What has this to do with “Take the Long Way” topically? Probably not a whole lot! Matt Cameron’s lyrics seem to refer to dynamics in a long-term romantic relationship. I’m hopeful, but there are no guarantees. But all of this, not only provided we win, but provided it ever safe again to pack however many thousands of people into an arena for a live show. And the kicker for me is that prior to the show we’ll be able to help Ed choose the setlist. For one song, we’ll stand next to Ed himself. If I win, my wife and I will receive an all-expenses paid trip to see the band (airfare and hotel), be allowed to watch soundcheck, watch the first half of the show in great seats down in front, and the second half from the side of the stage. This morning I allowed myself to fantasize that I won the All-In Challenge contest that Pearl Jam is participating in. Songwriters: Eddie Vedder (words), Jeff Ament (music) But there’s something about “Yellow Moon” that feels like a missed opportunity, at least in the studio. I don’t mind the smoothness as much on “Sleeping By Myself” and “Future Days.” Those compositions seem right for it. Mike McCready said in an interview at the time that the song was a “hat tip” to Neil Young, specifically “Helpless,” but I don’t hear it (it was almost left off the album at some point but McCready advocated for it and was proud of his leads they’re good leads, I agree). It’s grand and lovely, but too smooth at least for my tastes. I find myself wishing for some more raggedy element to cut against the steadiness and smoothness. The Lightning Bolt performance, like many but not all of the takes on the record, sounds too metronome-bound. But for whatever reason, it all just feels… restrained. On paper it works: a waltz-time strummer with swirls of organ, stately piano, and a warbling, evocative lyrics, serpentine vocal melody. But but but but but, I can’t escape the nagging feeling in the back of my brain that the arrangement and production of the song doesn’t do it justice. The same is true of “Yellow Moon.” It’s a cool song, and felt like new territory for the band ten albums in.

I feel like, for the most part, I’m the kind of fan who has his favorites, and even enjoys indulging in the occasional game of “what if?” from time to time (What if Binaural was released with its original tracklist? etc.) but in general I try not to presume too much or feel entitled.

Hit songs by pearl jam