Vs was the first PJ record I bought. This, and the MTV Unplugged show, is how I discovered PJ. I love Vs.
... That said, I think PJ became a lot more interesting when their music started to move away from the stadium rock bangers that characterised Ten and Vs, and moved into the more idiosyncratic writing of Vitalogy and No Code and onwards (with Eddie taking a larger songwriting role, if I understand correctly). I think that it's this idiosyncrasy that's allowed PJ to sustain a 30+ year career. 'Alive' and 'Even Flow' very much have a 90s vibe about them -- but songs like, say, 'Smile' or 'Light Years' have a more perennial feel to them, IMHO. They sound as up to date as songs written this year.
Vs is the most flawless album PJ has produced, yes -- but that's both positive and negative. The rougher, more vulnerable moments in a song have their own charm too. A song in a weird-ass time signature is harder to dance to, but it has its own particular style of beauty.
Or, put another way, I've heard 'Black' so many times that I just can't listen to it anymore. I still love listening to 'Bugs'.
This one is definitely on my list - it’s my fave of theirs - this is the one I got first. It was a sweet orange cd! Listened to this one on my discman at school for months.
Happy birthday. Another great letter. These will be such treasures for your son.
Thank you Taz!
Vs was the first PJ record I bought. This, and the MTV Unplugged show, is how I discovered PJ. I love Vs.
... That said, I think PJ became a lot more interesting when their music started to move away from the stadium rock bangers that characterised Ten and Vs, and moved into the more idiosyncratic writing of Vitalogy and No Code and onwards (with Eddie taking a larger songwriting role, if I understand correctly). I think that it's this idiosyncrasy that's allowed PJ to sustain a 30+ year career. 'Alive' and 'Even Flow' very much have a 90s vibe about them -- but songs like, say, 'Smile' or 'Light Years' have a more perennial feel to them, IMHO. They sound as up to date as songs written this year.
Vs is the most flawless album PJ has produced, yes -- but that's both positive and negative. The rougher, more vulnerable moments in a song have their own charm too. A song in a weird-ass time signature is harder to dance to, but it has its own particular style of beauty.
Or, put another way, I've heard 'Black' so many times that I just can't listen to it anymore. I still love listening to 'Bugs'.
Loooove this one! Such a good read. Indifference is on a different level, man. ❤️
I was getting emotional writing about RVM and Indifference. They just will always be so close to me.
💯
Great piece, man.
This isn't my 3rd favorite album of theirs. 😁😎🤘
Thank you Chris! So what is your “third” favorite?
Vitalogy.
Ten.
Vs.
😁😎🤘
This one is definitely on my list - it’s my fave of theirs - this is the one I got first. It was a sweet orange cd! Listened to this one on my discman at school for months.
I got the CD as well. Now I have a 25th-anniversary LP still in its wrapping.
Great article and damn. Rearview Mirror and Indifference for me. So emotional! 😭 the whole album is truly good.
💯. This is my favorite of theirs.
Writing this brought up a lot. There’s so much more I wanted to say, but I exceeded the email limit pretty quickly!
Oh I can only imagine! Great piece!
Great album..Vitalogy was where PJfound its authentic self
I can’t disagree with that.