Great album in my opinion. I'm 31, I became a fan when I was in 9th grade in 2008. I'm about the same age as Andrew Watt, a little younger. I'm biased probably saying this but I think actually was a good move having somebody of a different generation produce the album. Strangely enough Andrew Watt and I have the same birthday, both massive Pearl Jam fans and guitarists. I think where he excels is he knows what parts and techniques these bands use that really hit and resonate with people. He did a pretty good job getting the stones out of their own way too, nowhere near as good as he did on dark matter though. I think Eddie realized he was a fan of Pearl Jam and brought him not just for his success as a producer with mainstream musicians, but as a fan of Pearl Jam and somebody who is extremely knowledgeable about their music. From an interview with stone and Jeff it seemed to me that they really benefited from having Andrew's knowledge of their music. I think Andrew was able to say something along the lines of this - take the guitar style of Black and Yellow Ledbetter and put it here against this type of chord progression that you may have done on binaural or riot act. I think he was able to take some of the tricks and techniques that they did throughout the years juxtapose them in new ways.
Great band. Good album. I’ve been listening to it daily. My only complaint is how the album was mixed. The drums are washed out and the mix sounds too electronic . I prefer the old studio mixes like 10 & Vs etc
I agree, I don't hear direct comparisons with early 90's PJ. Solid album, enjoying it lots but not my favourite album they've done this millennium. For me personally, that honour goes to "Avocado" album. I really like every album they've released since Riot Act but if I'm being honest, Dark Matter hasn't got any songs I'd consider classic PJ. But as the songs become more familiar, maybe I'll change my mind? The same as Backspacer, Lightning Bolt and Gigaton, I'd give Dark Matter a good solid 7.5 out of 10, maybe 8 if they'd kept Something Special for an EV solo record.
Good review. I agree this is a really solid album and I enjoy it more than Gigaton. I also agree about the added booklet. I love when we get those instead of the single sheet.
I have to say I think you are the first I have heard talk about the smell of the record LOL....... PJ always takes care in package presentation I like it a lot too. I went to the record store listing part on the 21st and many songs stuck with me right away. The rest have grown on me as a full listening to the album a few times now. Many have brought up the issues of it sounding compressed which Andrew Watt. I really liked Gigaton, Lighting Bolt and Backspacer. With Dark Matter they have gotten even stronger and Mike and Stone are on fire on this album !!! I probably wont do a review on the record until after the first set of shows I am going to in May. My plan is to do my series The Album & The Concert on Dark Matter and the shows if it all works out right. Enjoyed your review it is a really good album, they have not lost anything and I do not care what the haters say !!
I think the haters are all a lot of folks who get excited that they're going to somehow recreate the first two albums. This album stands alone is its own thing. I also loved the four albums you mentioned, gigaton didn't do it for me all that much but definitely had moments that I really enjoyed. Backspacer and lightning bolt are two incredibly important albums to me, probably because they came out when I was in high school and College in during some major transitions in life. When the first two singles came out I had no interest at all, it had no resignation with me at all. However now that I have heard those songs in the context of the whole album I love them. Especially the title track. I think Andrew what really breathe life into their songwriting. I didn't notice any problems with the production or recording, but I'm also a guy who mainly listened to backspacer on a shity CD player boombox that sat up on top of my Fender amp while I tried to jam guitar along with those songs. As for this review I agree for the most part except with setting sun. Setting sun is my favorite song on the album. The tribal drums to me sort of reminded me of elements of Temple of the dog, then the guitars kick in with a riff that sees the song to its end. Eddie just wailing over top. I love it
@@eqx7168 Yes most of the haters want the angry 1993 PJ . It is interesting to hear when people come into the band so thanks for sharing your story. Many times I need to hear the album in full as singles just don't give me a feeling of the band and what they are putting down. thanks !!
It's a good album I got the Record Store Day release for $45. Also got on preorder from Ten Club clear vinyl. I love Got To Give and Wreckage. Not a fan of Something Special. 🎵👍🏻
I've seen several comments about how bad of a job Andrew Watt did recoding this album. I dont know anything about the recoding process, but i thought the album sounds great!!
Gigaton is much more atmospheric in a lot of ways. DM is not a bad album, much better than Lightnig Bolt, but i think there are way to much mid tempo songs on it. I woud've loved to hear more of these "dark matter-ish" songs on it.
It is nothing like the 90s. The first 5 albums which are their best ones where simpler songs, had hooks, ear worms and not shadowing mellow indie rock bands of today as they do now. The problem also is that all of their 2000s material is top heavy and the albums get more and more boring as it reaches the end.
I hear what you’re saying, but I definitely feel like there are a few heavy moments on this album that are reminiscent of their days. They’re never going to sound like they did, but it’s great that they can still produce good music at this point in their career.
Nothing like the 90's, influencer, c'mon with this organized orgasm of approval for this pedestrian album. "Best since 10!"...Stop please, it is embarrassing.
Not my thing, nothing to do with the 90's, just straight & regular rock and roll. Well produced... but way too much. People need to realize the 90's are grunge. This isn't grunge, therefore you do the math...
I have exactly the same opinion. It lacks the grit that made 10, vs and Vitalogy such great albums. So, no and no, it has absolutely nothing to do with the 90's. People need to realize such era is over and nothing will ever "sound like" back in the days. I was there, I was in my 20's and I was a grunge band frontman. Those days won't come back, get it over with.
I’m gonna have to respectfully disagree on this one. Nothing will ever match what they did early in their career, but this is definitely a great album for this point in their career. Definitely not time to hang it up if they can still write music this good might be for everyone, but I’m definitely happy with it.
Too bad it is the worst mixed and mastered release. It is horrendous. Compare it to Lightning bolt. Lifeless mastering. If you listen on buds or in the car it’s fine. But the vinyl is horrendously flat. Atmos sounds much better because it was not mixed by Serban etc. he used too many damn plug ins degrading the sound heavily
@@thevinyljukebox for sure. I don’t have a proper atmos setup (other than AirPods Pro) so I use the atmos decoding to stereo binaural mode. And it sounds quite good
Setting sun ☀️ is my fav from
Dark Matter
Great album in my opinion. I'm 31, I became a fan when I was in 9th grade in 2008. I'm about the same age as Andrew Watt, a little younger. I'm biased probably saying this but I think actually was a good move having somebody of a different generation produce the album. Strangely enough Andrew Watt and I have the same birthday, both massive Pearl Jam fans and guitarists. I think where he excels is he knows what parts and techniques these bands use that really hit and resonate with people. He did a pretty good job getting the stones out of their own way too, nowhere near as good as he did on dark matter though. I think Eddie realized he was a fan of Pearl Jam and brought him not just for his success as a producer with mainstream musicians, but as a fan of Pearl Jam and somebody who is extremely knowledgeable about their music. From an interview with stone and Jeff it seemed to me that they really benefited from having Andrew's knowledge of their music. I think Andrew was able to say something along the lines of this - take the guitar style of Black and Yellow Ledbetter and put it here against this type of chord progression that you may have done on binaural or riot act. I think he was able to take some of the tricks and techniques that they did throughout the years juxtapose them in new ways.
Amazing album that gets better with each listen. Setting Sun is Pearl Jam at their best.
I agree! I like it more each time I spin it 🤘
Great band. Good album.
I’ve been listening to it daily.
My only complaint is
how the album was mixed.
The drums are washed out
and the mix sounds too electronic .
I prefer the old studio mixes
like 10 & Vs etc
Agree about the sound. The drums sound very compressed. Sounds like a poor quality mp3
Great album, great band and great video... and yes, Josh was touring with the earthlings
Thanks ✌️
Irs amazing, setting sun wow 👌
It’s not a throwback it’s all new. That’s what you all don’t get this band moves forward not backwards.
I hear ya. But you can still move forward while tipping your cap to the past for sure.
I agree, I don't hear direct comparisons with early 90's PJ.
Solid album, enjoying it lots but not my favourite album they've done this millennium. For me personally, that honour goes to "Avocado" album.
I really like every album they've released since Riot Act but if I'm being honest, Dark Matter hasn't got any songs I'd consider classic PJ. But as the songs become more familiar, maybe I'll change my mind?
The same as Backspacer, Lightning Bolt and Gigaton, I'd give Dark Matter a good solid 7.5 out of 10, maybe 8 if they'd kept Something Special for an EV solo record.
👏👏thank you👏👏
@@thevinyljukeboxthat’s the thing they’ve always done that. It’s just that not everyone’s paying attention.
@MagicCarpetRideShareProject there’s always exceptions.
The packaging looks great. It’s one of their best albums in a long time for me.
Agreed 🎉
I’m. Obsessed!!! Lyrically, this album has punch, has sweetness but also plenty of angst that we expect from EV. I love it more with each listen.
🔥🔥🔥
Setting Sun is my favorite 😂
Nice!
Good review.
I agree this is a really solid album and I enjoy it more than Gigaton.
I also agree about the added booklet. I love when we get those instead of the single sheet.
Thanks! ✌️ Yeah wish more albums would have packaging like this. Especially if they’re going to charge these absurd prices for new albums.
I was surprised how unimpressed you seemed by Setting Sun. It’s one of their best album closers and arguably the best song on the album.
Just didn’t move me. Maybe it will grow on me though. There’s a few songs on the album already that I didn’t like it first that have grown on me.
I was surprised by that reaction too. Probably my favourite on DM.
It's a huge track. Can't wait to hear it on a big rig 😮
Agree!!
It's ultra sensational, cant wait to hear setting sun live in Sydney wow 😍
I'm still waiting for.my copy from TenClub.
Was going to order that variant but the shipping was crazy 🤯
I have to say I think you are the first I have heard talk about the smell of the record LOL....... PJ always takes care in package presentation I like it a lot too. I went to the record store listing part on the 21st and many songs stuck with me right away. The rest have grown on me as a full listening to the album a few times now. Many have brought up the issues of it sounding compressed which Andrew Watt. I really liked Gigaton, Lighting Bolt and Backspacer. With Dark Matter they have gotten even stronger and Mike and Stone are on fire on this album !!! I probably wont do a review on the record until after the first set of shows I am going to in May. My plan is to do my series The Album & The Concert on Dark Matter and the shows if it all works out right. Enjoyed your review it is a really good album, they have not lost anything and I do not care what the haters say !!
Thanks!! 👃😂 Looking forward to your review!
I think the haters are all a lot of folks who get excited that they're going to somehow recreate the first two albums. This album stands alone is its own thing. I also loved the four albums you mentioned, gigaton didn't do it for me all that much but definitely had moments that I really enjoyed. Backspacer and lightning bolt are two incredibly important albums to me, probably because they came out when I was in high school and College in during some major transitions in life. When the first two singles came out I had no interest at all, it had no resignation with me at all. However now that I have heard those songs in the context of the whole album I love them. Especially the title track. I think Andrew what really breathe life into their songwriting. I didn't notice any problems with the production or recording, but I'm also a guy who mainly listened to backspacer on a shity CD player boombox that sat up on top of my Fender amp while I tried to jam guitar along with those songs. As for this review I agree for the most part except with setting sun. Setting sun is my favorite song on the album. The tribal drums to me sort of reminded me of elements of Temple of the dog, then the guitars kick in with a riff that sees the song to its end. Eddie just wailing over top. I love it
@@eqx7168 Yes most of the haters want the angry 1993 PJ . It is interesting to hear when people come into the band so thanks for sharing your story. Many times I need to hear the album in full as singles just don't give me a feeling of the band and what they are putting down. thanks !!
It's a good album I got the Record Store Day release for $45. Also got on preorder from Ten Club clear vinyl. I love Got To Give and Wreckage. Not a fan of Something Special. 🎵👍🏻
Nice!! 🤘
I've seen several comments about how bad of a job Andrew Watt did recoding this album. I dont know anything about the recoding process, but i thought the album sounds great!!
Agree with you 100%. I think Watt did a great job with this as always
Gigaton is much more atmospheric in a lot of ways. DM is not a bad album, much better than Lightnig Bolt, but i think there are way to much mid tempo songs on it. I woud've loved to hear more of these "dark matter-ish" songs on it.
why is pearl jam waiting for steve not even eddie vedder song
It is nothing like the 90s. The first 5 albums which are their best ones where simpler songs, had hooks, ear worms and not shadowing mellow indie rock bands of today as they do now. The problem also is that all of their 2000s material is top heavy and the albums get more and more boring as it reaches the end.
I hear what you’re saying, but I definitely feel like there are a few heavy moments on this album that are reminiscent of their days. They’re never going to sound like they did, but it’s great that they can still produce good music at this point in their career.
Pearl jam fat rich corporate. Kurt Cobain 's comments were rite back in the day. Long live real punk.
Nothing like the 90's, influencer, c'mon with this organized orgasm of approval for this pedestrian album. "Best since 10!"...Stop please, it is embarrassing.
Lol “organized orgasm.” That made my day 😂😂😂
Not my thing, nothing to do with the 90's, just straight & regular rock and roll. Well produced... but way too much. People need to realize the 90's are grunge. This isn't grunge, therefore you do the math...
not much of a review this really. 10 second reviews of each song.
I will try to do an hour on each one next time.
The album is too clean. Too well produced. No thanks.
I have exactly the same opinion. It lacks the grit that made 10, vs and Vitalogy such great albums. So, no and no, it has absolutely nothing to do with the 90's. People need to realize such era is over and nothing will ever "sound like" back in the days. I was there, I was in my 20's and I was a grunge band frontman. Those days won't come back, get it over with.
Very very weak album.. Something special is probably the worst song by the band. Ho well.. its time they close the shop i would say.
I’m gonna have to respectfully disagree on this one. Nothing will ever match what they did early in their career, but this is definitely a great album for this point in their career. Definitely not time to hang it up if they can still write music this good might be for everyone, but I’m definitely happy with it.
@@thevinyljukebox Your opinion, as valuable as mine.. , 10 days ago the album was out, i fell no will to lissen to it.. its just forgotten already..
Too bad it is the worst mixed and mastered release. It is horrendous. Compare it to Lightning bolt. Lifeless mastering. If you listen on buds or in the car it’s fine. But the vinyl is horrendously flat. Atmos sounds much better because it was not mixed by Serban etc. he used too many damn plug ins degrading the sound heavily
I will definitely agree with you about the Atmos. Apple did a great job putting that mix together.
@@thevinyljukebox for sure. I don’t have a proper atmos setup (other than AirPods Pro) so I use the atmos decoding to stereo binaural mode. And it sounds quite good