Pearl Jam Twenty

Starred review from September 5, 2011
Produced in conjunction with Cameron Crowe's documentary about the Seattle rockers' first 20 years, this photo-packed autobiography is a fitting souvenir for fans. Employing narrative as well as quotes and asides from band members, fellow musicians, and those who've worked with the band, the book offers a detailed take on the events that have shaped their lives and songs. Though their story has been told many times before, the band's personal recollections (particularly of their early days) offer new insight into Pearl Jam's dynamics as well as the Seattle scene's supportive and collaborative environment. Defining moments, such as the death of nine fans at the Roskilde festival and their battles with Ticketmaster, are tactfully addressed, as is the delicate issue of firing drummer Dave Abbruzzese, who was with the band during their meteoric success in the early and mid-90s. This is a remarkable account of a career, and the band's efforts to remain grounded while creating meaningful music is no small achievement. That they're able to do just that, as well as honestly assess their work, warts and all, speaks to their integrity and commitment. This book will satisfy casual listeners as well as obsessives.

August 15, 2011

Grunge monsters Pearl Jam compile 20 years' worth of firsthand remembrances, photos and tour-related ephemera in this oversized career-encapsulating scrapbook.

With a gushy foreword by Pearl Jam acolyte Cameron Crowe, this coffee-table book provides a comprehensive day-by-day compendium of touring and recording highlights. It also sheds light on the band's pre–Pearl Jam history: namely, almost-famous Seattle groups like Green River and Mother Love Bone, who were hampered by bad luck and bad drugs. Add San Diego surfer/beach bum Eddie Vedder to the mix, and from the ashes of the aforementioned bands rose Pearl Jam, whose official popular history begins around 1991. The narration is minimal, and there's a lot of oral history from band members and commentary from old-guard rockers who became peers, pals and occasional collaborators—Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend and Mike Watt, just to name a few.  Whether or not readers are fans of the band, the book's coverage of the Seattle grunge explosion during the early '90s is impressive. Of course, not all the details of the band's early years were glorious. For a time, Vedder and his mates had to deal with being the second-most-popular band from Seattle, as Kurt Cobain and Nirvana rocketed past Pearl Jam in record sales and recognition; to make matters worse, Cobain snubbed the band every chance he got. However, it wasn't until the post-Cobain, post-grunge years that Pearl Jam really came into their own, musically and philosophically. The band became known as much for their chart-topping albums as for their principled stances, first against the hegemonic evil of Ticketmaster and then against George W. Bush's illegitimate presidency.

A fun, photo-filled day-in-the-life chronicle of one of America's hardest-working rock bands.

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

April 1, 2011

Pearl Jam started back in 1991 with the album Ten, which sold 13 million copies; its latest, 2009's self-released Backspacer, debuted in Billboard's top slot. So, yeah, not just history. This book features memorabilia, photos, tour notes, and drawings, giving a sort of there-at-the-creation feel. Academy Award-winning director Cameron Crowe, who provides an introduction, is releasing a Pearl Jam film this fall--a coup, because this band would rather play than posture. Should be big.

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