July 21, 2011

Pearl Jam Still Have It

I was a college radio disc jockey back in the early 90s. It was a cool time in music and a very cool time in my musical evolution as I went from being a metal head with pop sensibilities to being turned on to bands like The Wonder Stuff.

I was the first one to grab the album Ten from this new buzz band called Pearl Jam. I checked out a few bits of some tracks and decided to play "Even Flow". I got right into these guys. I had a ticket to see them at the Concert Hall in Toronto - they'd never play a venue that small in T.O. again - and had to sell it off since my own band had a gig in Peterborough. I did get a chance to see them at Lollapalooza 2 with such great acts as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Ministry. Pearl Jam were awesome, with Eddie climbing the lighting rig and stopping a song because someone was down in the pit.  And then there was my friend, who I saw coming over a hill after Ministry's set with his broken glasses in his hand, his white t-shirt smeared with dirt and a large, clear doc marten boot print in the middle of the chest - and, of course, a great big smile on his face.

Thinking of Lollapalooza 2, does anyone remember an act called Sharkbait? They were this crazy act that passed out paint cans and drumsticks and assorted shit to bang on and we all chanted "We love you cuz you keep on crushing" until the energy was amped up so high. Then they had everyone stop and "put your hands in the air" and chill out. I seem to remember body painted boys and girls on stage, too. Very wild. There were lots of people around, but my buddy and I are the only ones who seem to remember seeing this act. Maybe it was the brown acid, or lack thereof.

That's a pretty long intro to say that I really like the tune "The Fixer" from Pearl Jam's most recent album Backspacer. You've probably heard it, and maybe you should hear it again. If you haven't heard it, check it out.



And here's a video of PJ on Jools