By David Thomas
August 10, 2004
Pick of the Week
PEARL JAM, Live At Benaroya Hall (Pearl Jam)
While it may just seem one in a long line of live releases by Pearl Jam,
Live at Benaroya Hall is something different. It is the firs product to be
released since the band left Sony Music. There are no label names on the
packaging, nothing but the distributor's name and Pearl Jam.
It's an odd thing and the colorful packaging, low price and eclectic setlist
screamed "fanboys only." The press release, yes there was a press release,
alluded to Pearl Jam's appearance on MTV Unplugged more than a dozen years
earlier (we all feel old now) and how this mostly acoustic show in 2003
spotlights one of the band's strengths.
While there are numerous highlights on this set it doesn't offer a cohesive
stream of songs like almost every night of a Pearl Jam tour. It's amazing to
hear "Man Of The Hour" and "I Believe in Miracles" on the first disc but
each one is book ended by uncomplimentary tracks like 'Nothing as it Seems"
and "Sleight of Hand." Individually they may be good songs but they
completely halt the momentum of the show.
But for $12, or whatever Target is selling the CDs for, this is a bargain.
The fidelity is unreal and could be one of those test discs for a hi-fi
stereo store. Eddie Vedder's voice is subdued and mellow allowing the band,
especially guitarists Stone Gossard and Mike McCready to show their stuff.
It's also nice to hear all the covers, including "Masters of War"
(exceptionally poignant today) "25 Minutes To Go" and the previously
mentioned "I Believe In Miracles" which PEARL JAM does so well and in such a
different manner it's almost sacrilege to the RAMONES.
No matter how bad the setlist assembly was the merits of the band and its
performance on this night out shadows it. The set also makes us salivate for
what awaits in the band's vault without a label to answer to.
Indie Pick of the Week
ATAXIA, Automatic Writing (Record Collection)
It's pretty much a geek's dream week here at Perfect Pitch. Not only do I
get to write about PEARL JAM but a member of FUGAZI has released a new side
project as well. Can it get much better?
ATAXIA not only features Joe Lally the amazing bassist from FUGAZI but also
a guy named John Frusciante who some may have heard of before. The five
tracks that make up Automatic Writing (a perfect album title for this
project) are one half of a three week recording session that will see a
companion piece in early 2005.
When I look back on my last column and read how horrible it seems music is
going, with no clear leaders in the Top 40 or a truly original underground
scene I tend to lose hope. But it's nice to open the mail and find a truly
beautiful artistic statement from old heroes. And they're not that old.
ATAXIA may be a bad band name but they make up for that with a free-flowing
style that is said to be totally improvised but is so well-layered, thought
out and executed it's hard to believe these musicians weren't planning out
some greater scheme. "Dust" is an almost nine minute track that introduces
us to a steady rhythm and precise execution that is the cornerstone of this
new entity.
Frusciante is so misused in the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS it's
almost comical. On this album, and his last solo record, he shines as an
improvisationalist and a true artist. Even his vocals are at their best.
Only his playing can distract one from the deep tones of Lally's bass.
While it had its greatest effect playing devastating riffs in FUGAZI, Lally
was always the one keeping Ian and Guy's heads bobbing. He has a sense of
rhythm that has influenced every indie rock act that dares play a show. Herehe has more opportunity to showcase his range but it turns out he still
likes to play the subdued backbone. Compared to the browbeating style of
Flea, Frusciante must relish such a change in pace.
ATAXIA won't change the world with its mellow, uber-jazz but it does bring
two distinct musicians together in a way most never thought possible. The
disc doesn't get too experimental because of Lally's sense of rhythm and it
never bores due to Frusciante's fragmented artist's mind. Here's to early
2005 when we get to hear the second chapter.
Rock Pick of the Week
PARIS, TEXAS, Like You Like An Arsonist (New Line Records)
Again my slacking on a record has cost me valuable timeliness. I often get
records so far in advance my mind just automatically files them away as
something not to write about yet. I personally can not stand reading a
review months in advance because I always forget when it's finally
available. The rub would be that I then forget to write the review when it
does come out. Sheesh.
PARIS, TEXAS' long awaited full-length on a major label is a polished effort
of rock and roll honed to WB teen-drama perfection. I'm guessing songs like
the title track and "Bombs Away" are already being shopped to television
execs as you read this.
"Rebel Radio" has a weird vibe and reminds me of All Scratched Up-era DOWN
BY LAW. I'm thinking maybe these Wisconsin boys in PARIS TEXAS were ripping
off one of the most overlooked bands in recent history. Luckily there aren't
any other hints of plagiarism. "White Eyes" is a fast paced number and
continues the whole "we're young and in the prime of our lives" feel of the
disc. It's a refreshing break in the review stack of crap like what I
highlighted last time.
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