Seriously, it's difficult to get worked up about this kind of spectacle from a band that you just couldn't take seriously in the first place. Pearl Jam will never make a "Revolver", a "Piper At The Gates of Dawn", a "Who's Next" or a "Nevermind", so an ad for Target becomes their legacy. I believe there is a lot of talent in Pearl Jam, but they've just never quite delivered. To quote Neil Young, who was supposedly a musical mentor to Pearl Jam, "This Note's For You."
I really don't get how this is selling out. Ya, the commercial is a bit odd, but the album is still available at indi stores. I could see how it would be bad if it was only available at target, but it's not It's just not available at any other major chain stores. So what, how is that selling out? Any so they did a commercial, who cares, they are trying to sell records. This is a band that sells concert tickets cheaper than most local bands do. This is a band who throughout the years have fought to protect their fans form unfair ticket charges. This is a band who travels to places that lose them money, because they know they have a big following in those places. This band has done more for their fans than almost any other band out there, and that is why they have such a loyal fanbase. They are far from sellouts, they are one of the only bands lef that still care about their fans.
I admit it. PJ is my guilty pleasure. Why I feel apologetic about this..I've no idea. Yes, I love fugazi, the minutemen, superchunk and billy bragg...but yes, I have also been known to listen to pearl jam. I had no idea they had a new album out either. (See? I'm old. I still say "album.") Ha. Anyway. I knew it was "over" when years ago I heard a minutemen song in a Nissan commercial....and a modest mouse song in another car ad. Hell, Volkswagon used a Nick Drake song ("Pink Moon"). I guess what I'm saying is...I understand that corporations co-opt subcultures and music....but does it make it right? (no.) Does it make me passive b/c I'm not more angry? (maybe?) Then again, is PJ not mainstream? Eh, I don't care. I still like them and I will always have a crush on Eddie Vedder. I just re-read this and it seems I'm having a conversation with myself. ;)
Woah. That was kind of disturbing. I mean, I know you and Pearl Jam are tight but...I am so glad Sleater-Kinney never did that. Whatever Pearl Jam's intentions were, there's no way an ad like that (with rockin projections of corporate logos and even a hand stamp) can fail to cheapen their song and make it difficult for people to take them seriously.
Andrew Dunn (atd) wrote:
i like it. even if its kind of a stunt like the ticketmaster thing.
Saturday, September 19, 2009 11:18:11 AM
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Shelby Thompson (Shelbsthomcat) wrote:
Why does Eddie Vedder look so rough?
Saturday, September 19, 2009 10:16:11 AM
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Jack Urmson (Jack2112) wrote:
Look at it this way, at least it's not Wal-Mart. I know if I shop at a MEGA-store, it's Target. I can deal with a Target commercial.
Saturday, September 19, 2009 1:39:48 AM
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Greg Branner (geepod) wrote:
Seriously, it's difficult to get worked up about this kind of spectacle from a band that you just couldn't take seriously in the first place. Pearl Jam will never make a "Revolver", a "Piper At The Gates of Dawn", a "Who's Next" or a "Nevermind", so an ad for Target becomes their legacy. I believe there is a lot of talent in Pearl Jam, but they've just never quite delivered. To quote Neil Young, who was supposedly a musical mentor to Pearl Jam, "This Note's For You."
Saturday, September 19, 2009 12:19:46 AM
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Jeremy Curzio (jercurz) wrote:
I really don't get how this is selling out. Ya, the commercial is a bit odd, but the album is still available at indi stores. I could see how it would be bad if it was only available at target, but it's not It's just not available at any other major chain stores. So what, how is that selling out? Any so they did a commercial, who cares, they are trying to sell records. This is a band that sells concert tickets cheaper than most local bands do. This is a band who throughout the years have fought to protect their fans form unfair ticket charges. This is a band who travels to places that lose them money, because they know they have a big following in those places. This band has done more for their fans than almost any other band out there, and that is why they have such a loyal fanbase. They are far from sellouts, they are one of the only bands lef that still care about their fans.
Saturday, September 19, 2009 12:16:18 AM
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lisa a. (socgrrrl) wrote:
I admit it. PJ is my guilty pleasure. Why I feel apologetic about this..I've no idea. Yes, I love fugazi, the minutemen, superchunk and billy bragg...but yes, I have also been known to listen to pearl jam. I had no idea they had a new album out either. (See? I'm old. I still say "album.") Ha. Anyway. I knew it was "over" when years ago I heard a minutemen song in a Nissan commercial....and a modest mouse song in another car ad. Hell, Volkswagon used a Nick Drake song ("Pink Moon"). I guess what I'm saying is...I understand that corporations co-opt subcultures and music....but does it make it right? (no.) Does it make me passive b/c I'm not more angry? (maybe?) Then again, is PJ not mainstream? Eh, I don't care. I still like them and I will always have a crush on Eddie Vedder. I just re-read this and it seems I'm having a conversation with myself. ;)
Saturday, September 19, 2009 12:05:05 AM
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Maria Brown (ceruleanblue) wrote:
I'm not quite sure how I feel about Pearl Jam advertising for Target but I do like the song.
Friday, September 18, 2009 10:56:59 PM
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N N (noood) wrote:
good for them
Friday, September 18, 2009 10:21:35 PM
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mike costa (mcbird) wrote:
Never was much of a PJ fan, but I've got no problem with it - how many of those complaining about them selling out have pirated songs for free?
Friday, September 18, 2009 9:38:31 PM
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Michael Hanna (WaitingtoHit) wrote:
Woah. That was kind of disturbing. I mean, I know you and Pearl Jam are tight but...I am so glad Sleater-Kinney never did that. Whatever Pearl Jam's intentions were, there's no way an ad like that (with rockin projections of corporate logos and even a hand stamp) can fail to cheapen their song and make it difficult for people to take them seriously.
Friday, September 18, 2009 9:16:16 PM
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