Matt Cameron, PJ drummer extrodinaire, celebrated his birthday yesterday by performing at a Seattle music school in front of about 40 people, debuting his newest side project, the Macage Harybu Trio. The group is completed by bassist Geoff Harper and keyboardist Ryan Burns.
After a short opening set by a 7 yr old and his teacher, featuring lyrics about snot and ice cream (as all great songs do), the band took to the stage to play a number of Thelonious Monk covers, as well as a handful of original jazz tunes including set-closer Highway Star. One song, complete with lyrics saw Matt handle lead vocals.
Check out the Macage Harybu Trio here...
Wednesday 28 November 2007
Tuesday 27 November 2007
There's Life In The Old Dog Yet...
As the 20th Anniversary of the release of Temple Of The Dog creeps ever closer with each passing year, many of us thought that there was little chance we would get to experience the record live.
After all, the band played only a handful of shows in 1990, and other than Chris Cornell turning up during a Pearl Jam set at the tail end of Lollapalooza '92, and again at a Santa Barbara benefit in '03, the closest we have gotten have been some questionable PJ performances of Hunger Strike with Corin from Sleater-Kinney and Andrew Stockdale from Wolfmother. Similarly, back in 2005 Audioslave covered the song with drummer Brad Wilk taking over vocal duties from EV.
But Chris Cornell has changed all that. Since he kicked off a World Tour in support of his new solo album Carry On earlier this year, Temple songs have been working their way into heavy rotation in the CC setlist. Ranging from solo acoustic versions of Call Me A Dog to epic full band versions of Say Hello To Heaven, these songs have never sounded better.
And thanks to the joys of Youtube, you can see for yourself. Now all we need is the announcement of the long overdue CC/PJ tour...
And one for old times sake...
After all, the band played only a handful of shows in 1990, and other than Chris Cornell turning up during a Pearl Jam set at the tail end of Lollapalooza '92, and again at a Santa Barbara benefit in '03, the closest we have gotten have been some questionable PJ performances of Hunger Strike with Corin from Sleater-Kinney and Andrew Stockdale from Wolfmother. Similarly, back in 2005 Audioslave covered the song with drummer Brad Wilk taking over vocal duties from EV.
But Chris Cornell has changed all that. Since he kicked off a World Tour in support of his new solo album Carry On earlier this year, Temple songs have been working their way into heavy rotation in the CC setlist. Ranging from solo acoustic versions of Call Me A Dog to epic full band versions of Say Hello To Heaven, these songs have never sounded better.
And thanks to the joys of Youtube, you can see for yourself. Now all we need is the announcement of the long overdue CC/PJ tour...
And one for old times sake...
No Code Bootleg #04
Pearl Jam play Columbia for the first time. Superb versions of No Code songs, especially Red Mosquito. The rainy day leads to a surprise Wash during the second encore.
Download Links:
mp3
FLAC1 FLAC2 FLAC3 FLAC4
Artwork
1996-09-24 Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
Setlist:
Long Road, Hail Hail, Animal, Spin The Black Circle, In My Tree, Corduroy, Not For You, Jeremy, Red Mosquito, Black, Habit, Rearviewmirror, Immortality, Betterman, Whipping, State Of Love And Trust, Alive, Blood
Encore:
Who You Are, Even Flow, Daughter/(No More Pain)/(WMA), Mankind, Leaving Here
Encore:
Wash, Yellow Ledbetter
TwoFeetThick Notes: This show opens with a particularly sweet version of 'Long Road.' During 'Not for You,' Ed chats a bit. "If you catch me missing a lyric ... if you catch me making a mistake. It's just I got a lot on my mind. Like I was just thinking a minute ago, 'I hope these people know that this song isn't about them.' I just hate to be misunderstood." 'Red Mosquito' is introduced as 'Song X's' baby brother. Ed makes a joke: "It looks like some of you are on grass ..." (referring to the people on the lawn). 'Habit' is modified to, "Speaking as someone standing in complete darkness." After the band plays the intro to 'Immortality,' Ed takes a drink, the crowd goes wild, the band stops and goes on to 'Better Man,' entirely scrapping 'Immortality.' Quelling the "Ed-die" chants later, he says, "Enough of that. If you could just see what you look like from here. It's just crazy ... it's crazy. Just crazy. You guys are really nice ..." then launches into 'Blood.' The 'Daughter' tag includes a snippet of Embrace's 'No More Pain,' ("Your emotions are nothing but politics, so get control"). Before 'Mankind,' Stone says "Do you want to hear me sing one?" (The crowd goes nuts.) He continues (laughing), "Awww, no you don't!" Returning for a second encore, Stone asks if it rained outside, while Ed references people holding up signs for "super rare songs." The crowd gets a very nice surprise ... a super version of 'Wash.' Excellent show!
Download Links:
mp3
FLAC1 FLAC2 FLAC3 FLAC4
Artwork
1996-09-24 Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
Setlist:
Long Road, Hail Hail, Animal, Spin The Black Circle, In My Tree, Corduroy, Not For You, Jeremy, Red Mosquito, Black, Habit, Rearviewmirror, Immortality, Betterman, Whipping, State Of Love And Trust, Alive, Blood
Encore:
Who You Are, Even Flow, Daughter/(No More Pain)/(WMA), Mankind, Leaving Here
Encore:
Wash, Yellow Ledbetter
TwoFeetThick Notes: This show opens with a particularly sweet version of 'Long Road.' During 'Not for You,' Ed chats a bit. "If you catch me missing a lyric ... if you catch me making a mistake. It's just I got a lot on my mind. Like I was just thinking a minute ago, 'I hope these people know that this song isn't about them.' I just hate to be misunderstood." 'Red Mosquito' is introduced as 'Song X's' baby brother. Ed makes a joke: "It looks like some of you are on grass ..." (referring to the people on the lawn). 'Habit' is modified to, "Speaking as someone standing in complete darkness." After the band plays the intro to 'Immortality,' Ed takes a drink, the crowd goes wild, the band stops and goes on to 'Better Man,' entirely scrapping 'Immortality.' Quelling the "Ed-die" chants later, he says, "Enough of that. If you could just see what you look like from here. It's just crazy ... it's crazy. Just crazy. You guys are really nice ..." then launches into 'Blood.' The 'Daughter' tag includes a snippet of Embrace's 'No More Pain,' ("Your emotions are nothing but politics, so get control"). Before 'Mankind,' Stone says "Do you want to hear me sing one?" (The crowd goes nuts.) He continues (laughing), "Awww, no you don't!" Returning for a second encore, Stone asks if it rained outside, while Ed references people holding up signs for "super rare songs." The crowd gets a very nice surprise ... a super version of 'Wash.' Excellent show!
Thursday 22 November 2007
Diamonds In The Rough
I just celebrated Thanksgiving for the first time here in the UK, and as a result I'm now feeling very festive/drunk, and in the mood to give give give!
I was trying real hard to think of something to give y'all, all the while preparing myself for a trip to see a Led Zeppelin cover band tomorrow night, using the new Mothership release to give myself a quick refresher course, when as if by magic, a lightbulb flashed in my head...
So I present to you, as a Thanksgiving gift, a collection of 7 songs performed on a very special night in Chicago over two years ago.
Pearl Jam were playing an intimate show at the House Of Blues as a benefit for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and had just come out for their second encore. Ed dedicates a performance of Given To Fly to Robert Plant, and as the song draws to an end, Plant appears onstage with his band and they perform Going To California (the song which Given To Fly ripped off), and everyone has a good laugh. PJ return to the stage and proceed to perform 4 classics with Plant; Little Sister, an Elvis cover he has performed for years, Money (That's What I Want), another favourite for Plant to cover, and two Zeppelin classics, Fool In The Rain and Thank You. The show closes with Plant on guitar for an epic Rockin' In The Free World.
Enjoy this slice of Rock N' Roll history here.
BWR
I was trying real hard to think of something to give y'all, all the while preparing myself for a trip to see a Led Zeppelin cover band tomorrow night, using the new Mothership release to give myself a quick refresher course, when as if by magic, a lightbulb flashed in my head...
So I present to you, as a Thanksgiving gift, a collection of 7 songs performed on a very special night in Chicago over two years ago.
Pearl Jam were playing an intimate show at the House Of Blues as a benefit for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and had just come out for their second encore. Ed dedicates a performance of Given To Fly to Robert Plant, and as the song draws to an end, Plant appears onstage with his band and they perform Going To California (the song which Given To Fly ripped off), and everyone has a good laugh. PJ return to the stage and proceed to perform 4 classics with Plant; Little Sister, an Elvis cover he has performed for years, Money (That's What I Want), another favourite for Plant to cover, and two Zeppelin classics, Fool In The Rain and Thank You. The show closes with Plant on guitar for an epic Rockin' In The Free World.
Enjoy this slice of Rock N' Roll history here.
BWR
No Code Bootleg #03
PJ return to the US in the 3rd show of their No Code Tour. Excellent versions of Last Exit, Habit, and a beautiful Indifference to close.
Download Links:
mp3
FLAC1 FLAC2 FLAC3
Artwork
1996-09-22 John F. Savage Hall, Toledo, OH
Main Set:
Sometimes, Hail Hail, Animal, In My Tree, Spin the Black Circle, Corduroy, Last Exit, Better Man, Lukin, Not for You, Jeremy, Even Flow, Mankind, Daughter/(I Believe in Miracles), Habit, I Got Shit, Alive, Blood
Encore:
Go, Who You Are, Rearviewmirror, Leaving Here
Encore:
Indifference
TwoFeetThick Notes: Ed totally botches the start of 'I Got Shit.' He tells everyone that has to go to school the next day that he'll write them excuse notes (so they can continue to play). A stunning closing with 'Indifference' with the house lights up. A solid show before a smallish crowd.
Download Links:
mp3
FLAC1 FLAC2 FLAC3
Artwork
1996-09-22 John F. Savage Hall, Toledo, OH
Main Set:
Sometimes, Hail Hail, Animal, In My Tree, Spin the Black Circle, Corduroy, Last Exit, Better Man, Lukin, Not for You, Jeremy, Even Flow, Mankind, Daughter/(I Believe in Miracles), Habit, I Got Shit, Alive, Blood
Encore:
Go, Who You Are, Rearviewmirror, Leaving Here
Encore:
Indifference
TwoFeetThick Notes: Ed totally botches the start of 'I Got Shit.' He tells everyone that has to go to school the next day that he'll write them excuse notes (so they can continue to play). A stunning closing with 'Indifference' with the house lights up. A solid show before a smallish crowd.
Tuesday 20 November 2007
A little teaser...
While you all wait patiently for the next bootleg from the No Code Tour (It's coming soon), enjoy this cool Youtube vid of Who You Are, performed live in Toronto (Bootleg #02)....
Stone HDSA Auction Today!!!
I'm not privvy to the time differences between the UK & US, so I apologise if this is a little late, but between 6am - 10 am EDT, WEEI Boston is doing a live on air auction for HDSA.
They are auctioning only one exclusive package. The prize is etting to hang out with Theo Epstein and Stone Gossard over dinner, a tour of Fenway Park, and a Sox game watched from the manager's box.
The show is broadcast live on the web. So, you don't have to be in Boston to bid. In order to listen to the show you need to:
1. REGISTER
2. Go to WEEI.com
3. Click on Listen Live, top right corner of the page and log in
They are auctioning only one exclusive package. The prize is etting to hang out with Theo Epstein and Stone Gossard over dinner, a tour of Fenway Park, and a Sox game watched from the manager's box.
The show is broadcast live on the web. So, you don't have to be in Boston to bid. In order to listen to the show you need to:
1. REGISTER
2. Go to WEEI.com
3. Click on Listen Live, top right corner of the page and log in
Monday 19 November 2007
This Week...
There's a new poll up, another couple of No Code bootlegs are on the way, and some other fun stuff as well...
States Of Love & Trust
Or perhaps that should be sites we love and trust...
If you look slightly to your right and down the page you will see we've added links to all our favourite PJ sites. Now, chances are you've already visited most of them, but just incase you haven't had the pleasure....
Myspace - This is our myspace, with some pretty pictures of the band, some music, and generally another way to meet other fans online. Come be our friend, we're lovely, honest!
Official TenClub Site - What it says on the tin. The official home of all things PJ, including the Message Pit forums.
The Sky I Scrape - The best fansite on the web. Has comprensive info on songs, concerts etc. Currently undergoing a makeover. Also, home of the other big PJ web community, Red Mosquito message boards. If you're into trading, or want to escape the endless bickering about 10C's shortcomings on the Message Pit, head there now.
Two Feet Thick - In-depth fanzine that features everything from interviews with people like Danny Clinch to articles about the history of the 10C, going back to when it was the Vitalogy Health Club. Home of the legendary Concert Chronology.
More Than Ten - This site seeks to explore in detail every song in the Pearl Jam canon, from album tracks to b-sides to unreleased originals. An absolute must-read.
Pearl Jam Live - PJLive specialises in streaming bootlegs from 1990 through to present day, including all official boots. Great for if you're at work, or if you don't have the storage space for all these shows on your computer. It also works well as a way to guage the sound quality of earlier shows before downloading them at sites like Shut Your Mouth!
Given To Cast - Home to Mario's podcast dedicated to all things Pearl Jam. Includes news, rare tracks, competitions, interviews and more.
By the way, if anyone has listened to my interview on the podcast from the days of The Army Reserve, I'd like to take this opportunity to assure people that I don't sound like a nasally twelve year old girl in person ;D
Mario does great work, go check it out!
In The Present Tense - A new bootlegs site, along with ourselves, specialising in FLAC downloads, especially official bootlegs.
Peace Love Pearl Jam - This site has one purpose, to allow fans to leave a message of thanks for PJ for any reason you wish.
Teenage Made - Has a few bootlegs, some excellent photos from through the years, and other rare stuff you may well want to check out.
If you look slightly to your right and down the page you will see we've added links to all our favourite PJ sites. Now, chances are you've already visited most of them, but just incase you haven't had the pleasure....
Myspace - This is our myspace, with some pretty pictures of the band, some music, and generally another way to meet other fans online. Come be our friend, we're lovely, honest!
Official TenClub Site - What it says on the tin. The official home of all things PJ, including the Message Pit forums.
The Sky I Scrape - The best fansite on the web. Has comprensive info on songs, concerts etc. Currently undergoing a makeover. Also, home of the other big PJ web community, Red Mosquito message boards. If you're into trading, or want to escape the endless bickering about 10C's shortcomings on the Message Pit, head there now.
Two Feet Thick - In-depth fanzine that features everything from interviews with people like Danny Clinch to articles about the history of the 10C, going back to when it was the Vitalogy Health Club. Home of the legendary Concert Chronology.
More Than Ten - This site seeks to explore in detail every song in the Pearl Jam canon, from album tracks to b-sides to unreleased originals. An absolute must-read.
Pearl Jam Live - PJLive specialises in streaming bootlegs from 1990 through to present day, including all official boots. Great for if you're at work, or if you don't have the storage space for all these shows on your computer. It also works well as a way to guage the sound quality of earlier shows before downloading them at sites like Shut Your Mouth!
Given To Cast - Home to Mario's podcast dedicated to all things Pearl Jam. Includes news, rare tracks, competitions, interviews and more.
By the way, if anyone has listened to my interview on the podcast from the days of The Army Reserve, I'd like to take this opportunity to assure people that I don't sound like a nasally twelve year old girl in person ;D
Mario does great work, go check it out!
In The Present Tense - A new bootlegs site, along with ourselves, specialising in FLAC downloads, especially official bootlegs.
Peace Love Pearl Jam - This site has one purpose, to allow fans to leave a message of thanks for PJ for any reason you wish.
Teenage Made - Has a few bootlegs, some excellent photos from through the years, and other rare stuff you may well want to check out.
Friday 16 November 2007
Deep Cuts For The Weekend
I watched the '95 Road Movie (ssshhh! Don't Tell TenClub) for the first time in years last night, and it re-affirmed my love for that tour, so much so that I was overwhelmed by the urge to share some cool highlights with y'all!
First up is a cover of Pete Townsend's Let My Love Open The Door, performed only 4 times in total, an amazing closer to a 10C only show in Seattle's Moore Theater. This is a song which, for some reason, has always put a big smile on my face everytime I hear it, which only leads me to wonder why this song was dropped from setlists thereafter...
Let My Love Open The Door
Next, we move onto the Australian leg of the tour, to the show closer from the second of 3 nights in Melbourne. At this point, I should interject that every PJ fan should own a bootleg of this show*, it is possibly the greatest show they played in their earlier years, certainly in the top 10. Anyway, this was PJ's first ever Australian tour and the fans were going absolutely nuts for every song (imagine, you have been starved of PJ for the 3 years since the whole Grunge thing blew up), and after a loud singalong to Indifference, everyone is winding down, ready to head for the gates...
But then, the crowd are whipped back into a wild frenzy with the simple utterance of 5 words... "Mr. Dave Grohl on Drums" and with guest star in check, the band tear through a primal version of Uncle Neil's Rockin' In The Free World. This was a momentous occasion, given the reported ill feelings between Nirvana and PJ before Kurt Cobain's demise the previous year, and was a perfect way for the band to say thanks to the fans for their patience.
Rockin' In The Free World
Finally, I offer you the penultimate song from a sublime San Jose show at the tail end of the 1995 tour, one of the re-scheduled shows from the summer tour. After the band were forced to cancel 5 shows in April and May due to problems with Ticketmaster, media pressure and Ed getting sick at the now infamous San Fran show, it looked like PJ were on the verge of implosion. But the band returned to play these shows in the Fall a much happier and relaxed looking band, and nothing encapsulates that moreso than this next tune, a cover of The Byrd's So You Wanna Be A Rock N' Roll Star, helped out by a then unknown Ben Harper, and Kim Warnock from The Fastbacks.
Its an enjoyable listen, very clearly just a bunch of friends hanging out, having fun, reminding us all of what being in a band should be about.
So You Wanna Be A Rock N' Roll Star
Have A Great Weekend,
BWR
*PS: Go get aforementioned bootleg from the excellent In The Present Tense site.
First up is a cover of Pete Townsend's Let My Love Open The Door, performed only 4 times in total, an amazing closer to a 10C only show in Seattle's Moore Theater. This is a song which, for some reason, has always put a big smile on my face everytime I hear it, which only leads me to wonder why this song was dropped from setlists thereafter...
Let My Love Open The Door
Next, we move onto the Australian leg of the tour, to the show closer from the second of 3 nights in Melbourne. At this point, I should interject that every PJ fan should own a bootleg of this show*, it is possibly the greatest show they played in their earlier years, certainly in the top 10. Anyway, this was PJ's first ever Australian tour and the fans were going absolutely nuts for every song (imagine, you have been starved of PJ for the 3 years since the whole Grunge thing blew up), and after a loud singalong to Indifference, everyone is winding down, ready to head for the gates...
But then, the crowd are whipped back into a wild frenzy with the simple utterance of 5 words... "Mr. Dave Grohl on Drums" and with guest star in check, the band tear through a primal version of Uncle Neil's Rockin' In The Free World. This was a momentous occasion, given the reported ill feelings between Nirvana and PJ before Kurt Cobain's demise the previous year, and was a perfect way for the band to say thanks to the fans for their patience.
Rockin' In The Free World
Finally, I offer you the penultimate song from a sublime San Jose show at the tail end of the 1995 tour, one of the re-scheduled shows from the summer tour. After the band were forced to cancel 5 shows in April and May due to problems with Ticketmaster, media pressure and Ed getting sick at the now infamous San Fran show, it looked like PJ were on the verge of implosion. But the band returned to play these shows in the Fall a much happier and relaxed looking band, and nothing encapsulates that moreso than this next tune, a cover of The Byrd's So You Wanna Be A Rock N' Roll Star, helped out by a then unknown Ben Harper, and Kim Warnock from The Fastbacks.
Its an enjoyable listen, very clearly just a bunch of friends hanging out, having fun, reminding us all of what being in a band should be about.
So You Wanna Be A Rock N' Roll Star
Have A Great Weekend,
BWR
*PS: Go get aforementioned bootleg from the excellent In The Present Tense site.
Thursday 15 November 2007
No Code Bootleg #02
Second bootleg from the American Tour in support of No Code. This was the only Canadian date on the tour. Excellent sound quality, and some fantastic versions of No Code songs, including my all time favourite version of In My Tree.
Enjoy, but be warned, i have no patience for people who complain about trivial things like sound quality, FLAC vs. mp3 etc. So, unless you want to spoil the fun for everyone, SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
Download Links
mp3
FLAC1:
FLAC2:
FLAC3:
Artwork
1996-09-21 Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, ON
Setlist:
Release, Hail Hail, Last Exit, Tremor Christ, In My Tree, Corduroy, Red Mosquito, Animal, Jeremy, Habit, Immortality, Even Flow, Not For You, Daughter/(Cut My Hair)/(The Real Me)/(Young Man Blues), Lukin, Rearviewmirror, Alive, Blood
Encore:
Who You Are, I Got Shit, Leaving Here
Encore:
Yellow Ledbetter
TwoFeetThick Notes: 'Habit' lyrics are changed from "speaking as a child of the 90s" to "speaking as someone who taken many pucks in the face." Lots of covers songs hinted at: three Who songs as 'Daughter' outros, an intense version of 'Blood,' with a teaser of David Bowie's 'Fame;' and some of Neil Young's 'Cinnamon Girl' improved into 'I Got Shit.'
Enjoy, but be warned, i have no patience for people who complain about trivial things like sound quality, FLAC vs. mp3 etc. So, unless you want to spoil the fun for everyone, SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
Download Links
mp3
FLAC1:
FLAC2:
FLAC3:
Artwork
1996-09-21 Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, ON
Setlist:
Release, Hail Hail, Last Exit, Tremor Christ, In My Tree, Corduroy, Red Mosquito, Animal, Jeremy, Habit, Immortality, Even Flow, Not For You, Daughter/(Cut My Hair)/(The Real Me)/(Young Man Blues), Lukin, Rearviewmirror, Alive, Blood
Encore:
Who You Are, I Got Shit, Leaving Here
Encore:
Yellow Ledbetter
TwoFeetThick Notes: 'Habit' lyrics are changed from "speaking as a child of the 90s" to "speaking as someone who taken many pucks in the face." Lots of covers songs hinted at: three Who songs as 'Daughter' outros, an intense version of 'Blood,' with a teaser of David Bowie's 'Fame;' and some of Neil Young's 'Cinnamon Girl' improved into 'I Got Shit.'
Jack Irons Has A New Band!
My personal favourite of PJ's drummers, responsible for the beats behind No Code & Yield, Jack Irons, has joined a new band!
He will bring his unique style to Spinnerette, the brainchild of former Distillers frontwoman Brody Dalle, which also features Alain Johannes (Eleven) on Guitar, and Tony Bevilacqua on Bass.
The band have been in the studio for 27 days and you can already hear a few tracks on the band's official site, http://www.spinnerettemusic.com/. Their myspace claims they sound like "being back in the womb", but I'll let you be the judge...
Edit: Check out this cool instrumental, Case Of The Swirls: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6NRNPNM7
BWR
Photo Credit: Eddie 'Vegas' McGinty
Tuesday 13 November 2007
New Music Series: #1 Enemies & Allies
Our first featured artist in our New Music Series is Ottawa band Enemies and Allies. Consisting of David Pierce, Isaiah Hollander, Jeff Bertrand and Bradley Martel, the group was born in September, 2006, though their roots are steeped in St. John's, Newfoundland and Timmins, Ontario.
As part of our feature, Vocalist/Guitarist David Pierce was kind enough to take part in an interview to discuss the band, and his past, present and future plans for their music.
Thanks for doing this David. Lets start off by asking you to tell us a bit about yourself and your bandmates, and how you came together to form Enemies & Allies.
Well, I moved to Ottawa in August of 2006 with my girlfriend to find work and also with the hope I could find some musicians to work with, and I got in touch with the guys via a web site http://www.punkottawa.com/.
They had posted looking for a guitar player for their band, as they were moving to Ottawa from Timmins, and one guitarist wasn't coming…
Timmins is in ON, I believe?
Yep, home of Shania twain for trivia purposes..
Anyway, their post went beyond the usual "band needs guitarist, must do this and that, we like band a, b, c, etc.
How so?
It was more spiritual maybe, for lack of a better term...they basically said they lived and breathed music and they wanted to create something amazing! I could tell straight off they were fervent listeners and they had a deeper appreciation for most of the heart and soul of rock music.
Which I can imagine must have been enticing?
Yeah, I got really excited...and this was right before they moved here! But as soon as they did, they got in touch...
So did you have a trial of sorts, or was it a 'lets see how it goes' sorta thing, or did the band fit like a glove from the get-go?
Well, here's where it gets interesting...
I went over to their place to jam, having learned a couple of their songs; Their band, Amalgamation, which incidentally still exists and is going strong, is a kinda prog jazz, Radiohead meets RHCP kinda thing...
So we played a couple of songs - their stuff is a lot more technically sound than mine...
Did you feel you had to step it up a gear, so to speak?
I'm a slasher... I learned from Neil Young playing electric, Joe Strummer, Eddie Vedder... that kinda thing
Anyways, I suggested we just jam, which they were open to, and I tossed out Uniforms, which you probably heard on the Myspace...
Its actually my favourite of the 3 songs you guys have up there...
I kinda bastardized something like Off He Goes by PJ and Powderfinger by NY, and Jeff, the guitarist, instantly came up with the lead and made it what it was... and it really blew me away!
It was really exciting to hear an idea I'd been strumming away by myself turn into this thing with a full band; It was still simple, but it had some really cool parts.
So what we can hear is pretty much the original version? It certainly has a raw vibe to it
Yeah, that's the song as it came out from the get go.
We had actually cobbled together a piece-by-piece recording of it that wasn't too too bad, but when we got a demo recorded in August, the guy who did it wanted a crack at Uniforms, so we re-did it and that's what you've heard.
You mentioned RHCP earlier. Are most of your songs, like theirs, born from jams? Or is it more like the PJ (or for that matter, most bands') process of someone brings in a piece (like Uniforms) and the band develops it into something more?
Thus far, I've written everything at home and demoed it on a little 8-track with a drum machine or whatever and then given it to the guys to play with
So is it fair to say you are the primary songwriter in the group?
To just go back to the original story for a sec, we basically determined early on that I wasn't the right fit for their band, but we still wanted to play together.
So now both bands exists - their other guitarist actually eventutally moved here and completed that lineup as well, but yeah, I've written everything so far for Enemies & Allies, and the guys kinda write collaboratively for their other band... For a while, I had to nag at them to stop referring to themselves as Dave's backing band!
They're all friends from public school, and I'm the "new" guy...
The Eddie Vedder of the group...
Haha! I wish! But yeah, same idea I guess!
Sticking with PJ, I guess I should ask what your relationship with the band has been, you told me earlier you had become a fan when the whole Seattle scene blew up.
Yeah, thats right. The rest of the band are actually all a few years younger than me and only had a passing knowledge of/respect for Pearl Jam.
So you did the righteous thing and converted them...
Well, I always loved them and respected them, but being where i was from, I had never seen them live...
It was the 2000 bootlegs that sealed the deal for me... hearing 20,000 people who don't speak English singing along with a b-side - that sold me!
But Brad, our drummer is hardcore now, and the other guys are a lot more into it too, not that they weren't before, they were just unaware!
The other thing that sold me was the personal nature of every show; Subtle comments and mututal respect...
So do you look at PJ's as a blueprint that should be followed with E&A?
I look at it as music being a way to convey something pure and honest, not to make yourself famous or score with girls, but to create and share, and do it purely based on all that is good with music.
Perhaps certain aspects of this blueprint, like you say, the personal relationship between band and music then?
Exactly! I think I have a lot of opinions on the world and I'd love to see us all work together to make things better...and maybe music is how I could see myself connecting with other likeminded people.
Pearl Jam were the first band I saw do that...and I've come to be aware of Neil Young doing that and The Clash, The Who, even Bob Dylan in some ways
Earlier, you made a comment to me about Ottawa and its politics. Is that something that influences your lyrics, and like you say, can you see the music being a vehicle to carry your opinions to influence others?
Well, I don't want to slag Ottawa, because it's a beautiful city, but sometimes it reminds me too much of how apathetic people can be, especially when they have all their comforts; Salary, benefits, house, car...
And we have a terrible Prime Minister in my opinion, someone who would rather people don't question things. It's the politics of fear - it lets conservatives come in and take over because we have to clamp down and protect ourselves from the "evil doers" and all that foolishness, but to me, the solution is not to ask less questions, rather to ask MORE questions!
Eventually, it all comes down to Education...
So do you feel you are in a position to educate others?
Am I? Probably not... But I feel compelled to sing about topical subjects, because that stuff excites me...
You know, there are times I wonder if I'm just a whiner... but I love people and I just think we could join forces and make this world so much better.
Haha! I know the feeling, but i genuinely believe you should speak your mind rather than hold back and tow the company line, if it is something you don't agree with.
Absolutely! And yet I'm compelled to point out that I'm not this big left wing communist either...
I also believe there are people on both ends of the spectrum who have totally lost sight of the big picture.
Again i can empathise, I feel my political views are based more in common sense than extremist left or right wing policies.
Yeah, that sums up how I feel in a nutshell. Too bad everyone doesn't see it as common sense!
But music, there's soemthing everyone can enjoy...
True. I think music can genuinely make a difference in peoples lives, whether it be by helping them air their anger at governments, or by taking the form of pretty pretty pop song that can put a smile back on someones face.
Exactly. It just needs to be honest.
Our Favourite Song (another E&A song) is just a love song. I wrote that after my Gran passed away in January, kinda for my grandfather, who passed away when I was 3 or 4... She finally got to be back with him in some sense... And theres nothing political there.
Looking forward, where do you see you and your band in the long term?
Well, we're just getting our toes into playing some live gigs, and we seem to have some real honest emotion and a bit of intensity, and I want to take that as far as I can take it, without compromising any of what is real in that.
In the immeadiate future, You have a show coming up at the start of December?
Yep, we got a Radio show coming up in December... nothing big...we'll play some songs, talk a bit and it's a phone-in deal as well...
Any festive numbers lined up, PJ style?
Haha! Like Don't Believe In Christmas or something along those lines? You know, I never considered that...might be a great idea!
I guess we'll just have to tune in to find out...
Indeed... It'll be a learning experience for us all...
OK, so, to wrap up this Q&A, its been a pleasure to talk with you David, I've enjoyed listening to your stories under the guise of being an interviewer and I feel I've come away from this with a greater appreciation for your music, so thank you.
Thank you... Hey, if it ever goes anywhere, you gave us our first interview, so i appreciate your time and effort!
Well, who knows what the future holds...
-------------
We will now offer you all a chance to sample Enemies & Allies for yourselves, with this 3-track EP. It features two of the songs discussed in the interview, Uniforms and Our Favourite Song, as well as Say What You Mean, and comes with exclusive artwork.
Download Link: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KRX3IK9D
The aforementioned Radio Show will take place on 6th December. Further details are available at www.myspace.com/enemiesandalliesband. Here you can also see an exclusive video from the band's first ever show, and listen to the 3 tracks listed above. You can also find links to Isaiah, Jeff & Brad's other band, Amalgamation.
PLEASE leave feedback and let us know what you thought of this feature, the interview, and most importantly, the music.
BWR
As part of our feature, Vocalist/Guitarist David Pierce was kind enough to take part in an interview to discuss the band, and his past, present and future plans for their music.
Thanks for doing this David. Lets start off by asking you to tell us a bit about yourself and your bandmates, and how you came together to form Enemies & Allies.
Well, I moved to Ottawa in August of 2006 with my girlfriend to find work and also with the hope I could find some musicians to work with, and I got in touch with the guys via a web site http://www.punkottawa.com/.
They had posted looking for a guitar player for their band, as they were moving to Ottawa from Timmins, and one guitarist wasn't coming…
Timmins is in ON, I believe?
Yep, home of Shania twain for trivia purposes..
Anyway, their post went beyond the usual "band needs guitarist, must do this and that, we like band a, b, c, etc.
How so?
It was more spiritual maybe, for lack of a better term...they basically said they lived and breathed music and they wanted to create something amazing! I could tell straight off they were fervent listeners and they had a deeper appreciation for most of the heart and soul of rock music.
Which I can imagine must have been enticing?
Yeah, I got really excited...and this was right before they moved here! But as soon as they did, they got in touch...
So did you have a trial of sorts, or was it a 'lets see how it goes' sorta thing, or did the band fit like a glove from the get-go?
Well, here's where it gets interesting...
I went over to their place to jam, having learned a couple of their songs; Their band, Amalgamation, which incidentally still exists and is going strong, is a kinda prog jazz, Radiohead meets RHCP kinda thing...
So we played a couple of songs - their stuff is a lot more technically sound than mine...
Did you feel you had to step it up a gear, so to speak?
I'm a slasher... I learned from Neil Young playing electric, Joe Strummer, Eddie Vedder... that kinda thing
Anyways, I suggested we just jam, which they were open to, and I tossed out Uniforms, which you probably heard on the Myspace...
Its actually my favourite of the 3 songs you guys have up there...
I kinda bastardized something like Off He Goes by PJ and Powderfinger by NY, and Jeff, the guitarist, instantly came up with the lead and made it what it was... and it really blew me away!
It was really exciting to hear an idea I'd been strumming away by myself turn into this thing with a full band; It was still simple, but it had some really cool parts.
So what we can hear is pretty much the original version? It certainly has a raw vibe to it
Yeah, that's the song as it came out from the get go.
We had actually cobbled together a piece-by-piece recording of it that wasn't too too bad, but when we got a demo recorded in August, the guy who did it wanted a crack at Uniforms, so we re-did it and that's what you've heard.
You mentioned RHCP earlier. Are most of your songs, like theirs, born from jams? Or is it more like the PJ (or for that matter, most bands') process of someone brings in a piece (like Uniforms) and the band develops it into something more?
Thus far, I've written everything at home and demoed it on a little 8-track with a drum machine or whatever and then given it to the guys to play with
So is it fair to say you are the primary songwriter in the group?
To just go back to the original story for a sec, we basically determined early on that I wasn't the right fit for their band, but we still wanted to play together.
So now both bands exists - their other guitarist actually eventutally moved here and completed that lineup as well, but yeah, I've written everything so far for Enemies & Allies, and the guys kinda write collaboratively for their other band... For a while, I had to nag at them to stop referring to themselves as Dave's backing band!
They're all friends from public school, and I'm the "new" guy...
The Eddie Vedder of the group...
Haha! I wish! But yeah, same idea I guess!
Sticking with PJ, I guess I should ask what your relationship with the band has been, you told me earlier you had become a fan when the whole Seattle scene blew up.
Yeah, thats right. The rest of the band are actually all a few years younger than me and only had a passing knowledge of/respect for Pearl Jam.
So you did the righteous thing and converted them...
Well, I always loved them and respected them, but being where i was from, I had never seen them live...
It was the 2000 bootlegs that sealed the deal for me... hearing 20,000 people who don't speak English singing along with a b-side - that sold me!
But Brad, our drummer is hardcore now, and the other guys are a lot more into it too, not that they weren't before, they were just unaware!
The other thing that sold me was the personal nature of every show; Subtle comments and mututal respect...
So do you look at PJ's as a blueprint that should be followed with E&A?
I look at it as music being a way to convey something pure and honest, not to make yourself famous or score with girls, but to create and share, and do it purely based on all that is good with music.
Perhaps certain aspects of this blueprint, like you say, the personal relationship between band and music then?
Exactly! I think I have a lot of opinions on the world and I'd love to see us all work together to make things better...and maybe music is how I could see myself connecting with other likeminded people.
Pearl Jam were the first band I saw do that...and I've come to be aware of Neil Young doing that and The Clash, The Who, even Bob Dylan in some ways
Earlier, you made a comment to me about Ottawa and its politics. Is that something that influences your lyrics, and like you say, can you see the music being a vehicle to carry your opinions to influence others?
Well, I don't want to slag Ottawa, because it's a beautiful city, but sometimes it reminds me too much of how apathetic people can be, especially when they have all their comforts; Salary, benefits, house, car...
And we have a terrible Prime Minister in my opinion, someone who would rather people don't question things. It's the politics of fear - it lets conservatives come in and take over because we have to clamp down and protect ourselves from the "evil doers" and all that foolishness, but to me, the solution is not to ask less questions, rather to ask MORE questions!
Eventually, it all comes down to Education...
So do you feel you are in a position to educate others?
Am I? Probably not... But I feel compelled to sing about topical subjects, because that stuff excites me...
You know, there are times I wonder if I'm just a whiner... but I love people and I just think we could join forces and make this world so much better.
Haha! I know the feeling, but i genuinely believe you should speak your mind rather than hold back and tow the company line, if it is something you don't agree with.
Absolutely! And yet I'm compelled to point out that I'm not this big left wing communist either...
I also believe there are people on both ends of the spectrum who have totally lost sight of the big picture.
Again i can empathise, I feel my political views are based more in common sense than extremist left or right wing policies.
Yeah, that sums up how I feel in a nutshell. Too bad everyone doesn't see it as common sense!
But music, there's soemthing everyone can enjoy...
True. I think music can genuinely make a difference in peoples lives, whether it be by helping them air their anger at governments, or by taking the form of pretty pretty pop song that can put a smile back on someones face.
Exactly. It just needs to be honest.
Our Favourite Song (another E&A song) is just a love song. I wrote that after my Gran passed away in January, kinda for my grandfather, who passed away when I was 3 or 4... She finally got to be back with him in some sense... And theres nothing political there.
Looking forward, where do you see you and your band in the long term?
Well, we're just getting our toes into playing some live gigs, and we seem to have some real honest emotion and a bit of intensity, and I want to take that as far as I can take it, without compromising any of what is real in that.
In the immeadiate future, You have a show coming up at the start of December?
Yep, we got a Radio show coming up in December... nothing big...we'll play some songs, talk a bit and it's a phone-in deal as well...
Any festive numbers lined up, PJ style?
Haha! Like Don't Believe In Christmas or something along those lines? You know, I never considered that...might be a great idea!
I guess we'll just have to tune in to find out...
Indeed... It'll be a learning experience for us all...
OK, so, to wrap up this Q&A, its been a pleasure to talk with you David, I've enjoyed listening to your stories under the guise of being an interviewer and I feel I've come away from this with a greater appreciation for your music, so thank you.
Thank you... Hey, if it ever goes anywhere, you gave us our first interview, so i appreciate your time and effort!
Well, who knows what the future holds...
-------------
We will now offer you all a chance to sample Enemies & Allies for yourselves, with this 3-track EP. It features two of the songs discussed in the interview, Uniforms and Our Favourite Song, as well as Say What You Mean, and comes with exclusive artwork.
Download Link: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KRX3IK9D
The aforementioned Radio Show will take place on 6th December. Further details are available at www.myspace.com/enemiesandalliesband. Here you can also see an exclusive video from the band's first ever show, and listen to the 3 tracks listed above. You can also find links to Isaiah, Jeff & Brad's other band, Amalgamation.
PLEASE leave feedback and let us know what you thought of this feature, the interview, and most importantly, the music.
BWR
Sunday 11 November 2007
New Music Mondays
We know there are loads and loads of PJ fans out there. We also know that many of these fans love to make music themselves. So we figured what better way to get to know other fans than through the beautiful thing that connects us all, the music!
Every Monday, we will showcase the music of a fellow fan, and help them spread their music to a larger audience! Who knows, we may uncover the next big thing!
If you would like to share your music with fellow PJ fans, you can get in touch via e-mail (thearmyreserve@hotmail.co.uk) or via myspace (www.myspace.com/thearmyreserve).
You or your band don't have to be a PJ cover band, or even rockers, we are interested in all musical styles and genres.
Can't wait to hear what this will Yield,
BWR
Every Monday, we will showcase the music of a fellow fan, and help them spread their music to a larger audience! Who knows, we may uncover the next big thing!
If you would like to share your music with fellow PJ fans, you can get in touch via e-mail (thearmyreserve@hotmail.co.uk) or via myspace (www.myspace.com/thearmyreserve).
You or your band don't have to be a PJ cover band, or even rockers, we are interested in all musical styles and genres.
Can't wait to hear what this will Yield,
BWR
Vedder In Video Shocker!!
The LA Times is repoting that before Ed's solo show in Hollywood last week, he was in town to shoot a video(!!!) for the next single from the Into The Wild OST, Guaranteed, which also happens to be EV's fave song from his new disc.
In case you were wondering, this means that Ed will actually appear in the vid, not like the 'video' for Hard Sun which was basically a 3 min advert for the film.
Also, Ed has been interviewed about the future of music, the planet, (you know, all the stuff he loves) in the new 40th Anniversary edition of Rolling Stone. In a first, the whole magazine is available online for free at http://www.rollingstoneextras.com/rsdigitaledition/editionLg.php!
BWR
In case you were wondering, this means that Ed will actually appear in the vid, not like the 'video' for Hard Sun which was basically a 3 min advert for the film.
Also, Ed has been interviewed about the future of music, the planet, (you know, all the stuff he loves) in the new 40th Anniversary edition of Rolling Stone. In a first, the whole magazine is available online for free at http://www.rollingstoneextras.com/rsdigitaledition/editionLg.php!
BWR
Tuesday 6 November 2007
No Code Bootleg #01
First bootleg from the American Tour in support of No Code. This was the second 96 Seattle show after the album launch show at the tiny Showbox venue.
Enjoy, but be warned, i have no patience for people who complain about trivial things like sound quality, FLAC vs. mp3 etc. So, unless you want to spoil the fun for everyone, SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
Download Links:
Mp3
FLAC1 FLAC2 FLAC3 FLAC4
Artwork
1996-09-16 Key Arena, Seattle, WA
Setlist: Long Road, Hail Hail, Who You Are, Animal, Last Exit, In My Tree, Habit, Not For You, Daughter, Dissident, Even Flow, Tremor Christ, Go, Lukin, Whipping, Corduroy, Immortality, Jeremy, Black, Red Mosquito, Alive
Encore:
Off He Goes, Mankind, Rearviewmirror, Leaving Here
Encore:
Yellow Ledbetter
TwoFeetThick Notes: The show is a technical nightmare, with microphones, guitars and lights all failing at multiple times throughout the show. Scratching the setlist after 'Who You Are,' Ed tries guiding the band through the more familiar waters of older songs.
Even Stone's guitar fails during 'Mankind' with Scully trying desperately to change out his equipment while Stone continues strumming and singing his heart out, appearing to be oblivious to the problems.
Stone is having a blast, Jack has found his drumming groove with PJ now, Jeff is smiling and laughing during most of the show, as is Mike, although he never gets into any of his usually fantastic solos (although he tosses in a 'Sympathy for the Devil' riff just before 'In My Tree' and 'River of Deceit' before 'Daughter'), and Ed basically saves the show by keeping the techs and other band members functioning.
His voice is clean (though the sound is poor) and he is playing guitar more often and more skillfully than the '95 shows. Ed tosses out a funny little "mou mou" soundcheck after 'Daughter' when changing microphones.
Enjoy, but be warned, i have no patience for people who complain about trivial things like sound quality, FLAC vs. mp3 etc. So, unless you want to spoil the fun for everyone, SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
Download Links:
Mp3
FLAC1 FLAC2 FLAC3 FLAC4
Artwork
1996-09-16 Key Arena, Seattle, WA
Setlist: Long Road, Hail Hail, Who You Are, Animal, Last Exit, In My Tree, Habit, Not For You, Daughter, Dissident, Even Flow, Tremor Christ, Go, Lukin, Whipping, Corduroy, Immortality, Jeremy, Black, Red Mosquito, Alive
Encore:
Off He Goes, Mankind, Rearviewmirror, Leaving Here
Encore:
Yellow Ledbetter
TwoFeetThick Notes: The show is a technical nightmare, with microphones, guitars and lights all failing at multiple times throughout the show. Scratching the setlist after 'Who You Are,' Ed tries guiding the band through the more familiar waters of older songs.
Even Stone's guitar fails during 'Mankind' with Scully trying desperately to change out his equipment while Stone continues strumming and singing his heart out, appearing to be oblivious to the problems.
Stone is having a blast, Jack has found his drumming groove with PJ now, Jeff is smiling and laughing during most of the show, as is Mike, although he never gets into any of his usually fantastic solos (although he tosses in a 'Sympathy for the Devil' riff just before 'In My Tree' and 'River of Deceit' before 'Daughter'), and Ed basically saves the show by keeping the techs and other band members functioning.
His voice is clean (though the sound is poor) and he is playing guitar more often and more skillfully than the '95 shows. Ed tosses out a funny little "mou mou" soundcheck after 'Daughter' when changing microphones.
Monday 5 November 2007
New Poster Book, X-mas Single At X-Mas?
10C announced that their big surprise was another book, Pearl Jam Vs. Ames Bros: 13 Years Of Concert Posters 1995-2007. It should be cool, with bits and bobs from Artists and PJ themselves, including a foreword by Jeff Ament.
You can buy it now for $50 from the goods section at 10C, or, if you happen to be a millionaire/lottery winner/bank robber, you can pay a frankly ridiculous $200 for a 'limited edition' (read: green cover, with Barry Ament's signature).
Also, 10C obviously having read my previous post in which I exposed their hidden superpowers, announced that ths years Christmas single might actually arrive by Christmas!
Coincidence? I think not!
You are elegible if you are a 10C member as of Wednesday (I think).
BWR
PS: Noos Gnimoc Geltoob!
You can buy it now for $50 from the goods section at 10C, or, if you happen to be a millionaire/lottery winner/bank robber, you can pay a frankly ridiculous $200 for a 'limited edition' (read: green cover, with Barry Ament's signature).
Also, 10C obviously having read my previous post in which I exposed their hidden superpowers, announced that ths years Christmas single might actually arrive by Christmas!
Coincidence? I think not!
You are elegible if you are a 10C member as of Wednesday (I think).
BWR
PS: Noos Gnimoc Geltoob!
Eddie Vedder: The Type Of Guy All Men Want To Be
Thats the word according to Sean Penn, when he introduced Saint Severson III at a small Hollywood gathering of celebs and industry types to celebrate the release of Into The Wild on Friday past.
Ed showed up to play a 6-song solo set, including the live debut of some ITW material, which is continuing to gather rave reviews in the press, and there is even talk of it being nominated for an oscar (or something like that, can't pretend I actually know).
He dedicated a song to Emile Hirsch (who plays Chris McCandless in the film), another to Stone and made some comment about how nice it was to play in front of people who aren't crazed lunatics who want to lick the sweat from his shirt or carry his children (or something like that), obviously not realising he has now alienated his bands core audience ;)
So, to summarise, Ed played a bunch of new songs, Sean Penn yet again professed to having a serious case of guy-love for EV, and everyone had fun!
Setlist:
Rise, Society, Far Behind, Guaranteed, Driftin', Hide Your Love Away
Ed showed up to play a 6-song solo set, including the live debut of some ITW material, which is continuing to gather rave reviews in the press, and there is even talk of it being nominated for an oscar (or something like that, can't pretend I actually know).
He dedicated a song to Emile Hirsch (who plays Chris McCandless in the film), another to Stone and made some comment about how nice it was to play in front of people who aren't crazed lunatics who want to lick the sweat from his shirt or carry his children (or something like that), obviously not realising he has now alienated his bands core audience ;)
So, to summarise, Ed played a bunch of new songs, Sean Penn yet again professed to having a serious case of guy-love for EV, and everyone had fun!
Setlist:
Rise, Society, Far Behind, Guaranteed, Driftin', Hide Your Love Away
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