“Bugs in my ears… Do i eat them? Raw or well done?” There are some strange moments in Vitalogy, the aforementioned verse backed by an accordion being of them. Written mostly in the midst of touring for Vs., the third album from Pearl Jam explores the dark side of fame and success. It is common knowledge that the band was not exactly whole in the recording process due to inner conflicts, which contributed to Vitalogy being born mostly out of jam sessions rather than cooperative writing sessions. The byproducts of such circumstance—anger, melancholy, and bittersweetness—are apparent through out, and the songs on the album are simpler and more earnest. In addition to “Bugs,” “Stupidmop” aka “Hey Foxymophandlemama, That’s Me,” which features actual recordings from a psych ward, and “Aya Divinity” highlight the more experimental moments of Vitalogy, but there are plenty of good ol’ ‘90s rock (“Not For You,” “Corduroy,” “Better Man,” “Nothingman”) on here… This is the 180g official reissue from Epic, and the album is also available as a pack with two preceding efforts, Ten and Vs.

• official Epic reissue
• 180g black double vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve w/ pic insert
• music label: Epic 2016

reviewed by buffalo fingers 05/2016