Indie Music Chatter

I woke up feeling a bit nostalgic this morning so what I did was revisit the discography of one of my favorite bands — Pearl Jam.

I chronologically played their albums starting from their debut Ten up to their self titled album. Listening to an artist’s work chronologically really gives you a better perspective on the artist’s growth, any risks he may have taken, any setbacks he may have experienced. It also gives the listener a very general (though not so accurate) idea of the creative steps that may likely be taken in the future.

Listening to Pearl Jam’s discography really gives you a sense of scale as to the magnitude of risks the band has taken over the years. This is one band that is not afraid to really undermine what they have established in the pursuit of a real and sincere creative vision. Any other band may have taken a predictable, maybe even more commercial, direction following the massive success of their first three albums. But not Pearl Jam, they have proven that their creative vision cannot be compromised. Some may look at this as their biggest witness — after all a band should always look at what the fans want. Pearl Jam may have made some very crucial mistakes (though this is really debatable) along the way and this may have resulted in fans jumping ship because they felt that they are alienated. But I admire Pearl Jam’s tenacity and adherence to maintain the purity of their vision as well as the strength of their commitment to their music and, yes, to their fans as well.

Pearl Jam could arguably be one of the most indie of rock bands for heroically adhering to an independent spirit that would, for better or worse, help cement its reputation and contribution to rock and roll.

Pearl Jam, Ten