11/11/02

PEARL JAM / RIOT ACT

The fact that Pearl Jam are still going after all these years is testament enough to their longevity and talent, after all there are no other bands around from the original Grunge period still going.

This can be born down to two facts, they are good musicians and good songwriters, the first single "I Am Mine" is a statement of intent and shows off well the understated style of their ability to pen an interesting tune and still ROCK. There is plenty of light and shade here and a very good blues song called "1/2 Full" that is worthy of either of the Kings, BB or Albert, mostly they take their lead from Neil Young and the Mirrorball collaboration from a few years ago springs to mind.

This is a good follow up to 2000’s Binaural and in some respects surpasses it, it certainly has more Rock in it and Eddy and the guys pick up the pace a treat on "Save You", "Ghost", "Green Disease" and "You Are". This is not just a band going through the motions it is a classic band still relevant and functioning well in the 21st Century.

TOTAL PLAYING TIME = 54 mins + 15 TRACKS