A Nice Pair: Pearl Jam

For today’s music and book pairing, we recommend grabbing your Docs, tying your favourite plaid around your waist and reading the book Long Road: Pearl Jam and the Soundtrack of a Generation while listening to their latest album, Dark Matter.

The book was written by Stephen Hyden, a well-known American music critic, author and podcast host. It explores how Pearl Jam emerged from the Seattle grunge scene and became one of the most influential bands of their generation. Structured like a mix tape, it uses 18 of the band’s classic songs as starting points to delve into their history, achievements, and the cultural impact they had on Generation X.

Dark Matter is Pearl Jam’s twelfth studio album and was released this year. This album marks a return to a more collaborative and fast-paced recording process for the band, contrasting with their previous album, Gigaton (2020), which was recorded over several years. The album features 11 tracks, including singles like Dark Matter, Running, and Wreckage. It’s been praised for its blend of alternative rock and hard rock, with some tracks showcasing a heavier sound. The album also includes contributions from Josh Klinghoffer, who joined the band during their 2022–2023 Gigaton Tour.