“Chloe Dancer / Crown of Thorns” – Mother Love Bone
(Words: Andrew Wood / Music: Mother Love Bone, available on Singles - Original Soundtrack, Epic 1992)

40% of Mother Love Bone went on to form Pearl Jam, so it’s appropriate that “Chloe Dancer / Crown of Thorns” sounds like a cousin to the Pearl Jam catalog.  I only point out the percentage (the shared members being Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament) because it gives a rough estimate of the shared DNA between the groups.  For as theatrical as Eddie Vedder was in his early days (see the band’s performance of “Porch” on MTV Unplugged), Andrew Wood made Vedder look like the shy kid in the back of the room.  Wood’s friends spoke about his magnetic personality, and he certainly pumps it into “Chloe Dancer / Crown of Thorns.”  Of course, the same theatrics that made him “magnetic” to some make him unbearable to others, particularly in the lyrics.  Wood strives for heartbreak in his story yet often relies on some questionable images (that substitute teacher line is particularly weird).

Still, the correlations lie in the arrangement.  In some ways, this is the predecessor to “Black” – a swelling power ballad fueled by heartache.  The “Chloe Dancer” might be mostly Wood’s craft (and if it is, it’s a testament to his strengths), but as soon as “Crown of Thorns” starts, Gossard’s supporting riff immediately bolsters the arrangement.  Even the breakdown near the end, with Ament’s bass sneaking out front, gives the necessary momentum to push the final chorus over the top.  It’s only appropriate that Pearl Jam, starting in 2003, occasionally include the song in their setlist.   Even without the lovely “Chloe Dancer” introduction, Vedder keeps Wood’s lines intact yet sings it with his own natural cadence and emphasis.  Whether it’s Vedder’s personality or just the luxury of aging a bit, he doesn’t sound as overactive as Wood does near the end of the song.  In short, it’s a way of Pearl Jam, Vedder included, paying tribute to their heritage.

More on Mother Love Bone: Allmusic | Amazon MP3 | Emusic | Last.fm