Pearl Jam - The Fixer [Single]
 

Pearl Jam are not a fashionable band to like, let alone love. In fact, one of my closest friends counts Pearl Jam amongst his favourite bands and he gets nothing but stick for it from all sides. Dig a little deeper and you'll find the roots of a classic rock band firmly in place. The hit debut, the experimental period, the late period comeback and the fervent, worldwide live following pay testament to a band who have weathered more than most and have come out the other side practically unharmed.

'The Fixer' marks Pearl Jam's return to the more rooted, classic feel of their esteemed debut album 'Ten' and as such will no doubt go some way towards pleasing the fair-weather fans. Hardened 'jammers' who may see this as a step back needn't worry though, this is an exciting, propulsive and melodic little gem that might not set the world on fire but does raise expectations for the new album (named 'Backspacer' and expected to drop towards the end of September).

A barnstorming, E-Street band shaped stomper with all the energy and schizophrenic melodic sensibility of a much younger bands debut release, there is more to enjoy here than I have heard from a Pearl Jam single in at least 10 years. The sharp, sparkling pianos, grinding guitars and the life affirming, lighters aloft chorus add weight to a song that on first listen may seem a little slight.

When all is said and done 'The Fixer' is a perfectly balanced pop song, something I doubt even Pearl Jam's most dedicated fans could attest to the band pulling off with this much conviction before now. If the album is this much fun it may be time for the band to shrug off that 'step-fathers of grunge' burden once and for all.

Re: Pearl Jam - The Fixer [Single]
 

Dude on the left is rocking the red hair.

Is Pearl Jam's back catalogue worth checking out?

Re: Pearl Jam - The Fixer [Single]
 

from my experience they are one of those bands whose albums are always a little hit and miss.... so it's hard to recommend any specific albums. Steer clear of the last one they released though, from what i remember it was utter pants.

Re: Pearl Jam - The Fixer [Single]
 

Ten is a great album. In a time where people were trying to force me into either liking Nivana or Pearl Jam, 10 made me like both (I was already a massive Nirvana fan)

Re: Pearl Jam - The Fixer [Single]
 

Every album is amazing!!!! Listen to every single one! As for live albums... you don't have to listen to them if you don't want to listen to millions of live albums.

By the way awesome review!!! I can't wait for this album

Re: Pearl Jam - The Fixer [Single]
 

Will definitely give them a shot then.

Re: Pearl Jam - The Fixer [Single]
 

I never saw it personally. A few really good songs though.

Re: Pearl Jam - The Fixer [Single]
 

Okay, okay. Time to weigh in. I've got the first, uh... hold on... (counts) eight albums. I've seen Pearl Jam three times, once during each of the abovementioned periods, and they've been absolutely great every time. They also tend to have amazing opening acts (Buzzcocks, Sonic Youth, and some other great band).

If you're at all into early-90s rock, Ten and Vitalogy are must-haves. If you're an indy-enthusiast curious about this band, grab No Code (my handle on many sites--nullsignal--is a derivation of this title). If you like what you hear, the next two to pick up are Vs. and Yield, respectively. If you really like what you hear, go ahead and look for more. They've been around for a long time for a good reason.

By the way, it makes me feel absurdly old that people like Jack are going "Are these guys good?" I mean, dude, that's like asking "Was Bruce's youth worthwhile?" Yes. These guys were good. They're still good. But get the old stuff first.

Re: Pearl Jam - The Fixer [Single]
 

Thing is though Bruce it just shows that sites like this need to help feed this good music to the next generation at the same time taking their best music from them. In all honesty no one does that better than Altsounds either. Talking about the latest band on one hand then letting the world know about how good the new Willie Nelson record is.

Re: Pearl Jam - The Fixer [Single]
 

Thanks man, i can comfortably say i have never heard of any of the bands mentioned above! I know who Peal Jam are i have just never listened to them properly, think a few of my mates grew up on them.