5 comments about 8/18/00 - Indianapolis, Indiana.

1. This concert was the most amazing concert I have ever attended. The CD captures the wonderful passion of PJ music and is a definite addition for any collector or fan.



2. The is the 2nd bootleg i had purchased (first one being Jones Beach night #2) but not the 2nd i had heard, i had also heard Milan and Ljubljana (and want to buy those as well) but it is really excellent. It starts out with a rarely played Pink Floyd lyricless piece, goes into a standard version of Corduroy & Grievance--not anything exceptional--then, a nice rocker of Spin the black Circle. I don't like Dissident. Brain of J live is truly awesome, a great song made even better live. Animal is a good rocker too. Given to Fly is corny and overplayed--i skip it--Nothing as it seems a thoughtful piece. Even Flow is full of energy. Pilate is kind of a dumb song studio-wise but live, it actually sounds quite cool. Lukin is a brief and wonderful hard rocking piece. Light Years is pretty, so is Betterman. Leatherman is a little-played, addictive song, i really enjoyed it for the first time hearing it. The Not For You is awesome, so is Black, they close with indifference (not my favorite) then a real great version of Go, a sappy TYAAM, a headbangin' Evolution and SOLAT. I don't like crazy Mary. Small town is beautiful. Last Kiss is not a good song i skip it. RVM is bulletpacked and amazing, indifference the crowd claps along, Rokcin in the free world is truly a gem and 6 min long, very special treat.



3. I attended the concert where this cd was recorded and every time I listen to it, I can't help but think about that night. This is an awesome cd and I would recommend it to anyone who likes Pearl Jam or rock music for that matter.



4. Disclaimer: Owner of all 72 official PJ bootlegs. In the Pearl Jam 2000 bootleg series, there are many shows that are great from beginning to end, a few that are terrible from beginning to end, and several that start great but descend into mediocrity. This show in Indianapolis is a rare example of a concert that starts out awkwardly but gets much better as it goes along. Despite the presence of several rarities early in the set, like "Spin the Black Circle," "Dissident," and "Brain of J," much of the early part of the show suffers from a disjointed and uninspired performance. "Given to Fly" is rather tepid, and "Pilate" (a weak song to start with) is a complete disaster. However, by the time "Betterman" (which tonight contains the "Save it For Later" outro) comes around, the band has suddenly roared to life and rock the house for the rest of the show. Highlights include "Not For You" and "Go," which brings the first set to a wild close as it dissolves into a symphony of creepy feedback. In the encore, Eddie Vedder gives a solo rendition of the Crowded House tune "Throw Your Arms Around Me," a love song that appears to be about strangling your sweetheart with kindness. Strangely enough, he dedicates it to his brother. Once this show finally gets off the ground, it proves itself as a dependable mid-tour barnstormer.



5. This is the best of the tour. If you buy one boot, buy this one.

No comments about The Idiot Joy Show.

No comments about The Best of Rockline.

5 comments about Walking with a Ghost.

1. If you're new to the White Stripes, don't get this album. Get one of the five LP's, which are all incredible. This is more for people who are already fans of the band. I actually don't care a whole great deal for the cover of Tegan & Sara's hit "Walking with a Ghost," but it's alright. Actually, I liked the live tracks more. Even so, while they are all amazing Stripes songs, it is more like something intended for fans than anything else. I don't really think they're newer releases will be a template from this.
   
   On the other hand, a new album, "Icky Thump" is coming out in awhile. We'll see how that one turns out.



2. The title track is great and the live cuts are classic White Stripes. Its a great buy to hold over until the next album comes out. See also "Under the Blackpool Lights" DVD.



3. Unsurprisingly, a new White Stripes album is going to overshadow a small live/cover EP like "Walking With A Ghost + 4 Live Tracks." But this little collection is worth checking out anyway,
   
   It opens with a cover of indiepop sisters Tegan & Sara's "Walking With A Ghost," now White-Striped. This version is much hard-rockier and more angular, with jabs of rough guitar and wails from Jack White. Where Tegan and Sara sounded mildly perturbed by their "walking with a ghost," Jack sounds on the edge of breaking down completely. Steady there.
   
   And, this having "+ 4 Live Tracks," we're then treated to some fairly good, low-key renditions of White Stripes tunes: a mellow version of "The Same Boy You've Always Known," where you can hear cheers and handclaps from the audience, the mournful "As Ugly As I Seem."
   
   After the sorrowful pair of songs, we finally get some rockin'. Jack and Meg smash through the tune of "The Denial Twist," with snarly singing and lots of rough drums'n'bass. And after a hearty round of applause from the audience, they launch into the roaring bass of "Screwdriver."
   
   Wedged in the midle of the last song is "Passive Manipulation," a solo where Meg sings, "Women, listen to your mothers/don't succumb to the wishes of your brothers..." Then Jack lets rip for one grand finale, a blast of raw vocals and equally raw instrumentation.
   
   Well, the White Stripes know how to make their odds and ends worth the money -- smashing together a quirky cover with their live performance. While the cover is good -- not as enticing as the original, admittedly -- the live performance is what really rocks.
   
   At first, things don't seem to be too energetic. Jack sounds very depressed, and only acoustic guitar and a few drums break through. But after a couple of very low-key songs, Meg and Jack start giving it their all. The result is absolutely electric -- kinetic music, ripping singing, and to judge from the applause, the audience loved it.
   
   There's a muddy edge to the music, like many live performances, and it's a credit that their musical skills that the White Stripes can make this EP a good addition to any fan's collection. And yes, the cover is nice too.



4. The live stuff on here is great, I can never hear enough versions of "Screwdriver".
   
   The title track, a cover of a Tegan & Sara song, is great too. It actually served as a springboard for me to check out the original band, of whom I am now a big fan.



5. The cover song was not what I expected, but then I had never heard the other version until recently. I like the Stripes version better. It's enjoyable.

5 comments about Concertina.

1. The original version of the title track can be found on Amos's fifth solo release, "to venus and back." The version that appears here is a beautiful mix that heightens the effects on Amos's vocals and adds a line of lyrics and background vocals. The result is quite heavenly. The live tracks included are the same as those that previously appeared on the first part of the U.K. "glory of the 80's" singles. Just as the second disc of Amos's "to venus and back" album is a live collection of mostly band songs, this single offers a further look into Amos's live solo performances, played during "secretime" of her 1998 concert tour. The offerings here are the rarely played "Twinkle" and a gorgeous version of her stunning cover of Leonard Cohen's "Famous Blue Raincoat." What was unique about the "Concertina" single when it was first released was that it offered exclusive online access to the never-before-seen-in-the-U.S. video for her U.K. "glory of the 80's" single. Unfortunately, since Amos is no longer on Atlantic records, the company that put out her first six solo albums, the content has been removed.



2. The Concertina single from the album to Venus and Back is not disappointing in the least. The new Mix of "Concertina" takes out some instruments in a few different parts of the song. It doesn't detract from the original much and is pretty good. The live tracks are very nice indeed. Tori's cover of "Famous Blue Raincoat" is right up there with her "A Case of You" cover. Hearing this live makes it sound great and the piano is flawess. I am highly impressed with this live version. The other live song is "Twinkle" from Boys For Pele.Although it's kind of an odd song to put as a live B side it fits perfectly with "Blue Raincoat" and it pleasantly good. This single can be found cheaper on places like ebay and such, but it's a great single for Tori fans,new and old.



3. This single contains the same alternate tracks as "The Glory of the 80s" Pt. 1 UK Import. Obviously, this US release is easier to find and for those fans concerned only with the obtaining of B-sides this single is a a required purchase.

   The B-sides for this single are the live version of "Famous Blue Raincoat" and "Twinkle." "Famous Blue Raincoat" is a Leonard Cohen cover that cannot be found anywhere else, and is a low key yet poignant attempt at one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century. The archaic lyrics make it sound as if it could be a Tori Amos original, yet because it isn't it lacks the emotional sincerity that make Tori's songs so meaningful. "Twinkle" was one of the most precious tracks off of "Boys For Pele" and the live performance captures its ephermeral beauty. Combined, these two tracks make this single a worthy purchase and necessity for even moderate Tori fans.




4. This CD contains the song Concertina from the Venus and Back album along with two previously unreleased tracks of significance. Concertina is one of Tori's more melodic songs, and it quietly works its way into your mind and remains there replaying itself over and over for hours. This mix offers no significant departure from the original, though. As is almost always the case, the important part of this CD single is the brand new Tori tracks it offers. Tori fans speak highly of Leonard Cohen's Famous Blue Raincoat, so I was quite eager to hear the live version on this track. It is the real gem of this CD single. A live version of Boys for Pele's song Twinkle completes this little collection. It is always interesting to hear Tori's live presentation and interpretation of a standard album song. I don't find Twinkle to be one of Tori's more moving songs, but it is beautiful nonetheless. I would like to be able to describe the bonus Glory of the 80s video this CD provides access to, but the video will simply not run on my computer under any browser. Despite this disappointment, this is yet another wonderful Tori Amos CD single that should have a place in the collections of all Toriphiles.



5. The single mix of "concertina" always leaves me aching for more of Tori's voice... that sweet, sweet sound. This remix isn't a techno dance mix; it just amplifies the song's sweetness. Then she does a cover of "famous blue raincoat" by Leonard Cohen, which is a song that I had never heard before. I'm glad Tori covered it, because it is a beautiful song. From there, the applause leads into a live version of "twinkle," from Boys For Pele. This is a special song to me, because it inspires me again and again to not give up. It reminds me to twinkle.

   Included on this single is the video for "glory of the 80's." This video features Tori in a black dress, suspended by wires attached to a square, metal frame. When finally cut free, she looks like a gothic faerie as she flies away with giant black wings. Intriguing.

5 comments about 10/25/00 - San Diego, California.

1. Pearl Jam always has great live performances but this one...really is awesome. With Matt and Eddie both being from San Diego they were sure to slip in songs in their setlist that show their talents adequately. Loved this show. Any Pearl Jam fan would agree!



2. Disclaimer: Owner of all 72 official PJ bootlegs. For a Seattle band, Pearl Jam sure has a lot of guys from San Diego. It turns out that Eddie Vedder and Matt Cameron both grew up in the area, before heading north to an infinitely worse climate (and an infinitely better music scene). In this show, Pearl Jam puts on one of the better performances of the third leg of the 2000 world tour. In some of the other bootlegs around this immediate time period, the band sounds very fatigued because it was getting late in the tour. That's not the case in San Diego however, probably because Eddie and Matt are happy to be in their old stomping grounds and got some surfing in. The set list tonight contains some real surprises, like early appearances by the heavy rockers "Gods' Dice" and "Whipping" to really get the show off the ground. An emotional "Long Road" opens the show in dramatic fashion, and "Rearviewmirror" and "Soon Forget" appear in the middle of the first set, instead of in the encore like usual. The band shines in the rarities "Rival," "Immortality," and "In My Tree," all of which are performed in convincing fashion. Jeff Ament is also especially good tonight, making his mark in "Jeremy" and the jam session that finishes off "Daughter." In a surprise move, Eddie plays the Cat Stevens ballad "Don't Be Shy" in the encore, which works better than you might think. For you analytical types out there, this is the only show out of 47 American bootlegs that does not contain "Betterman."



3. Of course, I am probably a little biased because I live in San Diego. If you listen to between-song dialogue, you will learn that Eddie's sister lives in my town which is Chula Vista. Also, towards the end of the show, Eddie discloses his plans to go surfing with Supergrass the next day and hopes that the waves will be good. Well, to see what the waves in San Diego looked like on October 26, 2001, click on the following link or go to surfshot dot com and browse their archived photos.

   ... They actually weren't too bad so you can imagine that Eddie and the gang had a pretty good day off.




4. This Cd is one of the best. All 72 Pearl Jam bootlegs are great-live with great sound quality from the best band ever to hit the stage!



5. I don't know, all of these concerts sound the same. You know what I mean. But, this one holds sentimental value to me because I had to work the night of the show. I had been planning to go for months but it all came down to making a living. Funny thing, the next morning, I somehow knew that i would be able to get my hands on a recording of the show one way or another. Thank goodness for Pearl Jam's sensational idea to bootleg ALL of their shows-not just certain ones. And, Oh yeah, In My Tree is on this album. Just one more reason to buy it. Also, Eddie is from San Diego in case you didn't already know. Great show.

5 comments about 15/6/00 - Spodek Arena, Katowice, Poland.

1. The crowd at this show was some four times the size of the next night's crowd, and yet, both the band and the audience are noticeably subdued on this show. It isn't bad by any stretch, but aside from a couple obscure songs, there isn't much to write home about, either. The band shows more passion and proficiency on other nights.
   
   In short: All these sets are good, but this one isn't especially noteworthy.



2. Especialy for all polish fans (i am one of them...).What more can i say - all songs are groovier and more harder than studio versions and also "rocking in the free world" (Neill young's cover) is wonderfull...Eddie vedder is fantastic frotman - his stories telled to the audience are funny and really charming - he is not a star, he is just a normal nice man who just sings and plays in such a famous rock band.....
   Fantastic show!!!!



3. Disclaimer: Owner of all 72 official PJ bootlegs. This first of two shows in the far-away college town of Katowice, Poland is a reasonably solid but not too spectacular entry in the Pearl Jam bootleg series. The performances by all the band members are competent, but there aren't too many remarkable moments in this show. There are a few more problems than highlights, with painfully obvious timing errors in "Corduroy," "Gods' Dice," and "Wishlist." It appears that the normally rock-solid Matt Cameron is having some trouble tonight, and I suspect that he can't quite hear what's going on (a technical problem). This show does have the benefit of many songs that weren't played too often in the tour, with surprise appearances by "Brain of J," "Present Tense," "Rival," and "Footsteps" (though Eddie Vedder forgets many of the lyrics in those last two). Even with some of these problems, the crowd eats it all up with a spoon, as it's unlikely that they see very many major concerts in those parts. In a funny moment, Eddie mentions four or five different girls named Magda that they met that day, and dedicates a song to all the Magdas. While the quality of this show is acceptable, it is vastly overshadowed by the gig the following night in the same town. After the next scheduled date was cancelled, Pearl Jam decided to stay in Katowice for an extra day, putting on a surprise performance the following evening. It really was a surprise, as only a few thousand people were able to show up, and this led to an especially intimate and unique performance by the band. That second Katowice bootleg is one of the real winners of the European bootleg series.



4. I was interning in Poland during the Summer of 2000 and was able to attend this show. The setlist was the most eclectic of the 5 times I've seen Pearl Jam over the years. Long Road, Nothingman, Nothing as it Seems, Given to Fly and especially Footsteps were all performed incredibly this night. While the setlist does not feature as many of the more popular songs as night two in Katowice (pronounced Kat O Veetza), it is near perfect when taken as a whole. Though I was only able to make the first show, I own both Katowice CDs and wholehearedly recommend them.



5. If you're one of the people who's heard and liked one or two Pearl Jam songs on the radio, but never really bought any Pearl Jam albums, this show just might be a great collection for you to own. In the very least, you'll get a lot of Pearl Jam's best-known material (Betterman, Last Kiss, Alive, Even Flow, Not For You, Wishlist, Given To Fly, Nothing As It Seems...) on 2 CD's really for the price of one. Even more likely, however, you will discover that Pearl Jam is not only an incredible live act, but also one of the best bands of the 90's. Suffice to say that this is the show that transformed me into a big fan of this incredible band.

   "Long Road", probably Pearl Jam's best opening song (along with "Release"), starts this awesome show with an incredibly emotional performance from Eddie Vedder. The usual set of rockers follow, starting with a great rendition of Binaural's Breakerfall, and continuing on with such live staples as Corduroy and Animal. After Brain of J, Eddie introduces the moody, dark Nothing As It Seems, which leads to probably the best live version of Given To Fly I've ever heard, with Matt Cameron really nailing the drum part. After yet another rocker (Gods' Dice), the band goes into the beautiful and rarely played Present Tense, the only number from No Code to make this set. I still prefer the studio version of that song better, but this live rendition is as good as they come. After great renditions of Not For You and Betterman, the band goes into the could-have-been-radio-single Thin Air, a hard rocking Even Flow (with a mini-improv in the beginning), and an awe-inspiring version of Nothingman that is ALONE absolutely worth the album's purchase.

   The second CD, meanwhile, has even more great performances of some incredible songs. The standout track here is DOUBTLESSLY the deluxe, best-I've-ever-heard, 7 minute version of Rockin' In The Free World,a must-own. Small Town, Last Kiss and Wishlist are all great soft songs, while Pearl Jam's fabulous takes on Do The Evolution, Rearviewmirror and Go give the disc a good dosage of rock. Footsteps, a rarely performed Jeremy B-Side, features Eddie playing harmonica, which adds to the song significantly. Mike McCready especially lets loose on Rockin' In The Free World, finishing off a great setlist and a perfect evening.

   If you listen to this CD and like it, I would suggest that you get its companion piece, the second Katowice show. Not only will you get the big radio singles not played on this night (like Jeremy and Daughter), but also a much better look into the fabulous material from Pearl Jam's No Code. Between these 2 shows, Pearl Jam actually plays 50 distinct songs, which is another great reason to buy both of them.

5 comments about 11/5/00 - Seattle, Washington.

1. Pearl Jam playing LIVE in their hometown (mine too). I witnessed this very concert live and I'm one of the many in the Key Arena that night that belted every chorus with Eddie Vedder and cheered my heart out all through each song. A very worthwhile experience with one of the best bands of all time. I'd strongly encourage this tour "bootleg." This double album is a SERIOUS Pearl Jam effort with songs ranging from every part of the band's career (even "Crown of Thorns" from the fledgling band Mother Love Bone which included Ament and Gossard pre-Pearl Jam). Very thorough and satisfying set list that rivals the following nights' (Seattle, WA 11/6/00) which was a disc longer with more covers and more hits from "Ten." Great sound and great playing from every member. Cameron never sounded fuller and stronger, Gossard's rhythm was very prominent, Ament and his underlying bass style stood strong, McCready was always there holding place and kicking the best solos around at the perfect times with a strong bellowing Vedder at the mic, as usual. Very commendable for a band that was a day away from the end of the tour. Tired? Doesn't sound like it a bit! Mind you, this concert took place 3 days before the 2000 Presidential Election fiasco so you'll hear Vedder speak his mind between a few songs about Bush. In all, I feel the band was more refreshed on this outing than other live date bootlegs as Vedder commented on "how good it feels to perform with his own house key in his pocket," expressing a mutually bound happiness to be back home playing with their feet firmly rooted in the ground.

   A great buy, worth all 5 stars!




2. This cd has amazing drumwork by Matt. Sometimes Mccready is drowned out by Gossard , maybe it's the mix. But then again he sounds good on most of the songs. This is a powerfull record with very energetic takes. I think Ben Cramer's review gives you a good idea of this bootleg....



3. Wow! Pearl Jam storms the stage and goes the distance. (Think AC/DC or Iron Maiden with a more meaningful song catalogue.) The amps must have been set at eleven. 'Nashville 8/17/2000' didn't crunch this much. The set is tight with a varied song selection from pre-P.J. to 'Binaural'. The cover of "Timeless Melody" is a new creature. "Yellow Ledbetter" shined on this outing. Seattle #1 is more fun, than the law should allow.



4. Disclaimer: Owner of all 72 official PJ bootlegs. This second-to-last show in the grueling 2000 world tour, which was also the first of two nights in Seattle, is definitely overshadowed by the famous tour finale the following night (which, by the way, is a little overrated). But this gig is a reasonably solid, though not too spectacular, outing for the band. One major problem is a mysteriously subdued and un-enthusiastic audience, whom Eddie Vedder unsuccessfully tries to rile up a few times. I suspect that the crowd drained a lot of energy out of the band. Meanwhile, Mike McCready is barely present for much of the show, only popping up when he gets to do one of his showcase solos. The unsung hero tonight is Matt Cameron, who is having a great night and rescues his bandmates from the blahs. Poor Mike suddenly roars back to life after the encore break (maybe he got a smoke in), and he really lights up the rest of the band, so the encore section of this show makes up for the underachieving first half. All of the songs in the first encore ("Timeless Melody" through "Porch") are intense and resilient, except for a couple of gaffes in "Last Kiss." Despite the dead crowd, the band throws in many surprises for their hometown friends. This includes "Crown of Thorns" by Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament's pre-PJ band Mother Love Bone (this rendition is more successful than the first time they tried it, in Las Vegas). The guys from opening act Supergrass join in for a jaunty cover of "Timeless Melody" by The La's, while a two-woman string section (which includes Matt's wife April) adds some serious drama to the emotional "Parting Ways."



5. With Seattle I just finishing behind Seattle II in sales, it looks like its finally getting the credit it deserves. Disregard Eddie's comments about the crowd on this one - the bootleg is about the music, not the crowd, and the music rocks. This show contains the best and most aggressive versions of Breakerfall, Whipping and Do The Evolution that I've heard so far. Timeless Melody with Supergrass is pretty amazing, as is Parting Ways with the string section. Every fan should own a copy of Crown of Thorns, so if you don't have Las Vegas then you should buy this one. This was definately one of the best setlists that Pearl Jam put together in their 72 show tour. Combine that with the fact that Eddie's voice was at his peak around this show and this Seattle I becomes a must-buy.

5 comments about Show.

1. 
   So what? It's a CD, with all it's limitations. Even so, this is a gloriously pure recording, no cuts whatsoever- the tape just runs.
   
   The band jumps out of your speakers, with Dave Yow's inimitable between song patter launching another precision barrage from easily one of the most consistently lockstep bands ever to hit a stage.
   
   Truest evolution of punk energy into controlled demolition, Dave taunting the Damned (headliners), the nyc rock stars in the audience, using the uncomprehending smattering of claps at the close of a song like nitrous fuel for the next.
   
   I saw 'em no fewer than 6 times, and when I'm 80, it will probably best describe the zeitgheist of those times AND those moments.
   
   -ted.o



2. I saw The Jesus Lizard play at the Middle East in Boston in the last ninties, and it was probably one of the best experiences I've had, rock group entertainment-wise: David Yow was the manifestation of some type of swamp creature, who had crawled out of his back woods lair to climb around the bar and hang from the rafters, literally swinging all around and freaking people out. Show is the Jesus Lizard live experience, complete with between song banter, which is almost worth the price alone (at some point Mac's monitor goes out and David Yow says, "I think Mac's monitor has joined the realms of the non-existant." Someone in the crowd asks, "Is that Neiche?" and David Yow replies, "Neiche? I Neiche your mouth full of my cock," which may just be my late adolescent first encounter with The Jesus Lizard speaking, or the fact that it's the most hilarious thing I've ever heard in my life). Beyond the theatrics, what the disc provides you essentially, is the fact that this was an incredibly awesome live group, and if you missed them here's you chance to catch a glimpse--until they try and capitalize on some future interest punk rock, and reunite.



3. The last time I saw the Jesus Lizard i had brought along two friends who knew nothing about the band. They both were blown away literally and had to leave before the show was over. Once simply replied "my heart has felt like was going to pop out of my chest many a time, but that felt like the exact opposite."
   This album comes as close to anything that possibly could capture that feeling, but still miles away. Simply the best live band to grace any stage.



4. This was the best live band I ever had the fortune to see and therefore I'm grateful to have a live CD to remind me of those great shows (at CBGB's no less!) As other reviewers of their stuff have mentioned, the singer is uniquely undecipherable and that's part of the beauty, the essence of this music. It is NOT for the faint of heart and isn't like anything else you've ever heard.



5. after hearing this album i just wanted to go out and do something. it got my adrenaline pumping and my soul moving. the man's voice jumps out at you and you can't get it out. this is the first time i heard of jesus lizard so i don't know much about them but they got me moving. i was actually sweating after hearing it. later peeps

3 comments about Spirit Electricity.

1. Spirit electricty is a breathtaking live EP. Return to heaven and Let me Help get all inside your soul, it sounds even better then the recording which was already perfect but you can tell the bad brains at this time were at a special place at a special time and the crowd goes banannas. This version of day tripper is very good, its a rocker. also perfect versions of Banned in dc and attitude. and the youth are getting restless is also amazing, he gets the whole crowd chanting THE YOUTH ARE GETTING RESTLESS and screams out DO YOU HEAR THAT REGAN??
   
   check it out.



2. "Spirit Electricity" is almost worth getting just for this version of "Return To Heaven", and the whole thing is actually very good. But if you're looking for their best live album, that's "The Youth Are Getting Restless". It's a near perfect performance, and 11 tracks longer than this disc is. This one will still shock you though.



3. While Spirit Electricity is not the length of The Youth Are Getting Restless, the live intensity of Bad Brains is there. Any dub by H.R. is worth hearing, and while the studio recordings are great, they are nowhere near the sheer power contained in a live Bad Brains show. Who knows? This may be the only way to hear them live...