What are your thoughts on the new Pearl Jam album, Dark Matter? Let me know down below! Wreckage Song Review: kzread.info/dash/bejne/l6SqraSTZ7mWgbA.html Running Song Review: kzread.info/dash/bejne/nX9smsSDaanPibw.html

@_Listen_to_Solar_Kama_Sutra

3 ай бұрын

I was a longtime fan and they were my favorite band for years. I saw them in Vegas for their 10th anniversary show. The album is one of the worst albums I've ever heard in my life. By track 6 I had to turn it off. I won't finish listening to it.

Wonderfully said review! I think this album is amongst the greats

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

It’s looking like an all timer from PJ so far.

Just bought my CD copy today from Amazon!

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Mine is on the way. Enjoy your copy!

@DylanTheCDCollector

3 ай бұрын

@@TheCDGuyJZ I’m getting mine in tomorrow

love your tool shirt , great songs on the list

I stayed up last night to listen to this album, and what can i say, it was worth it! Im with you on the best album since Backspacer bandwagon. This album drew me in and held my interest the way Gigiton failed to and its a far more consistent listen than Lightning Bolt. Very melodic album too, which kinda suprised me, and i have to say i think Mike McCready steels the show, greatest guitar work all over this album! My favorite track also remains to be Wreckage. I also like Scarred of Fear, Won't Tell, Dark Matter Running, Got to Give, and Setting Sun.... Something Special was easily my least favorite track... all in all its a great album!

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Great stuff for sure. This album is able to capture high energy and melodic tracks in a way that still feels fresh and consistent

Honestly, I was kind of shocked the first time I heard it. I was expecting a decent album but not it to be the best PJ album since the late 90's. I can't wait to hear all of it live!

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Agreed. As some of the singles were dropped my expectations went up higher.

I love this album i love it nice review my friend

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Thanks! Enjoy the new album! 👍

@dinovanjak987

3 ай бұрын

I will my friend take care

PJ are my favorite band. Youre wearing a Tool shirt which is maybe my second and Im from Queens and a die hard Met fan and you have a pennant in the background...automatic subscribe lol. As for the album im loving it. As a 40 year old the lyrics especially and maturity of the sound but with a fresh energy feels perfect for where im at in life right now and i guess paralel them as a band. Tough to rank it at the moment right now but am just happy with it. Great review. You got a new follower!

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Haha awesome! Welcome to the channel! Glad you’re enjoying the album… definitely a very mature, well thought out record. Let’s go Mets! ⚾️

Really enjoying the album. The slower songs are the first ones for a while that dont have me reaching for the off button. Have ordered it on red, yellow and black vinyl.

Waiting For Stevie is the best song!!!

@henryhill6637

Ай бұрын

I love that song , wreckage , something has to give and I'm the only one holding on my favorite

i liked it but a little over produced. better than their last two in my opinion. nothing will top their 90's records though lol

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

There 90s stuff is untouchable for sure. I’ve seen a lot of people unhappy with the production.

It sounds *amazing.* Incredible production. Great playing. I gave it an *8.5* out of 10 as well! Really, REALLY strong album all the way through.

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Completely agree 💯

Love your take, I can’t wait to hear these tracks live, they left so many songs open to play with live… I love it! 8.5 is solid!

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Most of these songs are going to sound perfect live. The big sound on this record feels like it was made to be played live.

@FalahSaleh817

3 ай бұрын

I feel the same way, can’t wait for both Vegas and both Boston shows…. Hope they are just as amazing as both Fort Worth shows were in 2023!

Likewise, I listened on Spotify, since my CD is being delivered later today. I'm impressed and can't wait to get the CD and hear the higher quality sound.

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

My copy just arrived today… can’t wait to crank it!

Great review… i really think its the best since backspacer for sure

Solid release. Right there with you on the 8.5. Best album since Avocado IMO.

@johnjcpa

3 ай бұрын

Agreed...

I'm saving the album for another couple days until my vacation! I'll download it from Spotify in highest quality and binge it for ten days! 🥳🥳🥳

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Nice! Have a great vacation! 🤘

@dimitar297

3 ай бұрын

The host is overweight and stupid hair.

@TheCDGuyJZ

2 ай бұрын

Hey this is the host… You wish you had 1/5 of the courage to put yourself out there on the internet. Get out of my comment section with your middle school level “insults.”

Great review, CD Guy! I wasn't that impressed with Dark Matter on first listen, however, I like a lot more played out loud on speakers. I feel like Gigaton had more stand out tracks, but I like Dark Matter better as a whole album. The songs feels cohesive and tight. Lyrically, some songs I can't really get into, mostly Waiting for Stevie and React/Respond (but, musically, they were fun). Overall, a great effort from PJ that I'll be listening to frequently this spring and summer. It has a nice classic rock feel, and some tracks that give me a nice Soundgarden vibe (Dark Matter), and clear Tom Petty influence (Wreckage).

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

This album is definitely meant to be cranked on good speakers. I didn’t notice the soundgarden influence on Dark Matter at first, but now I totally see it.

@christopherlawler9417

3 ай бұрын

@@TheCDGuyJZ I was feeling Down on the Upside vibes the first time I heard the single Dark Matter. It was fun envisioning Cornell singing it.

I was reading the credits on the album sleeve and it doesn’t show Boom Gaspar on it, keyboards played by Josh Klinghoffer that used to play with the RHCP.

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Wow no Boom on this album… Will he still be touring with them?

@joaopintojr6780

3 ай бұрын

@@TheCDGuyJZ not sure, but Josh is.

I've only listened to the new album 3 times Your review is nice. This isn't as grand as rigatoni and isn't as special as lighting bolt. It has the energy of backspace. Andrew Watt is credited as Co author so in a way this album is a collaboration.

Been listening to Pearl Jam All week! The back catalogue is so good. I just put together an album worth of songs that were not on previous albums and even that is awesome! Seriously make a playlist of below songs on spotify or whatever you use, would have made a great album! 1) The Long Road 2) Breath 3) Alone 4) State Of Love And Trust 5) Down 6) Hard To Imagine 7) Fatal 8) Sad 9) Get It Back 10) I Got Id 11) Yellow Ledbetter

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Awesome list of favorites… my favorite PJ song is probably Garden

This album blew me away on first listen. Every track on here is solid. This is their best album since Yield in my opinion and I've enjoyed many of the albums that came after it.

Wreckage floored me. Reminds me of Fast Car by Tracy Chapman.

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

I can definitely hear the similarities. Great song!

Best one since 2006 for me

The band's performance makes this record FAR better than "since Backspacer". This is best since 2006, probably even between 2000 and 2003. As someone who does a bit of production on music, it's the production here that prevents it from being ranked even higher for me. Drums sound iffy on some tracks, guitars are too loud in the mix on the heavier songs, and the compression is pushed way too hard. That aside, the material is incredible. Vedder is singing with passion he hasn't had in quite some time.

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

I’m no producer, so I can only speak in layman’s terms… to the untrained ear, I thought the album sounded great. Agreed that Eddie’s delivery was on point. Definitely one of their best of the 21st century.

@sashlipinski7034

3 ай бұрын

@@TheCDGuyJZ It comes down to letting things breathe more. If you had the exact same songs, but with a production of let's say "Yield", the difference would be astonishing, the biggest impact would be the drums. Production here is far too harsh, especially the heavier songs where the dynamics are lost. Once you get a trained ear for it, you pick up things like that immediately. The great thing is, the material is so strong, it's forgivable, and yes, most people wouldn't get the difference unless they had 2 versions in front of them. Cheers

Wreckage is my favorite because of the guitar play, i listened to it the most so far. The other songs I listened twice, there ok but so far they didn't knock me out. MCready and Ament are probably the best on these songs. I miss Gossard composing the music. Vedder is ok, Cameron is ok I probably will give more listens, but I think the Album is C+ in grade.

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

I’ve probably listened to wreckage the most so far too. McCready is such a great player… always great to hear him let loose and rip an awesome solo… he has a few really good ones on this album.

I see Something Special being a big live sing a long type song at shows. If you can afford to go.

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Definitely could be a great live song. I wanted to see them on this tour, but ticket prices are insane… maybe they’ve come down a bit since, but I haven’t checked lately.

I knew it would be good as I've been saying for years that Pearl Jam has never made a bad album, but this exceeded my expectations. Definitely in the top 5 of their catalog, and may very well be the second best album of the year.

@dewiwilliams4821

3 ай бұрын

I cant rank the albums as 1,2,3 etc, but I can categorise them, and imo this album is on top shelf with Ten, Vs and Yield. I also adore Vitalogy, No Code, Riot act and Gigaton but they all have slight flaws which puts them in a different bracket. Then there are the other 4 in which there still songs I love but not as plentiful. Binaural will always have a place in my heart despite not being the strongest. I don't think they ever made a bad record, but I do think there was a steep drop off in quality after Riot act 2002 and that there was steady improvement in each album since, culminating in this latest record which in my opinion is their best since Yield, 26 years ago.

@dewiwilliams4821

3 ай бұрын

What's the best album of the year in your opinion then? Be worth me checking it out

@michaelharrison6263

3 ай бұрын

@@dewiwilliams4821 Invincible Shield, so far.

@dewiwilliams4821

3 ай бұрын

@michaelharrison6263 Thanks, will check it out 👍

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Glad you’re enjoying it so much. Fantastic album.

I really like it. I am a huge PJ fan...BUT...all my favourite albums and songs come between 1991 and 2002, their first 7 albums over an 11 year period. Its these records that earned PJ their legendary status, but they then went into legacy mode, with only 3 abums over next 18 years, none of which are close to great and only have a few songs worth going back to. They have always been great live, but that 18 year period was a long barren spell and I thought they were done making great records. Then Gigaton came along and there was a spark of inspiration and a revitalised energy, I really liked it and I really hoped they would step it up again for the follow up. They blew me away with Dark matter. 😊

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Their 90s stuff is iconic. I wasn’t a huge fan of Binarual, Riot Act, or Lightning Bolt. Gigaton was absolutely a step in the right direction and this album is their best in years.

@dewiwilliams4821

3 ай бұрын

@TheCDGuyJZ yeah Binaural is weakest of first 7 records. I like it but it's number 7 out of 7 in terms of this era. I do think Riot Act is under appreciated though. Depending on age, I think some people forget or don't know just how much the world changed over 9/11 in 2001. Riot act perfectly captures this in my opinion. It's tones and atmosphere are a reflection of the times. Cropduster is an amazing song which still resonates with me to this day, and is a great example of what I am trying to get across. Its themes musically and lyrically are about paradigm shifts, your world getting flipped upside down it is as disorientating as the the world was. I am mine, love boat captain, Ghost, save you, thumbing my way, get right, you are, green disease, 1/2 full, all or none, I could listen to these songs time and time again. Not arguing this album has to be appreciated, just think you may come back to it with a different perspective at some point. Anyway, love your passion bro and thanks for covering my favourite band 👍

@christopherlawler9417

3 ай бұрын

@@dewiwilliams4821 YES! Thank you for commenting on Riot Act and its connection to that period of time. I was 23 when Riot Act came out and I agree that this album really comments very well on how much the world changed at that time. I also feel it’s a bit under appreciated. Binaural is my least revisited PJ album, I usually just go back to listen to Breakerfall and Grievance, but overall it’s not their most memorable work. But much like AIC, PJ has never put out a bad album in my opinion.

@dewiwilliams4821

3 ай бұрын

​@TheCDGuyJZ hey bro, just wanted to say I went back to backspacer and it is better than I give it credit for. Still can't stand gonna see my friend or Johnny guitar, and still think if you split PJ albums in to 3 tiers of 4 albums, Backspacer would be in bottom 4. Ten, Vs, Yield, Dark matter. Vitalogy, No code, Riot act, Gigaton. Binaural, Avocado, Backspacer, Lighting bolt.

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

@@dewiwilliams4821 Glad it grew on you! Just Breathe and The End are Classic PJ tracks IMO

Hi fellas , i got my pre-ordered Deluxe CD/Blu Ray edition of Dark Matter form DHL , i am listening to CD on my audiophile music set now ( Quad Stereo 909 Power Amplfier - Quad twenty four pre amp - Marantz CD 60 cd player , and Definitive BP 2004 floor standing speakers ) , this is the 3rd spin of the album , it sounds great , i think this album is one of the greatest album of their catalog , 8/10 after 3 spins , i think it will get higher after listening it more . Take care guys …

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

That’s awesome! Enjoy your deluxe copy! Definitely an album that gets better with every listen. 🤘

no feeling is right!!!!

Love this album, brilliant !! PJ NAILED IT

You love Backspacer? Nice

Backspacer? At this point after 3 listens I feel pretty confident in saying best since Binaural or Yield.

@dewiwilliams4821

3 ай бұрын

Yes 👍 I agree with you, their best album in 20 years easy.

I feel like it’s totally over-produced. It reminds me of something like, if AI created the music to Eddies vocals. It’s a cool album, and some epic soundscapes created, but the PJ magic seems missing to me. That said, I love Wreckage and Setting Sun is beautiful.

Just dropping this as a subjective reference point for those new to PJ and thinking of giving their old stuff a try. Warning, there is a reason PJ are new to you, they havent really made good albums for a while despite always being a great live band. If you want more good stuff I suggest following below, again simply a subjective reference. Start with the 5s in chronological order then the 4s...etc Ten 1991 - 5/5 Vs 1993 - 5/5 Vitalogy 1994 - 4/5 No code 1996 - 4/5 Yield 1998 - 5/5 Binaural 2000 - 3/5 Riot act 2002 - 4/5 Eponymous (avocado) 2006 - 1/5 Backspacer 2009 - 2/5 Lightning bolt 2013 - 3/5 Gigaton 2020 - 4/5 Dark matter 2024 - 5/5

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Great rankings! Personally I’d have Backspacer a little higher and Riot Act a little lower, but this is definitely their best in years. I’m not much of a fan of Avocado either. Totally agree with you on their 90s stuff.

I loved most of the tracks except for - 1. React/Respond (great lyrics but everything musical is weak, the only bad one for me) 2. Waiting for Stevie (okay song. Great chorus but the sudden tonal shift for a heavy solo was jarring. Lyrics aren't as clear as the others as to what they're trying to say) 3. Upper Hand (again, weird lyrics. The verses and chorus seem from 2 different planets. What is it about?) Aside from this, Eddie does seem to strain his vocals in certain sections or just mumble his way through some others. Most of his vocals are good and melodic though. The production is great but it all sometimes feels like a machine drone thing instead of a guitar, if that makes sense. Not as organic as grunge should sound. Remember the Self-titled album sound? That was perfectly grunge and still polished. There's definitely way more to love than to complain about with this album though. I've only covered the negatives since they're just this many while the praises would take up a lot of space.

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Self titled had great production for sure. I think in a lot of respects they’ve moved away from the Seattle sound almost entirely. I’m still unclear on what exactly Waiting For Stevie is about. Totally agree that there are a lot more positives than negatives tho

AS A CD GUY, HOW DID YOU HEAR THE WHOLE CD THIS EARLY ON RELEASE DAY?

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

I listen on Spotify until the CD comes. I mainly listen to CDs, but I use Spotify to listen to stuff I don’t have or if I’m on the go.

@johndough6623

3 ай бұрын

@@TheCDGuyJZ I always wait for the CD. It kinda of spoils it to hear it on streaming first.

Hey, Johnny Z! I don't like this band. I like a few of their songs from Ten. I had to stop listening to every song I tried to listen to. I probably won't listen to the album. Now, Tom Petty, he's amazing! Great video! Cheers, my friend! 🤘🏼🍻

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Mikey! I just got back from the Judas Priest concert 🤘 Wouldn’t recommend the album if you’re not a fan. Tom Petty was the man tho. Cheers dude 🍻

@MikeysMorgue

3 ай бұрын

@@TheCDGuyJZ Nice! How was it? You need to make a video! Cheers! 🤘🏼🍻

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

@MikeysMorgue Incredible show! Sabaton opened… I’ll have pictures up in the community tab in a little bit.

@MikeysMorgue

3 ай бұрын

@@TheCDGuyJZ Hell yeah! I'm glad you had fun! Rip it up, Johnny Z! Cheers! 🤘🏼🍻

Has anyone else noticed the grossly over compressed sound production? "Waiting For Stevie" is mashed by compression and a few others too. Only on the more mellow songs it isn't as noticeable. A riff-less album too. Man, I so wanted to like this but after 3 listens I think I've had enough :(

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

I’ve heard a lot of people mention flaws in the production. I didn’t notice it at first, but now I’m starting to hear it.

Huh? No Waiting for Stevie in the top 5? 🤔

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Tough top 5 to make. Just my personal favorites, but every song on the album is a banger

Wreckage????? Are you serious?? Brutal lyrics. The outro is just brutal. We get it Ed. You’re combing! 🤦‍♂️

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

I dig it. I think the lyrics are a strong suit, personally

@dremarley4388

3 ай бұрын

I think the guitar sounds are my favorite on Wreckage. I do agree the lyrics are a little weird

I dislike the effects they are using on his vocals . They seem to try and be making him sound like he did in His prime .it doesn’t sound great to me.. his voice is very aged and we know this . So why even do this . They did it in n the last album and if you go back to Lightening Bolt you can see just how his voice sounds natural. Overall this album sounds really muddy and too processed

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

They’re definitely doing work on Eddie’s vocals. That’s why I think he sounds best on the softer tracks… much more natural sounding.

great review but bro backspacer sucks.

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

I love it, personally. But everyone’s opinion will differ.

It's a million times better than Backspacer. I don't even remember Backspacer.

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

I guess I’m in the minority who love that album.

@dewiwilliams4821

3 ай бұрын

​@TheCDGuyJZ yeah that's not a bad thing though. Backspacer and Eponymous are my least favourite of PJs record, although I do have more affection for backspacer. But when I find people who love them Im actually happy to know some people can love them. I love Gigaton for example but many who would rave about Eponymous would hate on gigaton. Its complete opposite for me but the important thing is that this band has put out so much that there is something to love for everyone.

@georgebrown4626

3 ай бұрын

@@TheCDGuyJZ Sorry for being harsh. To each their own.

It's awful. Been a fan since the beginning, and this is painful. Music for weddings and funerals.

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Nothing compares to the early stuff. They can still rock, but I honestly think the softer stuff works better for them now with Ed’s older voice.

Bad Album

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

I’ve seen a lot of positive reviews, but some negative as well. That’s the good thing, everyone has a different opinion.

Horrible Álbum... Grunge is Pop now

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

Pearl Jam aren’t the same sounding band they used to be. I wouldn’t call it pop, but the Seattle sound is gone. Theyre more into the traditional rock thing, if not a bit experimental at times.

Just like their albums from the last two decades, there's a few solid songs, and the rest are pretty average at best. Another over-hyped record that is more smoke than fire.

@TheCDGuyJZ

3 ай бұрын

It definitely got a lot of hype… so far I think it’s lived up to it, personally. Hopefully some of the tracks grow on you

@mikeneville9149

3 ай бұрын

Listen to it on a decent house stereo, plenty of volume, good bass, anything less doesnt do it justice,

@dewiwilliams4821

3 ай бұрын

​@mikeneville9149 it's great in the car and on my headphones. I know some may not like the production because its not traditional for the band, but I think every instrument sounds fantastic and I can switch my focus between them and experience the song different each time. What I focus on always seems louder! Gigaton was similar, could listen to dance of clairvoyants repeatedly for example and get different experiences by focusing on different instruments.