Sabato 25 Feb 2006, 16:35

No Code

I've been a huge Pearl Jam fan for quite a while now - they're probably my favorite rock band. I've seen them about 5 or 6 times live, way more than any other band. When a group has 7 studio albums, it's a bit tougher to choose one that rises above all the rest - but in the case of Pearl Jam, this album just calls out to me… No Code.

Their 4th record, perfect… right in the middle. I've always thought of No Code as their laid-back, mellowed-out album… and it is more so than the others, but the other half offers some of the most rockin' songs the band has ever recorded! Both the band's softest (Sometimes)and hardest tracks (Lukin) to date are found on this one album. It's an awesome balance, and it offers up a wonderful variety.

Sometimes - A very simple song, but a powerful start to the album! It all begins with a quiet, simple riff and sliding background bass. Some soothing vocals from Eddie make this 2:40 minute track very memorable.

Large fingers pushing paint
You're god and you've got big hands

Hail, Hail - One of the album's singles, and with very good reason. Track 2 and already completely opposite of track 1. One of my very favorites… just a classic hard rock song!

I get the words and then I get to thinking
I don't wanna think, I wanna feel

Smile - Probably not considered by many as one of the top songs on the disc, but I have a personal love for it. Eddie brings out the harmonica here and it all comes together for a nice bluesy rock sound.

Don't it make you smile?
When the sun don't shine… it don't shine at all

Off He Goes - I've got to mention this one. The album comes down again near the middle and gives us one of the band's best slower songs. Very mellow, with some saddened undertones. Great song!

I wonder 'bout his insides
It's like his thoughts are too big for his size

Red Mosquito - This song rocks! Mike's got the sweetest effect on his electric… very unique and really makes this song stand out!

I was bitten… must have been the devil
He was just paying me a little visit
reminding me of his presence
And letting me know he's waiting

I'm Open - Wow! I would love to have more songs like this… the lyrics are presented story-book style, with Eddie reading off the lines. The background sounds and effects provide a wonderful atmosphere.

After spending half his life searching he still feels as blank as the ceiling at which he's staring
He's alive, but feels absolutely nothing… so is he?

That was more songs than I intended on writing about… it's just so hard to label some above the rest. In fact, my frustration completely confirmed my feeling of this album! This isn't just one of my favorite Pearl Jam discs… it's one of the best I own.

If you like Pearl Jam, or even rock music in general - you need to give this album a listen. In fact, go buy it… it also has probably the coolest packaging I've ever seen (complete with collectable polaroids)! The music will do the rest.

Thanks for reading, and your thoughts are always welcome!

-Patrick