As a dedicated, longtime fan I feel I must give a bit of background before I continue, so you don’t misunderstand my point of view. I have been a dedicated & devoted fan of Pearl Jam for the last 14 years, I found them in 1995. I was introduced to their music at a pivotal time in my life…just graduating college, embarking on a life of my own, & out from under my parents roof, rules, and opinions. I was introduced to Pearl Jam’s music through a friend at the time, and even though I never felt close to the person, I can’t ever forget the one positive thing they gave me. To me, Pearl Jam was a symbol. A symbol I have a hard time putting into words. They stood for what was right, whether it be by fighting the ‘machine’ to keep ticket prices down for fans, donating proceeds to charities and causes, promoting awareness about the importance of voting, & making our voices get heard. What attracted me most to them was their integrity, the unwillingness to bend or bow to anything that compromised the music or took advantage of the organic process of making music..this includes writing the songs themselves(as opposed to studio ghost writers), playing the music themselves(as opposed to ghost musicians), and using the resources around them in a way that respects the creative process as well as the world around them. They had the ability to make beautiful music ..music that I would make if I could. They have a platform, to say all the things that we feel but don’t get heard. Each and every album they have made thus far is a great reflection of the inner turmoil going on inside of us and inside the world in which we live. My copies of these albums are very well worn and each has served me well over and over and over again. The humble, brave, and independent attitude behind the music is the seed from which all the magic has grown..

Pearl Jam is a band that is aware how much their die-hard fans love and stand behind their music…never have they bent to satisfy trends or generations of society, and that is why they are so loved. They satisfy the need for music that means something. They make music built on integrity and respect..respect for the music, the fans, & most importantly, truth.

That is why I am so perplexed after reading the Spin article. I realize that most everyone in the band has children now, and most of the guys are married and in their forties ..yes, you’d expect some changes in speed, productivity, less free time now spent with wives and kids. But its the words that they speak..these reflected new attitudes sound nothing like the guys I once depended on for inspiration to never give up(as depicted in a 1991 Pearl Jam “don’t give up” t-shirt.) Suddenly I’m reading Mike (McCready- lead guitar) say that if they have to make a song that sounds like a mainstream radio hit to entice a new generation of fans, that’s OK…and I’m reading Jeff (Ament-Bass guitar) say that its OK to make commercials and sell the album at Target, because they were on Sony for 20 years…and I’m reading Eddie (Vedder-Vocals, guitar) say that he doesn’t want to play to just old people.[excuse me, those so-called old people are your die hard fans and I am one of them ......fans who have traveled thousands of miles, slept in countless parking lots and car seats, lived on pretzels and bagels, and endured the awesome-ness of getting bashed, bruised, & kicked in the head countless times to be able to be front row at a general admission show(which are no more)]…THAT is your audience ..WE grew up with you, we have related practically every song to a part in our lives…we have lived your music..and the reason why? Because you were coming from the right place..a place we totally related to..a place we felt was fair..a place where we had the courage to stand up for what we believe in…just like you have so many times…what happened?

Now you are saying you need to overcome the past ’sabotage’? What do you mean? Are you calling the last 20 years of fighting for your ideals , helping others, and really truly making a difference in peoples lives…do you call this sabotage? Do you know what that feels like to read those words on paper? My stomach dropped and the world felt a little off balance. The reason I loved the music so much, aside from the fact that it totally rocks out, is that fact that it came from an honest place, a raw and unpolished and unashamed place. A place that was not afraid to stand up and be different and not contribute to problems and injustices…now you are basically saying all the ‘fighting’ was sabotage..you shop at Target and wanna make more money…more money?

How can I continue believing in your music, if you don’t believe in your music..I am not a big fan of the new album and this is a first for me. I believe the quality of this album (which in my opinion is the weakest to date) directly reflects the new-found mainstream-friendly attitudes of the band…there’s no other way to explain such a departure from the quality and fierce emotion Pearl Jam always delivers, until now.

Don’t get me wrong. Just because I am disappointed and confused with the direction of this album & its lyrics doesn’t mean I have lost my faith in Pearl Jam. They are still very dear to my heart and I will continue to be faithful that the guys will make a come back . I know they can get right…. again.

Sundae Thomas-Ford