Pearl Jam Month: Lost Dogs
by Zane Ewton
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Bands do not want to come right out and say it. An album of B-sides is just a chance to release the crap that was not good enough to make it on a real album. This is what happens when a band is lazy and/or needs to wrap up their business contract. There are a few exceptions. Pearl Jam's Lost Dogs is a shining example of a b-sides collection doing good.
Lost Dogs is one of the loosest, funnest and best of the Pearl Jam records. The two-disc set is a combination of b-sides, soundtrack cuts and fan club singles. Disc one is the louder, rocking one; disc two is the mellow, introspective one. Creating a fresh running order - rather than chronological - helps the flow of the discs and brings it all together as a cohesive project, despite the 15-year span these songs were recorded across.
As you follow along, it is easy to pinpoint the era each song was recorded in. There is the early Ten/Vs. period, late 90's No Code/Yield period, and both Binaural and Riot Act have their own distinct periods. There are many gems found on Lost Dogs. Songs that make you wonder what Pearl Jam was thinking by not including them on albums. After having the opportunity to go back through all the Pearl Jam albums and Lost Dogs, you begin to see how these songs - amazing as they are - would have completely changed the album. They just would not fit quite right.
Lost Dogs is also a testament to how great of a singles band Pearl Jam could have been, if they weren't so opposed to it. For these songs, it is as if they forgot they were Pearl Jam. There might be freedom in knowing deep down that the song probably won't make the record, so why not just try to enjoy it. Here are a few of the highlights.
"All Night" - Kapow! This No Code leftover could have kicked off that record with a sense of adventure and excitement. We've got all night!
"Down" - Such a prime Pearl Jam song from the Riot Act sessions. Every band member doing their thing, and doing it well.
"Hitchhiker" - This Binaural song was rightfully cut. It would not have fit well, but it is still a great song with a little swagger in Vedder's voice and a cool rhythm.
"In The Moonlight" - The drummer wrote this song. The moody, full-bodied, Matt Cameron song was another Binaural extra. Would have added some swing to an album that could have used it.
"Leavin Here" - A cover of an old Detours song recorded for a benefit album. A high-energy, ramshackle run of a song.
"Gremmie Out Of Control" and "Whale Song" - Both songs were recorded for Surfrider benefit albums. The first features Brendan O'Brien on surf guitar, the second was written and sung by drummer Jack Irons. The first is a fun diversion, the second is a beautiful track that gives '90s alternative rock a good name.
"Yellow Ledbetter" - The ultimate Pearl Jam b-side. It's been around from the beginning, didn't fit anywhere but can't imagine it not being around.
"Otherside" - Gorgeous Riot Act song. Jeff Ament seems to let his songs simmer, working on them until they are sublime.
"Dead Man" - Intended for the Dead Man Walking soundtrack. Didn't make it. Didn't make it on No Code either, despite being a perfect fit for that album.
"Strangest Tribe" - One of the famed fan club Christmas singles. A beautiful and odd Stone Gossard song. Lovely.
"Drifting" - Another Christmas single. Has a drunken campfire singalong vibe. Now that would make a good Pearl Jam album - drunken campfire singalongs.
Lost Dogs was released prior to the band's two disc greatest hits set, but it is likely to be the better statement of how the band, and the characters involved, changed over the years. Pearl Jam is full of songwriters, and each get a chance to shine with this collection. Each Pearl Jam record includes essential moments, but very few are as consistently entertaining as Lost Dogs. And they still have many others left in the vaults.
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