Vitalogy [Import]

There are some extremely strong songs on Vitalogy. The first single off the record, called "Spin the Black Circle" was rather punk-rock, very different than most Pearl Jam. The B-Side was the better of the two tracks on the single. "Tremor Christ" ended up being the bigger radio song in the long run, as the single did not do all that well. It was strange to see what they released as singles from the record. Next was "Not For You," a rock anthem, very Pearl Jam. It's B-Side is a non-album, improv track called "Outta My Mind." The final single released was a great song called "Immortality," Its B-Side, a cover of "Rearview Mirror" from "Vs.," by a band called "The Frogs."

The strange thing about the record is the songs that weren't released as singles. "Betterman," "Corduroy," and maybe even "Nothingman" were great songs that found their way the radio even without the backing of Epic Records. They are some of the strongest songs on the LP, they could have easily done better than they did with a little marketing.

Though, it does seem, that Pearl Jam does some of this to themselves. A band, troubled for some time, with internal shake-ups, squabbles, and an ongoing battle with Ticketmaster, seemed to be allergic to the limelight. This record came out in the middle of the aforementioned strife in the band's history. But, even though all of this was going on in the life of the band, they managed to create a rather high quality piece of the work.

This record is a pivot point in the band's history. It is a must-have for any Pearl Jam fan, and a great record for anyone who likes grunge era music. Pearl Jam is one of a mere few bands who still remain and are active beyond the days of grunge. Their brilliant evolution is the only reason they have survived into the twenty-first century. This album is the beginning of said evolution.

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Vitalogy is split into two parts, 1 & 2. 1 consists of the strong, brilliant tracks and 2 focuses more on their experimental stuff, ending with the frankly quite disturbing "hey foxymophandlemama, that's me" or "Stupid Mop." It's a 7 and a half minute opus about mops and sex, and sex with mops. It's really odd. I mean really odd. Disturbing. The voiceover and stuff just makes it sound like something from 'Silence of the Lambs', but that aside, it's an ace record. You always get the feeling that Eddie & co. always stick something on the end of their records to stop them from being perfect. Just to annoy us lol. I think so anyway.

Anyway, why all the fuss?

Well, "Corduroy", "Spin The Black Circle", "Last Exit", "Tremor Christ", "Not For You", "Immortality", "Nothingman" AND "Betterman" are all on here. See why now? lol

This is a brilliant album, and many people's favourite for obvious reason. Add to that the brilliant, jammy "Aye Davanita" and Eddie's romp with an accordion classic "Bugs", and you have probably the perfect PJ album. Not my favourite, however. It feels too dark. It sounds too dark. It is, too dark. Not in the same league as 'Ten' as dark albums go, but for sure a close second.

Did I mention the booklet? I love that thing.

5 Stars. Just Get It. Now.