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All rights reserved.Live on Two Legs - Pearl Jam (CD 1998)
Rocking on two legsReview created: 08/30/00
by: The_Incarnate -- a member of Epinions
Pros:
Displays, and even improves upon, classic songs
Displays, and even improves upon, classic songs
Cons:
A few uneven spots
A few uneven spots
Nothing proves exactly how good a band is like a live performance. You can't hide behind layers of samples or any other studio tricks, and you can't have another take like you can in a TV special. It's just you and your instruments. Put up or shut up. Keeping this in mind, it's pretty obvious that Pearl Jam is one damn good band.
Several things become clear to you as you listen to this live album. For one thing, Pearl Jam was never really a "grunge" band. The guitars are quite clear, unlike the heavily distorted sounds of Nirvana or Alice in Chains. And I don't think any grunge band would have done 'Off He Goes'. Secondly, Pearl Jam songs are a lot more complicated than they appear. It's fairly unusual that a live performance brings out parts that weren't apparent in the studio version, but that's exactly what happens here. Smaller, intricate parts in songs like 'Given To Fly' and 'Even Flow' really stand out here. Thirdly, Pearl Jam is unbelievably diverse. How many other bands could go from the pure melancholy of 'Nothing Man' to the ass-ripping 'Do The Evolution' into the textured 'Better Man' to the epic majesty of 'Black'? Finally, Pearl Jam has incredible timing. Vedder knows exactly when to stand aside and let Gossard or McCready shine, and vice versa.
That's not to say that everything is peaches and cream here, though. First off, this is essentially a greatest hits package, but both 'Jeremy' and 'Alive' are MIA, and it seems like a given that they would be included, especially on a live album, considering they are both prime examples of "stadium rock". Also, despite a semi-cover of Neil Young's 'Rocking In The Free World', the live version of 'Daughter' feels flat and uninspired, and 'Black', the greatest rock epic of the '90s, falls slightly below the album version. Also, Vedder's delivery is a hit-and-miss (mostly hit) affair, and a few of the song selections are mystifying, although they still sound good.
All in all, this is a fine package, displaying the decade's best guitar-rock band in fine form.
Several things become clear to you as you listen to this live album. For one thing, Pearl Jam was never really a "grunge" band. The guitars are quite clear, unlike the heavily distorted sounds of Nirvana or Alice in Chains. And I don't think any grunge band would have done 'Off He Goes'. Secondly, Pearl Jam songs are a lot more complicated than they appear. It's fairly unusual that a live performance brings out parts that weren't apparent in the studio version, but that's exactly what happens here. Smaller, intricate parts in songs like 'Given To Fly' and 'Even Flow' really stand out here. Thirdly, Pearl Jam is unbelievably diverse. How many other bands could go from the pure melancholy of 'Nothing Man' to the ass-ripping 'Do The Evolution' into the textured 'Better Man' to the epic majesty of 'Black'? Finally, Pearl Jam has incredible timing. Vedder knows exactly when to stand aside and let Gossard or McCready shine, and vice versa.
That's not to say that everything is peaches and cream here, though. First off, this is essentially a greatest hits package, but both 'Jeremy' and 'Alive' are MIA, and it seems like a given that they would be included, especially on a live album, considering they are both prime examples of "stadium rock". Also, despite a semi-cover of Neil Young's 'Rocking In The Free World', the live version of 'Daughter' feels flat and uninspired, and 'Black', the greatest rock epic of the '90s, falls slightly below the album version. Also, Vedder's delivery is a hit-and-miss (mostly hit) affair, and a few of the song selections are mystifying, although they still sound good.
All in all, this is a fine package, displaying the decade's best guitar-rock band in fine form.
Review ID: 10000000000262862
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