Reliving the Legend of Pearl Jam
By extra. Filed in Art & Photography |
There’s no question that the 1990s gave us one of the most popular rock and roll bands in history. It was in this decade that we first heard of the music of the would be legend, Pearl Jam. Thanks to the band member’s outstanding talent and artistry, their popularity and music merch sales haven’t dimmed. This is despite the fact that they have made controversial stands in relation to social and political issues.
One other explanation behind the band’s enduring quality is its strong following and fan base. Millions continue to listen to Eddie Vedder on lead vocals and guitar, Matt Cameron on drums, Stone Gossard on rhythm guitar, Jeff Ament on bass guitar and Mike McCreedy on lead guitar.
Discography Worth Jamming To
With impressive album sales of 60 million worldwide, Pearl Jam definitely has staying power over its contemporaries from the 1990s. This comes as no surprise as its songs are as relevant today as it was 20 years ago, the themes touching on subjects ranging from the personal to the social and political.
At present, Pearl Jam has 9 studio albums, 2 compilation albums and 6 live albums with 28 singles and several official bootlegs to its name. It must be noted that the number does not include numerous collaborations with other bands like Soundgarden, Mother Love Bone, and Temple of the Dog, to name a few.
The nine studio albums span two decades, Ten in 1991, Vs in 1993, Vitalogy in 1994, No Code in 1996, Yield in 1998, Binaural in 2000 Riot Act in 2002, Pearl Jam in 2006 and Backspacer in 2009.
Diverse Musical Influences
There is no doubt that the band has its own unique and noticeable mark. Most hardcore fans would know though that it is difficult to pin Pearl Jam entirely on one category. Although the group is generally considered a classical or punk rock band, they have successfully fused a number of musical elements from different genres.
The variety of influences can clearly be noticed across the band’s albums. Ten is strongly alternative rock while No Code is considered more Garage Rock. Vitalogy evinces a noticeable punk rhythm. Yield belongs more to the category of rock and roll while Binaural is more within the realm of art rock. Riot Act is perhaps the most unusual with elements of folk rock. The band’s self titled album is more definitive because of its return to the alternative influence. Backspacer is perhaps the most in tune with popular culture and music.
The band’s influence on other bands is impressive, too. Bands ranging from Silverchair (alternative rock) and Puddle of Mudd (post-grunge) to The Strokes (rock) cite Pearl Jam as their prime inspiration. Plus, there is also the fact that fans, called Jamily, have an almost cult-like adoration for the band and its music.
The great thing about the group is that its members are more than just rock musicians. They are also highly involved members of society. Eddie Vedder in particular has openly used his popularity as leverage when speaking out about such concerns as wildlife protection, Chrohn’s disease and voter registration.
Pearl Jam continues to demolish the image that rock stars are wasted individuals in search of fame and fortune, often with no regard to their surroundings. And with music worthy to jam to through the generations, we may have just found for ourselves the band to worship at the altar of music or at the very least on band posters.
Tags: band posters, music merch, Pearl Jam
