Pearl Jam rocks again

Pearl Jam has the unfortunate disadvantage of having made one of the most popular debut albums of all time. It's a shame that they will always be remembered most for 1991's Ten, and its string of anthemic hits. What they've done since has usually been more interesting, but often ignored by the mainstream. Part of this retreat from the spotlight has been calculated, as the band stopped doing videos and other promotional materials after the release of Ten. As a result, PJ's fan base has become divided into two camps: Rabid fans who know every word to every song, and those who come to shows only to hear "Jeremy," "Even Flow," "Alive" and "Black." \nPearl Jam, the bands self-titled eighth album is a rarity in that it should please both sides of the fence. If anything, the new record proves that the band can still rock after the arty detours of 2000's Binaural and 2002's Riot Act. The album's first two songs, "Life Wasted" and "World Wide Suicide" set the tone for the rest of the album. The formula is familiar, but effective: Stone Gossard's power chord riffs, Mike McCready's fast and flashy leads and the incredibly tight rhythm section of bassist Jeff Ament and drummer Matt Cameron, with Eddie Vedder's impassioned and urgent vocals to top it off.\n"Comatose," sounding like a cousin to Vitalogy's "Spin the Black Circle," is the fastest, loudest song the band has done in a long time. Both "Marker in the Sand" and "Unemployable" are accessible and catchy, free of the dread that has accompanied too much of the band's recent work. There are some quieter moments on the album as well. "Parachutes" sounds like some sort of lost late Beatles classic, with a beautiful melody expertly sung by Vedder. "Come Back" is a surprisingly effective stab at soul, and the epic "Inside Job" closes the album with a stirring climax. \nPearl Jam also benefits from more focused songwriting and strong production. These songs contain a melodic sense that has been missing from some of their releases. Production wise, the new record sounds fresh and invigorated. The band was able to capture the enthusiasm and energy that their live shows have become famous for. It's a relief to hear them actually having some fun. Vedder is able to really shine. His vocals are front and center, often times doubled or harmonized. \nLyrically, Vedder still seems intent on proving that he is the most sincere man in rock. The little guy is trumpeted, while the evils of the world are denounced. "Army Reserve" tells the difficulties of being a military family, while "World Wide Suicide" takes a swipe at the president for "writing checks that others pay."\nThere are some lesser moments on Pearl Jam. "Severed Hand" and "Gone" both come a little to close to the arena-sized bombast of Ten for my taste, but it's hard to complain too much. Pearl Jam finally have stopped being ashamed of their success. It's good to have them back.