"Release," a rare treat from the band's debut, Ten, leads off this second set from Spain, recorded in San Sebastian. The crowd is immediately singing along to the slow but powerfully cathartic opener, and vocalist Eddie Ve... more »dder is singing with absolutely unbounded passion. As seems to be the pacing of Pearl Jam's sets on this tour, instead of kicking off with a sonic blast, the momentum is built slowly and with great care. By the time they get to the rare treat of "Jeremy," which is played infrequently on this tour, they have hit full stride and are cruising. This night's encore, peppered with tunes that don't show up on many of the other dates, such as the brilliant "Last Exit," "Immortality," and "Whipping" from Vitalogy, and "Smile" from No Code, is the most exciting part of the performance, keeping the crowd going with mainstays such as "Alive," "State of Love and Trust," and "Last Kiss." --Adem Tepedelen« less
"Release," a rare treat from the band's debut, Ten, leads off this second set from Spain, recorded in San Sebastian. The crowd is immediately singing along to the slow but powerfully cathartic opener, and vocalist Eddie Vedder is singing with absolutely unbounded passion. As seems to be the pacing of Pearl Jam's sets on this tour, instead of kicking off with a sonic blast, the momentum is built slowly and with great care. By the time they get to the rare treat of "Jeremy," which is played infrequently on this tour, they have hit full stride and are cruising. This night's encore, peppered with tunes that don't show up on many of the other dates, such as the brilliant "Last Exit," "Immortality," and "Whipping" from Vitalogy, and "Smile" from No Code, is the most exciting part of the performance, keeping the crowd going with mainstays such as "Alive," "State of Love and Trust," and "Last Kiss." --Adem Tepedelen
As Good A Rock Live Album As You'll Find--By Any Band
Dan Mancini | Tucker, GA USA | 09/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is what a rock 'n' roll live album should be: authentic, raw, energetic, something to get up and dance to if that's your thing or kick back and enjoy a beer to if it isn't. All with an ebb and flow that makes it unique--THE show that was played THAT night. Real music, warts and all. "Live on Two Legs" is good, but this record is Pearl Jam live, the real thing, no Frankenstein created from the best moments of an entire tour, just A SHOW, beginning to end. And that's the only way to fairly represent Pearl Jam "live."Hey, and in case you didn't notice, this thing costs 12 bucks!!! For two CDs, mind you--over two hours of digitally recorded live music. Take a chance. You won't be sorry."
How did they top Wembley?!?!
Matthew Van Damn | 03/31/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have written one previous review for one of the Pearl Jam live series, which was the live from Wembley on the 29/05. I thought having been there live and buying the superb recording that it couldn't be topped, but not for the first time, I have been proved wrong by Eddie Vedder and co. His Spanish outing in San Sebastian is so far, the finest of all of the series (remember I have only 11, so I may be proved wrong, if so let me know any better shows!) I had no idea Pearl Jam were so big in Spain, but they tear the city apart with this blistering set. Even when the band aren't firing on all cylinders, as in 'Alive', they make light of it, by offering the croud the oppotunity to choose the next number, and by admiting there shortcoming, and in doing so, endure themsleves to the croud even more than previously. Stand out tracks on this album are 'Last Kiss', Jeremy, Release which has never been so haunting, Immortality and the all too absent 'Whipping'. In conclusion, if you only by one or two of this series, buy this one, if you buy all of them, buy this one first as it is sure to sell out early!!!"
Another great one
Jon Johnson | San Francisco, CA USA | 04/05/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is another great concert in the European series. Some very endearing moments will have you laughing along at some parts of this concert. In Immortality, Eddie forgets the lyrics to the beginning of the song and starts to mumble, then by listening to the crowd, remembers what they lyrics are, making sure to thank them as well. Alive gets mangled when Eddie forgets where he's at in the song, joking "So much for being a professional rock band", but they have a good time with it afterwards letting the crowd choose from three songs (playing all of them) because of the screw up.The concert is not all screw ups as most of the show is played very impressively. The version of "Of the Girl" is probably better live than on the studio CD, and versions of "Smile" and "Yellow Ledbetter" show Eddie still has fun playing concerts.It's a great show and recorded very well. Pick this one up, you won't regret it."
You cant go wrong
Joecool | Chicago, IL United States | 10/13/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"San Sebastian contains a smooth version of 'Release' much like the studio version, except for the crowd in the background. During 'Alive' they kind of mess up and Eddy explains it's because of all the hash they've been smoking. However, they come back to finish the song with a good guitar solo. The guitar solo for Yellow Ledbetter is the best I've heard. It's kind of different than the studio version and right before it begins Eddy says, "This is my favorite part." The whole concert when he talks you can tell he's pretty high. I recommend this especially for the price."