The Pearl Jam review which sparked these comments, written by Steve Kandell, appeared in the December 7, 1998 issue ( http://www.consumableonline.com/1998/12.07/index.html ) The Editor's Notes to reader's comments, penned by Bob Gajarsky, appeared in the January 19, 1999 issue ( http://www.consumableonline.com/1999/01.19/index.html ).
> Band Worship 301: Trying To Be A Rock Critic...When trying to write an album review, you will envitably (sic) be criticised. Instead of accepting that perhaps you really do not know what you are talking about, ignore all valid points made in any 'letter to the editor' and instead respond with the some drole (sic) remarks in (an) attempt to sound witty and intelligent. This will deflect attention from your poor review and not cast you as a pompous, ignorant ass. Then wait for the job offer from Rolling Stone that will surely come. It will won't it?? - S.V., Canada
> I enjoyed the quick lesson in Band Worship 101 that followed three slavish, mind-controlled Pearl Jam Still Rules letters. I can't help but wonder if these fans actually hear the passion and power that makes Ten so personally important and listenable seven years later, while all of their follow-up releases pale sadly in comparison. I've the right to this opinion, having waited for a midnight sale for Versus while in college and an early morning sale for Vitalogy. I've got No Code and Yield as well, both of which are unlistenable to me. Versus and Vitalogy have some good songs; they suffer from the inevitable comparison to the strength and personality of Ten and fail miserably to impress.
Can I be the only person who hears the gaping hole in Eddie's songwriting in everything since Ten? The feeling that these are songs written by a writer who knows he has shot his creative wad the first time out and there's nothing left but fulfilling the contract runs through PJ's post-Ten catalog.
Now there's nothing left but rap, swing, and Metallica doing 70s covers. The dream of 91-92 has died; will the last fan out of the building please urinate on the Ticketmaster sign? - David U.
> I enjoyed your "Band Worship 101" quip...very funny and amusing. One thing I noticed, when back in my hometown of Chicago during the winter, was that of all possible bands, the single one they played the most was Pearl Jam.
(Despite this) their new music off Yield was not getting the same amount of airplay as a "Closing Time". (Most of the songs) were older, played-to-death hits such as "Alive", "Jeremy" and "Daughter".
I'm enjoying Pearl Jam's 'maturing', if you will, of their newer music, their innovations to the production stage, etc. but I can't expect everyone to care or even find the same positive aspects in it that I do.
I can dispute one reader's comment about all the shows selling out; the Alpine Valley show on June 27, 1998 did not sell out (or if it did, only at the last moment) one of my friends bought tickets as late as 1pm that day.
I enjoy reading Consumable; you provide an honest opinion on music. - Michael S.
