The Legend Of Pearl Jam
June 13th, 2010
Hailed as the most popular rock and roll band of the 1990s, Pearl Jam remains one of the music scene’s demi-gods as shown by music merch sales. This, despite the insistence of the band members in standing up for oft-controversial issues related to ethics and politics. As a result, one magazine has asserted that the band has spent too much time deliberately hacking away at its own fame.
Fortunately, the band has attained legendary status amongst its fans and music lovers. Today, the current band members, Eddie Vedder on lead vocals and guitar, Jeff Ament on bass guitar, Stone Gossard on rhythm guitar, Mike McCready on lead guitar and Matt Cameron on drums, continue to make music that millions still jam to.
All Time Favorite Discography
While other artists from the 90s have paled, Pearl Jam continues to shine. This is only natural considering that the band has been able to sell a whooping 60 million albums around the world. One secret to the enduring quality of the band’s music is the wide scope that song themes revolve around. People from all walks of life can relate to the music.
Currently, Pearl Jam is credited with a full twenty-eight singles, six live albums, two compilations and nine studio albums. The band’s prolific nature is made more apparent when one considers the numerous music collaborations it has had. Some of the notable artists that have worked with the band include Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden and Mother Love Bone.
The 9 studio albums with their release year are as follows: Ten (1991), Vs. (1993), Vitalogy (1994), No Code (1996), Yield (1998), Binaural (2000), Riot Act (2002), Pearl Jam (2006) and Backspacer (2009).
Diverse Musical Influences
Fans of Pearl Jam can always expect something new from the band and yet still evocative of the spirit that makes the band what it is. With each new release, the band broadens to experiment with and influences other musical styles but without losing its essence as a band with decidedly classic rock and punk rock influences of its own.
The variety of influences can clearly be noticed across the band’s albums. Ten is strongly alternative rock while No Code is considered more Garage Rock. Vitalogy evinces a noticeable punk rhythm. Yield belongs more to the category of rock and roll while Binaural is more within the realm of art rock. Riot Act is perhaps the most unusual with elements of folk rock. The band’s self titled album is more definitive because of its return to the alternative influence. Backspacer is perhaps the most in tune with popular culture and music.
Because of the band’s variety of music quality, the band’s influence also encompasses bands from different genres. Bands that reflect Pearl Jam’s work include alternative band Silverchair, rock band The Strokes and post grunge band Puddle of Mud. More bands influenced by the group are perhaps currently in the works.
But their legacy does not only extend to the music industry. Eddie Vedder has used and continues to use the band’s popularity to espouse social and political causes like pro-choice, environment and wildlife protection, awareness of Chrohn’s disease, voter registration and participation, and charities.
With all that Pearl Jam has been up to, it’s clear that they have proven that rock performers are not all self-centered or concerned only about fame. This is what makes the band special and worthy of putting on a pedestal or at least on hundreds of band posters.
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