What is now becoming common place when I listen to his albums, the first listen I am both elated he’s put out some really excellent stuff, and then I am pissed off that these directions and risks aren’t captured in Pearl Jam albums. This is a very good album, but really, this convinces me even more that the new formula for Pearl Jam needs to be Jeff lays down a sonic structure and demo, Stone lays guitar parts and possibly lyrics, Ed refines the lyrics, sings, and gets out of the way.

Folks, given what we got with 2 fantastic Jeff solo albums since 2019, and what came out of Painted Shield, Jeff and Stone need to take their band back. (FYI, exhibit C is the Matter of Time EP, which is goofy one off songs that had no impact, a very solid Springsteen cover that is the only thing I go back to, and some acoustic Pearl Jam songs). I am not discounting that Ed could come up with great things, but the creative energy of Jeff and Stone right now are what would work for Pearl Jam right now.

Okay, rant over. Love the new Jeff album.

Stone has been suspect since LTRP

I liked Buckle Up, and pretty much all of Painted Shield. Granted Moonlander was 10 years ago but that was also really good. Also, I still like Let the Records Play.

*Since after the first 9 seconds of LTRP

After a first listen, yeah i really like this one. It up there with Heaven Hell for me in terms of his best solo work, but this one feels even more cohesive.

Dead Ends should have been a pj song for sure. And Sweet Boy maybe too.

I thought on first listen at least 3/4 of the songs could have been worked up by Pearl Jam.

I order the vinyl on this one, but I am waiting on the more expensive Flag Day Soundtrack.

Yeah, im thinking i might buy it too.

It also sounds really good.

Really loving the songs, I just can’t get into Jeff’s vocals

Maybe the band will take some of his songs and rework them for PJ (ie. Sleeping By Myself)

They seem to only go back for Ed´s songs.

Lightmoves is very similar to some stuff he made, but its pretty cool. I really like the final minute.

Stip?

i have been listening to this one all day, and fuck i adore it.

Yeah I really like this album. I would even go as far as saying that it is way more interesting than anything PJ has put out since RA. And it's one of those albums that you know is only going to sound better on second and third listen. The last time this happened to me was with the Purple Mountains album though this is not quite as good as that one.

I understand that not everybody like Jeff's vocals, but at the same time I really couldn't see Ed singing these songs either, I don't think the style of music here really suits his voice/vocal delivery. I keep hearing a lot of 70's, 80's and 90's alternative influences in this and I think Jeff's vocals are fine if you judge them from that perspective - how you don't need to be the greatest singer as long as you got the passion and you take creative chances.

PRAMG PJ just sounds boring and safe compared to this. Bravo Jeff.

I listened to the first three songs.

Pretty unremarkable stuff.

'Promising local band' energy.

I love Bandwith.

great interview, full of insights about the new album and PJ. This guys is fucking awesome.

https://www.kerrang.com/features/pearl-jams-jeff-ament-on-life-loss-and-his-most-personal-solo-album-yet/

Jeff's great and all, but this new album does nothing for me.

Same with his other solo stuff.

So my far my favs are:

Lightmoves
I Hear Ya
Bandwidth
For The Ones
Life
Dead Ends
Sweet Boy

Sorry guys, he still can't sing. Just sayin. I thought I would like this record based on everything he talked about, but I just can't get past his voice. Same problem i've had for years with all his releases.

Same. LOVE what he brings to the band, but i just can't get into this stuff.