Rock News
Backspacer Arrives Today Post by: Eddie Ruckus - Rockin' Blogger 18 September, 2009 - 7:52 AM
You lucky, lucky, lucky Aussie Pearl Jam fans – today we become the first people on Earth to get to hear the latest, possibly greatest Pearl Jam album, Backspacer, days ahead of the rest of the world.
Eleven new songs in a little under 37 minutes. No mucking about here. But rather than listen to me wank on about what’s been labelled the new wave Pearl Jam, let’s hear what Eddie Vedder’s got to say about the new songs.
He recently sat down with journalist Brad Wheeler of Canada’s The Globe & Mail to reveal the inspiration and his feelings behind each of the new tracks on Backspacer.
Gonna See My Friend
“All I remember is writing it in a little room on a small table with a little four-track tape machine. I got it sounding loud real quick, without disturbing the neighbours. I work using headphones a lot. I’m not going to have any hearing left.”
Got Some
“I’m talking about music to put on when you don’t know how you’re going to get to work, when you’re just not feeling it. This song will do it.”
The Fixer
“Men, we all think we can fix anything. In a relationship, a woman will say ‘This is wrong,’ and we’re like, ‘I’ll fix that.’ [Women] just want you to listen to what’s happening: ‘Don’t fix it, I want you to own this with me – feel it.’ This is a reminder song to me, to stop fixing.”
Johnny Guitar
“It’s a made-up story about a kid falling in love with a girl on a record cover. I imagine that must have happened a few times.”
Just Breathe
“There’s never a dull moment on the road – every day it’s something. Maybe that’s why my goal is the dull moment. This song is saying, ‘Just stop, and be together. Don’t talk now, just breathe and feel each other’s presence – now that the kids are in bed.’
Amongst the Waves
“On the strength of this album, we feel good about where the band is at. We’re open and honest. We feel like a galvanized group of individuals. As far as waves, I think we’re up there.”
Unthought Known
“I got back late to my hotel in New York, and I pushed the limits of how much you can drink and smoke, and this song came out of it.”
Supersonic
“There’s something about this infusion of energy. It’s a tangible thing that gives you as much energy as a drug. It can change the shape of your mood.”
Speed of Sound
“I was working with Ronnie Wood on a record he’s putting together. He asked me if I could contribute some words, which really excited me because I love his voice. This particular song was a little difficult to transcribe though, so it ended up in our court.”
Force of Nature
“It’s about the strength of one person in the relationship, when they can withstand some of the faults in another. The person in the song is the lighthouse for the other person caught in the storm.”
The End
“I got a phone call from a friend, from Spain. I couldn’t pick up the phone because I was recording the guitar part. When I checked his message, he had said something that enabled me to write the second verse, and in 20 minutes, it was done.”
Are you rushing out to get Backspacer today? Tell us what you think as soon as you’ve heard it.
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Leave your comment
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Johnno says
I'm not a massive fan but do like the first song.... looking forward to hearing more from it.
Posted Friday 18 September, 2009 9:57 AM -
Sarah-Jade Clarke says
Pearl Jam is the best alternative band of the 90's, over Nirvana, no doubt in my mind.
After all the publicity that Kurt Cobain started back in the day, Eddie Vedder has still succeeded, he is a great man and he has helped me through some tough times.
I'm so glad they are coming to Australia, I've been waiting 6 years!
I think I might even pass out when I'm in the presence of Eddie Vedder, he is just so deep. His voice is so unique, soothing and meaningful.
I cannot wait to hear more from Backspacer!
Posted Friday 18 September, 2009 11:40 AM -
Jimmy says
These guys are legends... I really like the new album and The Fixer is absolutely brilliant.
Posted Friday 18 September, 2009 11:49 AM -
Darryn says
It takes balls to take charge of what direction to take without music execs butting.
These guys are the real deal they all have input into there music so put on Backspacer put on your headphones grab a beer and loose yourself for 37 minutes in rock.
Posted Friday 18 September, 2009 1:35 PM -
Mookie says
I went down first thing this morning to buy the album but because of stupid Bendigo, they didn't have it until later in the day. I waited around for a few hours, got the album, listened to it and it is f*cking amazing. Well worth the wait. Bring on November!
Posted Friday 18 September, 2009 1:52 PM -
Ben says
Got my Album in the post today!!!!
VERY IMPRESSED!!!!
Just Epic... I can not choose a favourite at the moment!
Posted Friday 18 September, 2009 2:22 PM -
anthony says
I've already listened to it about 6 times and I love it.
I have every album and a lot of bootlegs, and this is one of the better ones.
I love Pearl Jam, trust me go buy it.
Posted Friday 18 September, 2009 7:50 PM -
Thomas Boyer says
BACKSPACER, I picked up my CD at AMOEBA MUSIC in HOLLYWOOD.
It was great driving home listening to this great milestone from the greatest band I know.
I've got my tickets for Oct. 1st at the Gibson.
Posted Thursday 24 September, 2009 4:28 AM
Can't wait ! -
memoire vive says
Hi, I have got mine and I really liked the album.
Thank you so much guys. You are working so hard on securing this platform for us. We are hungry for more.
Posted Tuesday 29 September, 2009 4:54 PM -
Evan says
One of their best albums. Love every single song!!!
Posted Friday 2 October, 2009 9:55 PM
