“Even Flow (Live – San Diego 2006)” – Pearl Jam
(Words: Eddie Vedder, Music: Stone Gossard, originally available on Ten, Epic 1991)
Eddie Vedder’s singing style, once dubbed a “yarl,” remains a dealbreaker when discussing Pearl Jam. Fans of the band embrace his gruff baritone and point to his growth as a vocalist over time. Still, some can’t get past Vedder’s voice and how it obscures his lyrics. This, along with an incomplete set of lyrics printed inside Ten, only made it more difficult to understand a song like “Even Flow.” Sure, “Even Flow” has a lot more going for it than just its lyrics, but those who prioritize lyrics that stand up to scrutiny might be frustrated by the song. It’s possible to embrace the ambiguity too – either by making up words, projecting meaning upon the song, or just singing along with the stereo up. Still, if determining meaning on a line-by-line basis is a priority, “Even Flow” won’t be near the top of your list.
However, in the case of “Even Flow,” line-by-line meaning isn’t as important as the song’s meaning shifted over the years. In the live setting, “Even Flow” became a feature for guitarist Mike McCready, offering him one of numerous moments in the spotlight during a concert. On any given tour, “Even Flow” remains one of the most played songs (and easily the most played song from Ten), in part because it’s a feature for McCready, but also because it keeps evolving. Take this 2006 version – the band pushes the tempo, features McCready, and then lets former Soundgarden drummer (and Pearl Jam’s longest tenured drummer) Matt Cameron take a solo. While the song shifted from a three minute yarl to an extended jam, it remains one of the essential moments of a Pearl Jam live show – one of the few expected pleasures in an ever-shifting setlist. Even if Vedder seems to modify the lyrics (which he more sings than “yarls” these days), the crowd waits, ready to sing that final chorus right back at the band. In a song’s meaning goes further than the notes and words in it – it can grow into something bigger. In the case of “Even Flow,” it’s become one of the band’s trademark live songs, for its evolving arrangement, blistering performance, and enthusiastic crowd response.
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