Socks, Vacuum Cleaner, Pearl Jam CD, Cheerios
by Mike
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posted Oct 26 2011 1:39PM
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If you missed it, here's Pearl Jam's Performance of the new song "Get Some" on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien:
http://www.tonightshowwithconanobrien.com/video/clips/musical-performance-pearl-jam-060109/1116201/
I love Mike McCready. I still claim he is one of the top 5 living guitarists in the world. I like the energy and how, even in their 40's they retain a punk spirit in their music. The guys are finally starting to look their age, but the energy is still there. Which brings me to the next item:
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/exclusive-pearl-jam-confirms-target-tie-1003978374.story
I usually don't get on a band for taking sponsorship money. I understand you can't travel in a van your whole life and some musicians have families to support. Sometimes an artist will sell their music to finance another project that is closer to their hearts. But Pearl Jam working with Target bothers me. This is the band that refused to make videos during their most commercially prosperous time. They challenged the Goliath ticketmaster and made an ill-fated foray into DIY concert promotion and ticket sails. It was ultimately a failed effort, but at least they tried and didn't just bitch about it. They took control of their merchandising and neutralized bootleggers by making all their concerts available from 2000 on. They are(or were) a loyal supporter of the Mom and Pop record stores. Their message has always been one of independence and free thought. Again, going back to financing true love; Eddie Vedder has his causes and solo work as does Mike. Stone Gossard has solo projects and a recording studio, as does Jeff Ament. Matt Cameron is a producer and a Jazz enthusiast(which usually means very little profit). They are also getting older and may not want to pursue a Rolling Stones type financial plan of dragging the hits out every three years or so. So this is not a condemnation, just a small voice of disappointment. Not that I am a pillar of DIY attitude and rebellion. I work for a giant corporation and would sell hair scrunchies if the money was right. I also have a family to support. I guess I'm a hypocrite, but I couldn't help but cringe a little when I heard they were making a deal with Target for "Backspacer". Maybe the title refers to compromise for a greater cause. I hope so. Either way, I'll be picking up the physical CD at Target, along with my light bulbs, sneakers for my daughter and maybe a big bag of beef jerky. Of course I'll put it all on my Target Card.
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