Jamily Matters

Pearl Jam played Madison Square Garden on September 11th and Billie Jean and Roche (and Venus and Serena) were there!It was Billie's first show of the tour and Roche's second but it was the first the two attended together so they were looking forward to comparing notes in this episode of Jamily Matters. From the new "stools" setup to start PJ shows to the MSG crowd to the musical highlights to Ed's poignant talk about 9/11 to Josh's role in the band to Roche getting initiated into the family by Billie Jean's husband and brother, it was an amazing night of music. If you were there, relive it with the crew and if you weren't, they'll make you feel like you were there!

Pearl Jam has two legs of their 2022 tour! What are the trends we've seen so far?  Varied openers! No Covers shows! Tighter song rotations!It's been a topsy turvy ride and we are barely halfway through the tour. To help make sense of what we've seen so far and with Billie Jean "on assignment". Roche speaks with Randy Sobel of the Live On 4 Legs podcast about U.S v Euro, Gigaton v Ten, and full show v festival sets. Randy also takes us behind the Jamaroke night in Las Vegas after the band bowed out due to COVID. Roche and Randy also look ahead to the future of Pearl Jam as a touring band. Finally, Randy plays "My PJ Experience..." and explains why the PJ fan community is so important to him. Live On 4 Legs (and Jamily Matters) is available wherever you get your podcasts. 

Jamily Matters is back and so is Pearl Jam! It's been over two years but the band is finally back on the road for a full fledged tour! Roche and Billie discuss the first four dates of the tour to see if they can spot any trends, give some setlist highlights, and overall impressions of the beginning of the 2022 Pearl Jam tour. They also reveal what shows they hope to attend and how they got tickets. Then, it's the part of the podcast that Billie has been dreading. Now that they have ranked all the songs on the albums, it's time to start ranking all the PJ studio songs from least favorite to favorite! Every ranking has to start somewhere and this one starts at the bottom...and Billie couldn't be more disgusted having to do this. Are you doing song rankings as well? Hitting up any PJ shows this year? Let us know!  Email us at jamilymatters@gmail.com 

Billie Jean and Roche catch up on Pearl Jam news including the release of Eddie Vedder's solo album, Earthling, a new song from Stone Gossard's band, Painted Shield, and the announcement that Pearl Jam's next album will be produced by Andrew Watt (26:55). Then, Billie had a chance to see Eddie Vedder's Earthling Tour and gives a recap of the show. Click here to listen to Painted Sheild's song, "Dead Man's Dream"

Vinyl is back! The format is fast becoming THE physical alternative to streaming. Even young people, who never had vinyl in the house as kids, are embracing vinyl. But Pearl Jam never left the vinyl bandwagon. They have been supporters of vinyl from the beginning of their career and continued through to Gigaton. In this episode of Jamily Matters, Billie Jean and Roche are joined by Jon Landman, managing partner of The Syndicate entertainment company to discuss the reasons for vinyl's resurgence, the the allure of it, and why it's getting harder for artists to get their music pressed to vinyl. Then, the gang go over their PJ vinyl collection and Roche's "should I or shouldn't I" dilemma. 

For a seemingly "sullen" band, Pearl Jam has a surprising number of Christmas songs, covers and originals. Billie and Roche discuss some of their favorites PJ holiday tunes and wonder if the band would ever tackle a Hanukkah song.But first, Roche gives an update on the song rankings project and he and Billie give their thoughts on Eddie Vedder's new band, The Earthlings. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your friends at Jamily Matters!

Yield is Pearl Jam's masterpiece.Is that opinion or fact? Roche and Billie Jean make their case for why it's a fact in the latest episode of Jamily Matters. It's the album that they've been most excited and most nervous to rank because it is unquestionably their favorite.  After waxing poetic about this amazing work of art, they begin the difficult task of ranking the songs of Yield. And not without controversy as Billie Jean risks her friendship with Roche by ranking his favorite all time PJ song lower on her Yield list. BONUS: Billie tells of well known drummer who auditioned for Pearl Jam but lost out to Jack Irons. 

It's late 2002 and Pearl Jam have just released their last album of new material for Epic Records. The record deal they signed pre-Ten had finally been concluded (The compilation albums Lost Dogs and Rearviewmirror would be released over the next two years to officially wrap up the deal) and the band would soon become free agents for the first time in their career. The world is their oyster. But what do they want in that oyster?Even the members themselves weren't quite sure.Enter Matt Shay. At the time, Matt was at J Records working for Clive Davis but he also had a relationship with Pearl Jam. Could he bring these two titans together? We now know the answer was yes but for the first time Matt gives us the backstory of Pearl Jam signing with J Records, the recording and promotion of the Avocado album, and how the entire process reset the band as it entered its pivotal second chapter of it's career. 

Pearl Jam made their triumphant return to the stage at the Sea.Hear.Now. Festival in Asbury Park and Billie Jean was there!How did the Gigaton songs sound? What was it like seeing Pearl Jam live after a 3 year hiatus? What was the vibe like on stage and in the crowd during the set? What were the highlights? Billie Jean answers those questions and more on this episode of Jamily Matters! 

Billie Jean and Roche mark the 30th anniversary of Ten as well as the 25th anniversary of No Code on this edition of Jamily Matters. It's been fun reading and listening to the band reminisce about the most important album in its history and the crew point out some of their favorite interviews with the band over the last few months. They also discuss the importance of No Code in the Pearl Jam catalogue. Then, they give their thoughts on all the recent PJ news before Roche makes EVERYTHING uncomfortable with his "just saying" take on Olivia Vedder's singing debut. 

Five years ago this month, Pearl Jam played a now legendary secret show at Third Man Records.  Third Man Records co-founder Ben Blackwell joins Roche and Billie to reminisce  about that special night in PJ lore. Ben gives us a history of Third Man Records including some great stories of the early days of The White Stripes and Jack White's vision for the building in Nashville. Then, Ben gives the backstory on how Pearl Jam ended up at Third Man that night, how the jam session with Jack White came to be, and much more (19:52). Finally, Ben discusses what Pearl Jam means to him during a round of "My PJ Experience..."  including a hilarious Eddie Vedder story and a touching Mike McCready story (49:37).

Much like everything else during the pandemic, our first listen to new music is unlike anything we've ever experienced before. How much of that has shaped your opinions of the songs on Gigaton? That's a question Roche and Billie Jean tackle on this episode of Jamily Matters. From the heartbreak of "Comes Then Goes" to the brilliance of "Seven O'Clock"  to the invention of "Dance Of The Clairvoyants" to the punk rocking "Superblood Wolfmoon" Gigaton shows that Pearl Jam is far from past their peak.  Now over a year old, Roche and Billie rank the songs of the album and it's overall place in the Pearl Jam discography. 

Pearl Jam releases over 180 live shows as part of the DEEP Immersive Experience and Roche and Billie are overwhelmed (in a great way) by it. Billie gives some behind the scenes insight on the daunting task for a musician to put 5000+ songs on each streaming service and the exhaustive work that goes into it. Did the DEEP drop ruin 6 years of Roche's work on a project? Yes and no. He explains that and why he was happy to see Ed perform hatless at the Vax Live concert. Plus, the duo give their thoughts on the alternate version of "Corduroy" he performed at the show and the surreal experience of seeing live music played in front of a crowd. Email us your DEEP setlist at jamilymatters@gmail.com.

We kick off our "My PJ Experience..." feature with Brad White who is the Assistant Program Director of the legendary KBCO in Boulder, CO. After getting some background on Brad, the AAA format in radio, and the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater, Billie Jean and Roche ask Brad about his love of Pearl Jam (17:12). Brad shares some great stories about the famous Soldier Field show, his love of Vitalogy, and what the band has meant to him over the years. Click here to stream KBCO. 

For a band with as many albums (which include a Greatest Hits album and a double album of rarities and B sides) as Pearl Jam has released, there are a surprising number of orphaned tracks. Songs that have not appeared on an official studio album (anniversary editions aside). On this episode of Jamily Matters, Roche and Billie Jean go through the 2000s studio songs that didn't find their way on to a Pearl Jam album and rank them. If you'd like to rank along, the tracks below are featured in this episode. I Just Wanna Have Something To DoSomeday At ChristmasLove Reign O’er MeSanta God Jingle BellsSanta Cruz Golden StateTurning MistIt Ain’t Like That Acoustic #1OleBetter ThingsPendulumorphosisWishing WellAgain TodayHunted DownGet It Back

We've all got treasured memorabilia from our beloved band that we love to exhibit. That's the thought behind this new feature on Jamily Matters. Our first guest for the "PJ Merch" series is the morning show host for Minneapolis' CITIES 97.1 (and HUGE PJ fan), Paul Fletcher. After Paul and Roche discuss some behind the scenes radio stuff (2:37), Billie Jean joins them in showing off about some of their favorite Pearl Jam items (13:53). It's like Antique Roadshow...for Pearl Jam stuff!Visit CITIES 97.1.com for more info about Paul Fletcher.

Let's talk live music! Since we haven't been able to see live music in almost a year (and counting), Billie Jean and Roche are thirsty for live Pearl Jam. If you are an iPhone user (like Billie), you know all about PJ Stat Tracker. If you are an Android user (like Roche), you have a vague awareness of PJ Stat Tracker. This episode of Jamily Matters is all about the greatness of PJ Stat Tracker and gives everyone (including you) the chance to reminiscence about seeing our favorite band live. Play along while you listen!

For a band with as many albums (which include a Greatest Hits album and a double album of rarities and B sides) as Pearl Jam has released, there are a surprising number of orphaned tracks. Songs that have not appeared on an official studio album (anniversary editions aside). On this episode of Jamily Matters, Roche and Billie Jean go through the 90s studio songs that didn't find their way on to a Pearl Jam album and rank them. If you'd like to rank along, the tracks below are featured in this episode. Just A GirlEvil Little Goat2000 Mile BluesI've Got A FeelingBreathState of Love And TrustSonic ReducerReal ThingCrazy MaryCready StompAngelI Got IdThe Long RoadOlympic PlatinumCatholic BoyHappy When I'm CryingLeatherman

On the 18th anniversary of its release, we celebrate the "European dining experience" of Pearl Jam albums, Riot Act. And yes, it's a celebration despite Roche's initial thoughts on the album. He and Billie Jean discuss their extensive live history with the album, Riot Act's place in the overall PJ story (the end of a chapter), and the realization that Riot Act is a unique piece of work in Pearl Jam's catalog. **NOTE: This episode was recorded before the U.S. Elections took place**

Loosegroove Records co-founder Regan Hagar joins Billie Jean and Roche on this special episode of Jamily Matters. Regan participated in the rise of the Seattle scene in the late 80s/early 90s and shares some wonderful stories from that time. He (along with Stone Gossard) launched Loosegroove Records to showcase other musicians and recently relaunched the label with the same mission. He discusses the past, present, and future of Loosegroove, the term "Alternative R&B," and more.And since it's the 30th anniversary of Pearl Jam's first ever show (and he was there!), Regan talks about the whirlwind of PJ's signing, what the vibe of that first Off-Ramp show was like, and when he knew that his best friend's band was on its way to superstardom.

Loosegroove Records is officially back! The label, founded by Regan Hagar and Stone Gossard in 1994, has been revived to spotlight young artists and Gossard's new project, Painted Shield. Our very own Billie Jean is working behind the scenes to make sure Loosegroove hits the ground running. Billie tells Roche how the Loosegroove revival came to be, the thrill of getting to work with Stone, and the future of the label. Plus, great news for fans of the band, Brad!Click here for more details on Painted Shield.

Roche and Billie Jean rank side two of Pearl Jam's compilation album Lost Dogs in this episode of Jamily Matters.The second half of this double album is much more like a typical compilation album and is much more melancholy than side one but chock full of fan club singles and hardcore fan favorites. If you enjoy Jamily Matters, please rate the show on Apple Podcasts and tell your PJ loving friends.

Compilation albums are usually for the hardest of hardcore fans. Lost Dogs is not your ordinary compilation. For one, it contains one of the biggest hits in the Pearl Jam catalog. It's also the rare compilation that doesn't feel "thrown together." In this episode of Jamily Matters, Roche and Billie Jean discuss the significance of Lost Dog in the career of Pearl Jam, specifically its role in achieving full creative freedom for the band. Speaking of hardcore fans, they also discuss how Lost Dog is the ultimate "kumbaya" collection of songs.

It's the most important Pearl Jam album and one of the most iconic albums of all time. Ten not only put the band on the map, it launched them into the stratosphere of music. So ranking the songs shouldn't be a problem, right? Yeah, sure. Roche and Billie Jean do their best to rank this virtually flawless album while also pointing out it's unusual place in the band's history. From the "Eddie Vedder voice" to the "overproduction," Ten is the rare groundbreaking work of art that the creators immediately ran away from. Don't forget to rate and review Jamily Matters on Apple Podcasts and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts.

Since the murder of George Floyd, Roche (a black man) has been paralyzed with indecision. He didn't want to mindlessly hit "RETWEET" to other people's thoughts but couldn't get his own thoughts in order to let his voice be heard. As he has done his entire adult life, he turned to music, specifically the music of Pearl Jam. In this episode of Jamily Matters, Roche and Billie Jean share songs from the band that have helped center their thoughts and set them on the path to action. Here is a playlist with the songs discussed in this episode.

By now, you know that Eddie Vedder has accepted All In Challenge on behalf of the band. On this episode of Jamily Matters, Roche and Billie Jean daydream about winning the incredible VIP package the band has put together and answer three questions about some of the choices they would make if they won. Click hear to learn about what you can win and to make a donation.

Roche and Billie Jean rank the songs of Pearl Jam's 2013 album, Lightning Bolt, in this episode of Jamily Matters. LB has generally been given a "meh" from PJ fans but is it deserved? Billie Jean and Roche debate that and their differing views on what they want and expect from an "older" band like Pearl Jam.

Pearl Jam is the transition from the early '00s to the era we are still in today (unless you consider Gigaton the start of the next era...which Roche may agree with).It's the band's first album without the shackles of a major label and because of that, they were much more "available" to do promotion of it. In this episode of Jamily Matters,Roche and Billie Jean reminisce about the release of Avocado and how the experiences around its release are in a lot of ways more memorable than the songs themselves. Come for the rankings of this solid (but unspectacular) album, stay for the comps to...Collective Soul!?!?!?

Jamily Matters is back with our first impressions of Pearl Jam's new album Gigaton. Roche and Billie Jean go over their initial standout tracks, the missteps, and the track listing. Then, Roche shares a theory about Lightning Bolt's place in PJ's catalog now that Gigaton is here. Plus, thoughts on the "rage" of the band, what the tour schedule looks like in the wake of COVID-19, and where's Boom?? Much to be done. #SocialDistance with your friends from Jamily Matters and let's talk Pearl Jam and Gigaton!

Pearl Jam's third studio album cemented their status as "Biggest Rock Band In The World" while also laying the groundwork from their (voluntary) descent from those heights. It's an album containing some of the band's most popular songs alongside some of their most experimental compositions. It's their last grunge album and a glimpse at where they would go next.

A bump in the road? For Pearl Jam, Binaural could be considered a bump in the road...or a warning sign that the band was entering their post peak phase. For Billie Jean and Roche, it's the first episode where their rankings diverge so severely that it causes some friction between the hosts. Either way, this episode of Jamily Matters is when the gloves come off and the passion inflames.

According to Roche, "No Code is the bouncer at the door of Pearl Jam fandom." It's the album that signaled a change of direction for the previously grunge band and it always ranks high on lists for "hardcore" fans. After discussing the importance of No Code (17:50), Roche and Billie Jean give their rankings of the songs on this career changing album.

Pearl Jam dropped a ton of news over the last week so an emergency edition of Jamily Matters was called. Roche and Billie Jean break down all the news, analyze the Gigaton roll out, what they loved about it and what could have been done better, and give their expectations for the new album. Then, they reveal what shows they are hoping to hit up on the tour.

Is Vs. the most important Pearl Jam album? You can make a strong case that it is and on this episode of Jamily Matters, Roche and Billie Jean discuss why (12:22) then give their rankings of the album that solidified the band's place in rock music.

After a string of solid but unspectacular efforts, Backspacer showed the world that Pearl Jam still had "it." On this episode of Jamily Matters, Roche and Billie Jean discuss the band's ninth studio album and its importance to the PJ catalog (5:36) before ranking the songs on this underrated album.

Passion has to start somewhere and in this episode of Jamily Matters, Billie Jean and Roche share the origins of their passion for Pearl Jam. They'll also break down what you can expect from the podcast and what the first series of episodes will be about.