To my ears "Upper Hand" is the most original, unique-sounding thing on the record. I love the chords and melody, especially what Eddie does with the word "hand" when the band drops out. There's something so effective about how this melody supports the emotional message of the song -- just really intentional, artful songwriting. The first song on the album that feels like an unqualified A+ to me.

I like "Setting Sun," but it feels comprised of more familiar elements, and along with "Waiting For Stevie" is one of the DM songs that seems to be achieving early fan-favorite status but is sitting kind of middle-of-the-pack for me.

Two great songs but Upper Hand just covers more territory ... it's like a stroll through their entire catalog

Winner of this takes the bracket.

But it will be close against WFS

Setting Sun but i absolutely adore both tracks.

Trouble is I fucked it up again with an Upper Hand vote. I think its my favourite song on the album though. I think.

Or is the sun setting on Upper Hand?

Upper Hand for me.

That should sway the remaining voters.

Ooh. I just broke a tie.

Upper Hand for the Pink Floyd guitar break in the middle.

Ohh crap. Leaving this open for one hour. Close again at 9

There’s no way this should be a tie. Setting Sun all the way

This is like choosing to save one child over the other.


I went with Setting Sun because It has my favorite moment on the whole album. The magic of the climax dropping off into the ringing A note, just before the “let us not fade”, is unbeatable. It’s the first time Pearl Jam made me tear up in decades.

I agree but Upper Hand is pretty damn awesome.

Setting Sun takes it in a squeaker