Division 3 Round 4bg: Sad vs. Strangest Tribe

The sitting by a small fire during a winter storm atmosphere of Strangest Tribe is great, but Sad is no slouch in that department either--gloomy, sad, full of self-pity. It's equally perfect for its song. And Sad's got that great opening riff and that wonderful transition into the final chorus ('if just one wish could bring her back...'). It's just the better song.

Sad

The recording of Strangest Tribe is just sooo good.

I like a lot about Strangest Tribe, but I just don't think it stands up against Sad.

A big part of my musical taste is based on visceral and emotional responses. While i think Sad has good energy and feel, Strangest Tribe is on a whole other plane.

This matchup is really going to piss me off, I think. Team Strangest Tribe.

I'm the same.

But for me it swings the other way. Sad is a gut punch that snagged me at first listen. Strangest Tribe is lovely and haunting, one of he best recordings (talking sound/production/etc) in the band's catalog. But it was a grower for me.

I will say that Strangest Tribe has climbed incredibly high over the years and Sad is starting to fall a bit. I could see this swinging by the next Madness. But today, I vote for Sad. And I hate that I have to chose.

Two songs that represent the best things this band is capable of. Team "Strangest Tribe" though.

I won't be sad if Sad wins this matchup (which I think it easily will), I think it is a wonderful song. There is just something about Strangest Tribe. I think Ed sounds as good on Strangest Tribe as he does on any song in the entire catalog.

Team Tribe

Alright, I gave them both a listen. I've converted to Strangest Tribe.

"Sad" is great but "Strangest Tribe" is top 10 stuff for me. A perfect song that I am never not in the mood to hear.

Sad has my temporary vote. Need to think about this one some more. These grab me in such different ways. Tribe is just sublime.

I spun the vinyl single of Tribe this year while the wife and I decorated the tree for Christmas. She was all like, "uh, what is this?" And I was all, "Pearl Jam. What else?" And she was like, "we don't listen to this song enough."

Then you plowed.
Merry Christmas.

This one is tough. At first, I voted "Sad", but I went and listened to the songs and changed my vote to "Strangest Tribe".

Now you are being sensible.

This is becoming a reoccurring theme but Sad is still up by a nearly 2:1 margin.

we're at the point where i've started listening before I vote in a lot of cases.