Embracing my inner Rob Gordon

Thanks to my friend Doug for providing the idea for the blog tonight. On my Facebook page, he asked me to "give me the top 5 Pearl Jam albums, in order. Explanations would be nice, but not necessary." I think that is simple enough. Channeling the protagonist of High Fidelity, here goes, from 5 to 1. Keep in mind that the answer may change following the release of Backspacer in September, if the album is as good as everyone seems to think it is.

5. Pearl Jam (2006)—This album is also known as "Avocado" among fans, so named for the piece of fruit on the front. It was an album of new beginnings in many ways: a first album after their contract with Epic Records had expired, a return to making videos and the top of the album charts. This album makes the list because it’s just a good record. There really isn’t a bad song on the album, and it marks the first album where everyone contributed lyrics to the song. Oh, and Matt Cameron sings backup for the most of the record. It’s the group at their most artistically sound and mature.

4. Live at Benaroya Hall (2003)—Before you go any further, I didn’t break any kind of rule. Doug asked for the best five albums. This is the product of a show played for Seattle area charity YouthCare at the home of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. It’s a 2 and ½ hour show done acoustically that spans the bands career. It provides some funny moments (guitarist Mike McCready thought the Kiss song said “I wanna rock and roll all night and part of every day”), but also an amazing version of the song “Black.” To be honest with you, the rest of the album could suck completely, but based on that version of the song alone, I would still have this on the list.

3. Vs. (1993)—The second album, the one set sales records that stood for years. If you thought this would end up at #2, you were wrong. It’s a great album, showcasing a band coming to terms with blowing up overnight, and just beginning to realize their full potential. It’s also the first one recorded out of the shadow of Mother Love Bone. Don’t get me wrong, if you were looking for a continuation of Ten, you won’t be disappointed. The song "W.M.A." also marks the start of the band making political commentary through their music. A consistent effort.

2. Ten (1991; remastered 2009)—Please contain your shock. I know that everyone thinks this is the no-brainer #1. Well, you are all wrong. I’m not saying I don’t think it’s a classic album, because I do. I would argue it’s one of the seminal albums of my generation. It’s just not the best. It’s a band in their infancy, trying to find their way together, as a band, after the death of Andrew Wood. In fact, the whole album sits in his shadow. Eddie is trying to prove he’s no Andy, and the band is trying to prove they can make it without him. Yes, the songs are classics, but it’s just a first album. If you want to listen to a better version of this, check out the 2009 remastered version. It’s producer Brendan O’Brien’s take on things at the band’s request, done with reverence and really not providing too drastic of an overhaul.

1. Vitalogy (1994)—I know what all of you are thinking. How did this album make it to #1 on the list. Easy, it was recorded when everyone was getting pissed off at one another. Over the course of the recording of this album, drummer Dave Abbruzese began the path followed by many successful musicians: getting to big for the band, and ultimately getting the boot. Also, Stone has said in more than one interview, that the tension between the other members of the group almost lead to it being their final album. What comes out the sessions for this album as a result is some good music. Also, it marks an artistic left turn for the group, as they began to experiment a little more with their songs, a trend that would continue on later albums. The fact that the band would have the courage to potentially throw it all away for the risk of evolving puts this album at the top of the list.

Well, I hope this answers the questions and as a bonus, provides a little insight.