Three Albums To Listen To This Fall

Pearl Jam - "Backspacer"
It's been 13 years since Pearl Jam's last number one album, but it's clear, "Backspacer" is the band's strongest response since their debut album "Ten." The band finally reunited with long time producer Brendan O'Brien, making this his first album with the band since "Vitalogy," and it's clear that the team works.

The album's opening track hits us hard with a dual guitar assault courtesy of Mike McCready and Stone Gossard. "Gonna See My Friend" is in the same musical vein as other Pearl Jam tracks such as "Don't Gimme No Lip" and "Do The Evolution."

"Got Some," the album's second track, explodes with a heavy rhythm section from bassist Jeff Ament and drummer Matt Cameron, who thunders through with a heavy drum roll that shakes the speakers. Singer Eddie Vedder's voice squeals as he screams "I've got some if you need it!" over and over again to the backing of roaring electric guitars.

The album's first single, "The Fixer," is much the same as the first two initial album tracks, ringing with heavy guitars and drums. The song is short and sweet and straight to the point as Vedder screams about fighting to get "It" back again. What "It" is we may never know, but once the track is over it's clear you want it as well.

The album is a steady rocker all the way through with stops on such acoustic ballads as "Just Breath" and "Amongst The Waves." They sport a spirit that many believed died out with grunge. One clear message: Pearl Jam is back, and with purpose.

R.E.M. - "Live At The Olympia"
R.E.M. released their second live album, "Live At The Olympia", on Oct. 27. The two-disc set is from the band's five-night stint at the Olympia Theater in Dublin, Ireland in July of 2007.

These shows strayed from the traditional structure, and were more of an "open rehearsal" that the band used to work on their new material. Through the album, listeners are given the chance to hear raw forms of songs that appeared on their April 2008 release, "Accelerate."

On top of the "Accelerate" tracks, and
several of the band's hit singles,
R.E.M. throws in songs from their days on the I.R.S. record label in Athens, Georgia.

Throughout the sets they sprinkle hits such as "Welcome To The Occupation" from their final indie release, "Document," as well as early hits like "Wolves, Lower" off their debut EP, "Chronic Town." These tracks give fans the chance to hear the band's earlier work that has been mostly ignored since they signed their major label contract to Warner Brothers in 1988.

The box set is a clear aim at catching the interest of more traditional fans but also allows a chance for newer fans to appreciate R.E.M.'s former works as well as newer ones. In addition to the 39-song set's vast array of material, two films are included: Vincent Moon's documentary on the band's Dublin shows and preproduction of "Accelerate," called "Seven Days"; and a live DVD of the actual performances in Dublin.

The set brings fans as close to the action as it gets for R.E.M. and allows them to appreciate the band as a whole. This is one album you don't want to pass up this fall.

Pete Yorn And Scarlett Johanssen - "Break Up"
Pete Yorn, the pop song writer extraordinaire, returns with yet another concept album, but to shake us all up a bit, this one features actress-turned-singer, Scarlett Johanssen.

Johanssen and Yorn play two characters within the album's songs that tell the story of a relationship in turmoil. The album's opening track and its first single, "Relator" begins the album's story with the two lovers arguing over their issue of respect for one another. The story goes back and forth between both members' point of view as well as the indecision both feel over the entire matter.

The opening track's lyrics sing "you don't relate to me, no girl," while the album's middle track, "Blackie's Dead" has both characters repeating to one another, "I don't like what's going."

The lyrics and singing go back and forth between the characters but the music itself captures you within the characters' entanglement. The well-crafted arrangements allow for a beautiful sound that draws you in further to the bittersweet break up of this couple.

The mix of such various instruments as acoustic guitars, electric guitars, mandolins, drum loops, harmonicas, piano, and synths help to create a unique and interesting sound for all to enjoy.

Though break-ups are never a happy matter, this album has such true beauty that all should take a listen.