492: Pearl Jam - Vitalogy

Year: 1994

1. Last Exit
2. Spin the Black Circle
3. Not for You
4. Tremor Christ
5. Nothingman
6. Whipping
7. Pry, To
8. Corduroy
9. Bugs
10. Satan's Bed
11. Better Man
12. Aye Davanita
13. Immortality
14. Hey Foxymophandlemama, That's Me

RollingStone Says: 
They were the most successful rock band in the world by the time of their second record, Vs. They celebrated by suing Ticketmaster and making Vitalogy, where their mastery of rock's past and future became complete. Soulful ballads such as "Nothingman" are matched by hardcore-influenced rockers such as "Spin the Black Circle."
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Adam Says:
Unlike my partner below, I don't mind Pearl Jam. I was never a huge fan, but I have almost always loved the bands singles. Having just recently (within the last two years) gone through the majority of the bands discog though, I can honestly say i'm surprised to see this here. I don't think it's necessarily a bad record. In fact it has moments of absolute brilliance (See the hit single: "Better Man"). It's just that, as a whole I don't feel this represents one of the bands stronger bodies of work. To be blunt, it sticks out on this list like a sore thumb.

The problem I have with this album, and the majority of the groups work to be honest is this; Nothing on this album is as good as its single, "Better Man". An unpopular opinion with Pearl Jam fans i'm sure, but to me a lot of these songs lack strong songwriting, rather it more-so sounds like a jam session or a loose collection of ideas for future songs. I do enjoy Vedders vocals, and I think the band is one of the best when it comes to playing loud, fast grunge music. It's just I don't feel like there's any structure here. No rhyme or reason to what's happening. Once the album starts, it takes off like a bat out of hell and never stops.

All that being said, when I am in the mood for it, I do dig the album. True it's not the most amazing lp on this list, or even one of the bands stand out releases in my opinion, but it does have its charm. There's a certain addictiveness to the madness and mess of it all. It's the type of record you can throw on and lose your mind to, just get wild too. I'm sure it translates amazingly well to Pearl Jams legendary live shows, and perhaps that was the point, but as a studio lp? It's a bit lacking.

Overall - 3/5
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Dan Says:
I can't stand Pearl Jam. Especially this record. Something about his vocals just turn me off. It also pisses me off when people lump this music in with Nirvana. As successful as this band may be, they are nowhere near the aesthetic value of Nirvana. That's my opinion anyway. I will give this record 1 star. Merely for the fact it is a decent recording and has had success, drawing upon my reluctant respect. The lack of 4 stars is due to my lack of interest, and also my general disgust of such lackluster music.

Overall - 1/5