Ten Becomes Twenty

Hello Friends,

August 27th marked the 20th anniversary of Pearl Jam's debut album release entitled 'Ten'. I was but a mere 15 years of age and on my way into grade 10 at the time. This was a big time for my generation, when it comes to music, as less than a month later would see the release of Nirvana's 'Nevermind' changing the landscape of music around the World. I for one sided with Pearl Jam and saw their release as the far superior of the 2. I've only recently learned to appreciate Nirvana's music...but I digress.

I remember exactly where I was, and what I was doing, when I heard this album for the very first time. It was a game changer for me and when I hear it today I'm instantly transported back to my friend Wes' house. I had skateboarded there to hung-out poolside without a care in the World. Wes' older brother and Uncle Charlie didn't mind having us around and even included us on the beer run that night. A nice intro to my high school years indeed.

This poster still hangs in my parent's basement today - and I'm pretty sure every girl I know could recite this scene from 'Singles' verbatim. Pearl Jam reigned at that time.

Eddie Vedder was in Toronto in 2008 supporting the film he scored called 'Into The Wild' . I had the pleasure of being at Massey Hall to witness his greatness. He played songs from the soundtrack - but surprised the crowd a few times with Pearl Jam classics along with some Neil Young covers and stories from days gone by. Here's a clip from that night.

Today was a great day for me. I got a call today inviting me to the forthcoming screening of the Cameron Crowe documentary 'Pearl Jam 20' and attend their concert that night. I've never had the chance to actually see see Pearl Jam live in concert - so suffice to say I'm super excited. Thanks Gasp and JD.

Here's a few tracks to remind you how great that debut album still is - along with a few beauties I'm hoping to hear that night...

• 'Black' *one of a few songs I know how to play on guitar
• 'Jeremy' *remember this video? wow
• 'Release' *one of the most perfect tracks ever recorded
• 'Immortality'
• 'Nothing Man'
• 'Given To Fly'
• 'Alive'
• 'Crazy Mary'
• 'Hunger Strike' *wishful thinking. Listen to Eddie's vocal on verse 2 :)

There will be a full review of the show on Monday September 12th.

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg