When I think of iconic Seattle grunge bands, I immediately think of Nirvana. Then I remember Soundgarden and Alice in Chains. But eventually, I’m reminded of the one and only Pearl Jam, who is probably the most memorable. Nevertheless, these guys are clearly a legendary band whose songs I cannot for the life of me tell apart from each other.
And if it weren’t for my Shazam app doing most of the legwork, I would look like a complete fool trying to impress everyone with my music knowledge at 90s-themed parties. Anyway, let’s take a closer look at the five Pearl Jam songs I frequently cannot pick out of a crowd.
“Even Flow”
It takes a full minute for this banger to let me know this one goes by “Even Flow” thanks to Eddie Vedder yarling the title of the song in the chorus. I think I speak for everyone when I say the title should’ve been the very first words of the very first verse, instead of making me guess for a full 60 seconds.
“Alive”
No, wait. This might still be “Even Flow” playing. Whichever one this is, it sure does rip. I guess if you’re going to write a hit song, might as well write an alternate version of it with an equally vague title and an almost identical music video as a backup just in case. Absolutely brilliant move on their part.
“Yellow Ledbetter”
Sadly, they never identify the title of this song in the lyrics for us, making it nearly impossible to tell which one this is. And good luck trying to recall this nondescript name when you’re in a bind. Honestly, a little heads up in the chorus would’ve been nice.
“Animal”
Even with the tracklisting right in front of me, my success rate for correctly identifying this one is maybe 20% tops. It’s like trying to pick out the real Waldo in a “Where’s Waldo” if everyone in the picture was dressed as Waldo. Or something like that.
“Plush”
This is actually one of my absolute favorite Pearl Jam songs from their album called “Stone Temple Pilots.” My friend even once dragged me to see PJ live and I’m pretty sure they played this one four or five times. Hard to tell, really. Anyway, I can’t say enough nice things about this band.