The bonus tracks are
Klay | 06/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is a second disk with Footsteps and Betterman Live from the bridgeschool benefit concert."
A masterpiece that any true Pearl Jam fan will not 'soon for
howzat | 08/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Binaural (2000.), the Pearl Jam's sixth studio album
The Pearl Jam were one of the great, if not the greatest rock acts of the 90's. From being part of the 'grunge' alternative rock explosion at first, the band were able to go off in their own direction by the end of the decade. By 2000, they were probably the only band from the grunge era to be still together, much to most people's amazement; not surprising, due to the band's withdrawal from the media spotlight. 'Binaural', the Pearl Jam's sixth studio album, released in 2000 is the capture of the great band entering the new millenium. 'Binaural' has proved to be the Pearl Jam's most criticised studio album, producing controversial opinions from reviewers and fans of the band alike. However, does this album really deserve its reputation as an ok but overly flat album?
When I first bought 'Binaural', I was sceptical. I expected to like it but I reckoned that it wouldn't be in the league of 'Ten', 'Vs.', 'Yield' and 'No Code'. After a couple of listens to this album, I couldn't have been more wrong. 'Binaural' is one of those rare works, an album that sounds like no other, a disc that has a sound to it that's so unique whilst at the same time being unmistakably Pearl Jam. In fact, I would go as far to say that after 'Ten' and 'Yield', this album is next best in terms of greatness. Ok, the album overly lacks the aggression of 'Vs.' or the pure rockability of 'Yield' but it more than makes up for it in superb songwriting, diversity and atmospherics. That's not to say the album doesn't have its harder sometimes punk rocking moments like with 'Grievance' or 'Breakerfall' but on the whole the album is reflective and impacts on the senses in an undescribable fashion. Many people have dissed this album for the things I consider as plusses on the album. Many probably forget (non-fans who happen to own this album can be excused from this) that the Pearl Jam always look for a new direction every album and really this album, with its unique style, is one they had to make - fans especially must remember that this band have experimentation at their core. 'Binaural' is also the first Pearl Jam album to feature ex-Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron, who replaced Jack Irons. Certainly a great addition to the band, some of the drumming, 'Grievance' is the song that comes to mind, is excellent. Furthermore, this is an album where the guitar work is much more subtle. McCready's guitar work may not be solo filled, but nevertheless the lower key but certainly adept guitar work works well with the album's style.
To get things rolling, the album begins in rocking fashion, with the short 'Breakerfall'. The influence of the Who is definitely here in this one and that's no bad thing in this powered opener. Following this is another short song, the punk rocking 'God's Dice'. On a first listen this song didn't really do it for me, but over time I've appreciated it more; not quite classic Pearl Jam but I'll take it nonetheless! However, next up is a great song in 'Evacuation'. I found this one quite catchy; the drumming is powerful and this backdrops well to Vedder's howling chorus. Then we come to the longer more thoughtful stuff. 'Light Years' is a heartfelt lyrical offering from Vedder with some great but subtle guitar play. Similarly, the thoughtful theme continues with 'Nothing As It Seems', a more downbeat sounding song but with more atmospheric moments. 'Thin Air' is an acoustic gem with some more great lyrics and 'Insignificance', next up, has some sombre but compelling guitar melodies, and a superb crashing chorus. After this impressive passage, things get even better with the beautifully complex 'Of The Girl' with more hushed but striking vocals from Eddie Vedder and some luscious guitar work. Following this is the Grammy-nominated 'Grievance', a stunning track to say the least both lyrically and instrumentally. The pace of the track changes a few times but it works magnificently, especially where the drumming is concerned; a great protest song that only Vedder himself could pen. 'Rival' follows this; a step down from previous songs but still a good song, with an interesting growling dog opening. Then we have 'Sleight Of Hand', slow but atmospheric; a classic that builds but to great climax. 'Soon Forget' is an interesting interlude consisiting of Eddie Vedder and a ukelele. Its a poetic ramble that draws comparisons with The Who song 'Blue, Red and Grey'; again though I have no problems with the Pearl Jam being influenced by The Who. Then, to finish this great album we have the emotionally moving and striking 'Parting Ways'. Vedder's vocals are at their most reflective here and the song exit, using guitar and violins/cellos is heart-rendering.
If you had to take the two albums which the Pearl Jam have made which have a difference of opinion right down the middle between fans, you have 'Vitalogy' and 'Binaural'. With the former I was on the sceptical side, enjoying a fair share of the album but being left disappointed by some moments, however with 'Binaural' I'm firmly in the positive. This album is a mellow but atmospheric and compelling stroke of genius. Eventhough this is up there with the best (in my opinion), I wouldn't recommend this album to a newbie to the Pearl Jam - that's what 'Yield' is for. However, any fan who appreciates the Pearl Jam's evolvoing and experimental edge should enjoy this album and appreciate its greatness. I'll not doubt that it needs a few listens to get into but nevertheless it is one hell of a masterpiece, just sadly an album that has become underrated and bashed by critics."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1