Ten

The Conventional Hatred of an Album: In Defense of Ten

As a self-proclaimed Pearl Jam freak, I sadly can say that I have (on many occasions) agreed with the assumption that anyone who states that their favorite Pearl Jam album is "Ten" is a Pearl Jam poser. I have often looked down on anyone who has said the phrase, "Alive is the greatest song ever written". Because, as all true Pearl Jam fans (from now on, let us call them freaks) know, if you openly admit that you listen to the most commercially successful Pearl Jam album more than twice a week, you too are considered a poser.

For anyone who does not understand this, I will explain. Pearl Jam freaks do not like "Jeremy" simply for the fact that the radios and MTV exploited the popular song. (So, don't talk about Jeremy...it brings up bad memories for most PJ freaks). And, as most of you know, "Jeremy" is one, of the many, reasons we no longer get videos from the band. Pearl Jam freaks hold a quiet hatred towards this song, which sadly radiated to the rest of the album. Now, let me explain, we still love the album. But, it is "too popular", and this does not sit well with Pearl Jam freaks. We do not enjoy conventional beliefs.

But, the question I pose is this, are we really Pearl Jam freaks if we prefer one album over another just because the radio favors "Alive" over "Given to Fly"? Are we denying a truely great album, just because most people have never even heard "Red Mosquito"? Why are we condemning an album because society structured a fasion movement based soley on what some guys from Seattle were doing at the time this album was released? Why are we ignoring the fact that, without this album, there would probably be no "Glorified G" to enjoy? We should embrace our beginnings and forgive those who (obviously) try to fit into the conversation by explaining in great detail how they cried, and still do cry, every time they hear "Black".

If you have been to a Pearl Jam concert, or even just hearing them on the radio, and have heard "Alive" you know the power that song has. Although overplayed, the song has emense strength, that is why it was loved. The guitar solo is one of the best in the bands history. It defined them as a group. It is why we love them. Yes, people are missing out on "No Code" (the most common favored album by Pearl Jam freaks), but is it their fault that the radio turned their back on one of the greatest albums ever? No. Maybe if "No Code" had been more popular I would be writing this about "Who you are". You never know. I mean, do we really want people to exploit "Vs." the way that "Ten" was? Wouldn't that ruin another great album? We should be happy that the other albums faded into the background so we could quietly enjoy them in our own rooms, without the hype and fads.

So, Pearl Jam freaks, try this. Go into your room and find "Ten". Place it into your CD player, or record player, and listen to the album. But, listen to it like you had never heard it before. Like, your first time. Remember how it felt to hear the intro as the sound slowly seeped into your speakers. Remember how your eyes filled with tears when you first heard "Oceans". How you felt like you'd been lifted up ontop of a wave and you never wanted to be put down again. Feel the music, not the hype. Forget that anyone had ever heard "Even Flow". And as you inch your way through "Release", remember how that song first felt. The best song on the album. Remember how you played it over and over. Wondering how anyone could not love this song.

And to Pearl Jam "fans", try this. If you ever meet a Pearl Jam freak...don't mention "Ten". Try talking about another album (preferably "No Code"...Most PJ freaks agree it really is their best album...you'd be respected if you even mentioned it in passing). And, if you have no other choice than to talk about "Ten", just talk about "Release". That song has a place in Pearl Jam fans' hearts that will never die. It is the "forgotten song" on the album. It is the hidden treasure in a sea of over-hyped beauty.

I don't mean to offend anyone by this. I am basing this soley on the MANY conversations I have had with fellow Pearl Jam freaks. It seems that this view of "Ten" is a consensus amoung us. I just believe that we need to get past our memories of the early 90's and we should enjoy "Ten" now. The way it is now. We were given a truely wonderful album, we need to enjoy every piece of it before another generation rips it off and ruins it all over again.

If you have memories of "Ten" that you want to share, please email me and I'll put them here.

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