Pearl Jam and Tool record reviews: Rock and Roll is back... for a day, at least

Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam



Tool
10,000 Days



I have been thoroughly enjoying the new records from Pearl Jam and Tool, Pearl Jam and 10,000 Days, respectively. They've both been great company on my nearly two hours of driving time to and from Frederick these past couple of days.

By the way, definitely feel free to consider this "Pearl Jam and Tool Week" for this blog.

Quick summary: new PJ is one of their best records, period. Not as good as Ten or Vs., but still a five star album - and before anyone asks, "How can one 5-star album be worse than another 5-star album?", let me say that I think of scores for records from 1 to 100, with anything above a 95 getting a 5-star rating. It's also worth noting that, in my book, a lackluster Pearl Jam album is better than pretty much any other record you could ever buy.

Even though Pearl Jam is a classic, and superior to 10,000 Days, I find myself addicted to the new Tool and listening to it more. I'm just constantly amazed at the complexity, mystery, and pure anger behind Tool's songs.

a Johnny Cash compilation for the ages, solid new Depeche Mode

Johnny Cash
The Legend of Johnny Cash



The world lost a rock and roll and country icon when Johnny Cash passed away in late 2003. For those of us who missed out on those extra levels of humor when Sue explained how he got his name in Swingers, this top notch compilation offers a career-spanning look that will impress long-time Cash fans as well as new listeners.

Featuring many of his classic songs and covers, the last half finds Cash revealing his diverse appreciation for music, exemplified in songs ranging from his collaboration with U2 (the atmospheric "The Wanderer") to a cover of a Nine Inch Nails song (a poignant, powerful take on "Hurt").

Legend would make a good Christmas gift for anyone who enjoys their songs about traveling, drinking, growing, losing, and loving.

Depeche Mode
Playing the Angel



Thank God that David Gahan's suicide attempt failed since, because of that deal, we get more new Depeche Mode like Playing the Angel. Everybody wins.

Full reviews for both records forthcoming.

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