pearl Jam binge, by all means dig in, but if you prefer to nibble, consider this as a gift to a psycho PJ fan, if they haven't bought it already.

Make no mistake about it, the studio efforts from this group present the initial readings of their songs. But none of them come to life with the same urgency, warts and all, as they do in a live context.
I like Live CDs for the same reason that I like live shows - there is an energy there that is never in the studio, and that's what music is about in any discipline. You absolutely need a dialectic between the audients and the musicians, both actively engaged, for anything like Music to lean over and take all and everyone into its confidence. LSO in the classical world do only live CDs and they are always among the best each year.
In the case of Pearl Jam, they are meant to be heard live and certainly few other artists give you so much in quantity and quality. That said, I wouldn't suggest listening to these straight through. You'd be better served with a significant break between each date. The initial September show is spectacular - one of their very best. The succeeding July shows are each enthusiastic roars for the home town crowd, and there is an abundance of commitment from both sides of the mic on display. I can hardly wait for blu-ray editions of this Band's work.
I have no favourites among the discs or the songs, they are all delivered witha sense of urgency. The musicianship is stellar throughout. Yet each time I hear them do Young's "Rocking in the Free World" I sincerely wish that they would collaborate again. There is an absolutely hillarious anecdote that Vedder tells on the Sepetmeber disc, but we'll leave that for you to discover.
All in all, a constant trajectory of superb performances continues from thsi band, and no matter how many times I hear them do a particular song, I seem to find something else interesting in each performance.