Release date: May 2, 2006
13 tracks; 49:42

Chances are, you've heard the first single from Pearl Jam's latest, self-titled CD.

"World Wide Suicide" is not only in heavy rotation on the radio, the band also performed the song on "Saturday Night Live" recently and on David Letterman on Thursday night.

Why so much airplay? Maybe because Pearl Jam has returned to form.

Sure, the new album isn't exactly "Ten" or "Vs." but it's a pretty solid effort from the flannel-wearing grunge rock pioneers.

The album is their eighth studio release, and first since 2002.

Sure, there's talk of its political statements against Pres. Bush and the war, but the main thing is its listenability.

Meaning, if I put this album in the CD player, I'm going to enjoy it. I'm not going to sit there and get depressed or politically charged.

The album kicks off with "Life Wasted" and slides right into "World Wide Suicide." It's a one-two punch that hits the album off right away.

"Comatose" follows it up nicely. It's a raw and high-energy rocker with singer Eddie Vedder's growling screams all over it.

Things don't slow down with "Severed Hand." And they get a little funky and slower with "Marker in the Sand."

"Parachutes" is a rolling acoustic song with a simple melody.

I could go on - song by song - but it's probably better if you just pick it up and enjoy for yourself.

I'll admit, on first listen, I wasn't quite sure what to think.

But the more I listen to it and pay attention, the more I enjoy it.

Ask me in a couple weeks - maybe I'll rank it between "Ten" and "Vs." instead of right after them.

Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at May 4, 2006 7:25 PM