Why Do I Only Listen to PJ Now?

[Hugh Freaking Dillon]

Oh, Hugh man, I don't know about the others, but I didn't think most of these posts are negative. I more read them as just opinions about how a diversity in music is great, and them just trying to encourage branching out. That's certaiy how I meant my posts; sorry if they came across like that to you. ... and I don't know if I recall any bickering,
bt I guess that might be a matter of perspective.
Discussion boards are weird that way. I've been reading it as though the tone is basically friendly, while you're seeing the opposite. ... I admit I hope I'm right this time.

there were a few passive aggressive comments saying "I feel sad for you". those are the ones I was referring to.

[PJ_Soul]

Oh, Hugh man, I don't know about the others, but I didn't think most of these posts are negative. I more read them as just opinions about how a diversity in music is great, and them just trying to encourage branching out. That's certaiy how I meant my posts; sorry if they came across like that to you. ... and I don't know if I recall any bickering,
bt I guess that might be a matter of perspective.
Discussion boards are weird that way. I've been reading it as though the tone is basically friendly, while you're seeing the opposite. ... I admit I hope I'm right this time.

there were a few passive aggressive comments saying "I feel sad for you". those are the ones I was referring to.

Yeah, I'll agree with you there... I hate when people say that phrase. So condescending. Drives me nuts.

[Myluckyhand]

I've pretty much been listening to PJ and PJ only with some a.m. radio for years now. Finally decided a few weeks ago to just stop. I think its gonna make seeing them live in a few months simply that much more "epic"! (Just for 81) Been rediscovering a lot of good music that hasn't been played in awhile!

I to have made the decision to take a break (you start to wonder if it's becoming unhealthy!!) all be it a week off but in that time I rediscovered my love for Peeping Tom and Mr Bungle, imagine Mike Patton and Ed doing something together, it would either the best thing ever or EPIC fail!!

[iOnlyownMymind]

Maybe I should have instead said that I hope you can rediscover other great bands again because PJ is surely not the only. Sorry that you became greatly offended by it.

[brianlux]

I agree with those who say that listening to a variety of music is great if that's what turns you on. But at the bottom line is each of us hears what we want to hear and if listening to the same genre or the same band or even the same song over and over rolls you socks I say, go for it. I don't see good or bad either way.

I will say that after living through and listening to and watching six decades of rock and roll, Pearl Jam resides in that part of my brain that only a few others occupy.

[kellanazzie]

I agree with those who say that listening to a variety of music is great if that's what turns you on. But at the bottom line is each of us hears what we want to hear and if listening to the same genre or the same band or even the same song over and over rolls you socks I say, go for it. I don't see good or bad either way.

I will say that after living through and listening to and watching six decades of rock and roll, Pearl Jam resides in that part of my brain that only a few others occupy.

Very well said. I'm also right there with the OP at the moment, immersed in a predilection for all that is PJ & friends. And I'm right where I wanna be. There was a time when my taste ran to Zeppelin only, to Alannis only, the Beatles only, a time when I travelled the gamut of musical genres, I enjoy scoping Youtube or Itunes or taking a listen to a band someone else mentions (recently found The Mayfield Four this way) It fascinates me how different people are in their taste for food, travels, hobbies & music, and they are never wrong, just different. I keep thinking, "slow down with the Pearl Jam woman!! You'll tire of them" But then I think, "Well, why?" Makes me happy & in a world which chooses not to leave one alone at times , its a gift to be happy. Carry on OP!!

[Hugh Freaking Dillon]

I don't think people are judging you or others, we are just kind of amazed that people think that there is no other good music beside Pearl Jam. If there is one thing I've leared after 17 years of listening to Pearl Jam, is that there are a lot better musicians out there than Pearl Jam. Collectively Pearl Jam is special, but there are a lot of really, really talented musicians out there that are worth listening to. I think people buy into a lie that only Pearl Jam has integrity for the music, and that is just plain wrong.

I don't care about musicianship. if I did I'd listen to Steve Vai. I just care about the songs. Do they speak to me? there is no other band out there to me that speaks to me like they do. Maybe I'm just having a harder time in life than I have had in the past and that's why I'm gravitating towards the band that eases my mind and heart. I don't know. I love QOTSA. I love Jack White. I love Black Mountain. I love The Headstones. I love a lot of bands. But I don't get the same emotional component from other bands that I get from PJ and Ed. Ed solo live in Minneapolis for me like was a christian going to the vatican. I nearly wept. it was surreal to me. Besides the obvious (kids, wedding, etc), it was the best night of my life. Same when I saw PJ in Fargo in 2003. I hadn't seen them since 1993 in Gimli, and as soon as Arc started, a tear streamed down my cheek.

I have never even come close to being that invested in another artist. But I have no control over it. It just IS.

[brianlux]

I don't think people are judging you or others, we are just kind of amazed that people think that there is no other good music beside Pearl Jam. If there is one thing I've leared after 17 years of listening to Pearl Jam, is that there are a lot better musicians out there than Pearl Jam. Collectively Pearl Jam is special, but there are a lot of really, really talented musicians out there that are worth listening to. I think people buy into a lie that only Pearl Jam has integrity for the music, and that is just plain wrong.

I don't care about musicianship. if I did I'd listen to Steve Vai. I just care about the songs. Do they speak to me? there is no other band out there to me that speaks to me like they do. Maybe I'm just having a harder time in life than I have had in the past and that's why I'm gravitating towards the band that eases my mind and heart. I don't know. I love QOTSA. I love Jack White. I love Black Mountain. I love The Headstones. I love a lot of bands. But I don't get the same emotional component from other bands that I get from PJ and Ed. Ed solo live in Minneapolis for me like was a christian going to the vatican. I nearly wept. it was surreal to me. Besides the obvious (kids, wedding, etc), it was the best night of my life. Same when I saw PJ in Fargo in 2003. I hadn't seen them since 1993 in Gimli, and as soon as Arc started, a tear streamed down my cheek.

I have never even come close to being that invested in another artist. But I have no control over it. It just IS.

This very much makes sense to me, Hugh!

[bootlegger10]

I don't think people are judging you or others, we are just kind of amazed that people think that there is no other good music beside Pearl Jam. If there is one thing I've leared after 17 years of listening to Pearl Jam, is that there are a lot better musicians out there than Pearl Jam. Collectively Pearl Jam is special, but there are a lot of really, really talented musicians out there that are worth listening to. I think people buy into a lie that only Pearl Jam has integrity for the music, and that is just plain wrong.

I don't care about musicianship. if I did I'd listen to Steve Vai. I just care about the songs. Do they speak to me? there is no other band out there to me that speaks to me like they do. Maybe I'm just having a harder time in life than I have had in the past and that's why I'm gravitating towards the band that eases my mind and heart. I don't know. I love QOTSA. I love Jack White. I love Black Mountain. I love The Headstones. I love a lot of bands. But I don't get the same emotional component from other bands that I get from PJ and Ed. Ed solo live in Minneapolis for me like was a christian going to the vatican. I nearly wept. it was surreal to me. Besides the obvious (kids, wedding, etc), it was the best night of my life. Same when I saw PJ in Fargo in 2003. I hadn't seen them since 1993 in Gimli, and as soon as Arc started, a tear streamed down my cheek.

I have never even come close to being that invested in another artist. But I have no control over it. It just IS.

I'm just testing your faith in Pearl Jam. Ha. You are a strong one.

I think I was more talking about fans who ONLY listen to Pearl Jam for years and believe that all new music is bad.

I drove through Fargo this year on my way to Winnipeg for the Canada tour and can't imagine seeing Pearl Jam there. Must have been awesome.

[stargirl69]

I really was NOT expecting all the negativity and judgment in this thread. Look, I listen to a LOT of bands. This has only been the case for me in the past few weeks. It's not 100% of the time. But a good 75% I'd say.

But if it was 100% like some others have said, who are you to judge what they like to listen to in their free time? Jesus people, get a grip. Go to the train if you want to bicker and judge others.

Oh come on man,people are just sharing opinions,no one is judging,most just find it interesting that there are many who are claiming they are a Pearl Jam zone only.

I just can't see the need for music limits is all the point I am making.

[musicismylife78]

as i said, i can understand getting deeply into a bands dischography and exploring for awhile, but yeah, there is just so much other music. we all have favorite bands and songs. but to only be confined to one band and one genre? part of what makes art, in any medium so cool and important is how varied and different it can get. Some days i want to listen to bruce, other days radiohead, some days i want to hear the xx, other days biggie. To be boxed in to one band or one genre, i just think is boring. As i said, in 2012, getting to really explore an album in totality is a luxury few people seem to engage in. Often its a week with a new band, then off to something else.

but my tastes have always been eclectic. Im known on here as the indie guy, but i love every genre. i think there is just so many things to be inspired by. i'd rather not limit myself. i want to be inspired by it all, not just one band and one style of music

[mysticweed]

Pearl Jam
the only band that (still) matters!

[PJ_Soul]

Well, I guess Eddie Vedder releasing an all ukulule album is taking a risk. But as for Pearl Jam, I think they've been on cruise control for 10 years now and do enough to release good albums, but not great ones. Mike's soloing has been marginalized to the point where it is non-existant.

Well, I have to thank you, because our conversation made me listen to Riot Act from start to finish for the first time in quite a while, and it reminded me of how totally amazing it is!! Risks up the ying yang if you ask me! One of my faves!

[Hugh Freaking Dillon]

Well, I guess Eddie Vedder releasing an all ukulule album is taking a risk. But as for Pearl Jam, I think they've been on cruise control for 10 years now and do enough to release good albums, but not great ones. Mike's soloing has been marginalized to the point where it is non-existant.

I think that Backspacer was a BIG risk for them in terms of turning off their current fanbase. And any time you release anything political it's a huge risk as well.

[Hugh Freaking Dillon]

Well, I guess Eddie Vedder releasing an all ukulule album is taking a risk. But as for Pearl Jam, I think they've been on cruise control for 10 years now and do enough to release good albums, but not great ones. Mike's soloing has been marginalized to the point where it is non-existant.

Well, I have to thank you, because our conversation made me listen to Riot Act from start to finish for the first time in quite a while, and it reminded me of how totally amazing it is!! Risks up the ying yang if you ask me! One of my faves!

how funny, I listened to it today front to back myself, and I loved it.