Pearl Jam

Back in Pearl Jam's '90s heyday, frontman Eddie Vedder eschewed the machinery of the music industry; he refused to make videos, conduct interviews or participate in commonplace publicity chores that are on the to-do lists of virtually every successful pop performer. But when the Jammers' CDs stopped selling in big...

By Michael Roberts

June 29, 2006

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Back in Pearl Jam's '90s heyday, frontman Eddie Vedder eschewed the machinery of the music industry; he refused to make videos, conduct interviews or participate in commonplace publicity chores that are on the to-do lists of virtually every successful pop performer. But when the Jammers' CDs stopped selling in big numbers and its longtime label, Sony, ran out of patience, Vedder decided to re-engage with the world. The group called its first disc for J Records Pearl Jam, an obvious slate-cleaning move; released a video for the lead track, "Life Wasted"; agreed to play a subordinate role on its current tour with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; and effected a rapprochement with the press, which explains Vedder's presence on the cover of the current Rolling Stone. Granted, the new album doesn't break new ground, or even dent it. Still, the long-player's got some decent melodies (a characteristic in short supply of late), and the overtly Lennon-esque ballad "Parachutes" suggests that Vedder is finally, finally starting to get over himself. Welcome back to the music industry, Eddie.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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