What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

Welcome to Our Forums. Once you've registered and logged in, you're primed to talk football, among other topics, with the sharpest and most experienced fantasy players on the internet.

MAD - Artist - Round 4 - #14's have been posted (19 Viewers)

Eddie VedderTau837Immortality

"Immortality" is a song on Pearl Jam's third album, "Vitalogy," released in 1994. "Immortality" peaked at #10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and #31 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

This song reflects the band’s darker outlook during this time, with its exploration of life, death, and legacy. It was written primarily by Eddie, whose introspective lyrics give voice to the inner battles and disillusionment that often come with fame and creative pressure. Although Vedder has stated that "Immortality" is not specifically about Kurt Cobain, many listeners still interpret the song as a meditation on the struggles that led to Cobain’s tragic end.

Eddie on that subject:

No, that was written when we were on tour in Atlanta. It's not about Kurt. Nothing on the album was written directly about Kurt, and I don't feel like talking about him, because it [might be seen] as exploitation. But I think there might be some things in the lyrics that you could read into and maybe will answer some questions or help you understand the pressures on someone who is on a parallel train..

You look at it objectively and you think, 'What could be so ****ing hard about being in a band?' But if you're coming from a place that's real, it's much harder.

"Immortality" grapples with questions of purpose and the search for meaning in a world that can feel isolating. This theme resonates with many artists who face pressures of fame and the internal struggle to find balance and peace. The song hints at the toll that fame and creative intensity can take on an individual, a theme that’s particularly relevant to Pearl Jam’s own experience with stardom in the 1990s. The pressures and isolation tied to fame create a poignant backdrop for the lyrics.

The concept of immortality here can be seen as a reflection on leaving a legacy, the desire to be remembered, and the contemplation of death as an escape. These ideas are complex and often interwoven with thoughts on self-worth and the meaning of one’s contributions to the world. The bridge (“Some die just to live”) suggests that some people might endure suffering or even embrace death as a way of finding meaning. It’s a complex reflection on mortality and the idea that, for some, life only gains meaning through enduring hardship or taking risks that put them on the edge of existence.

Musically, "Immortality" is a haunting, slow-burning track that combines melodic guitar lines with a somber, reflective tone. Mike McCready’s and Stone Gossard’s guitar work adds a layer of melancholy to the song, enhancing the emotional depth of Vedder’s lyrics. The subdued but poignant instrumentals create an atmosphere that complements the song’s introspective themes, with Eddie's powerful vocal delivery bringing a raw authenticity to the lyrics.

Pearl Jam played this the first time I saw them live in concert in 1996, and it has been a favorite of mine ever since.
 
25. Tear the Roof Off
Album: Progressions of Power (1980)
Writers: Rik Emmett, Mike Levine and Gil Moore
Lead vocals: Gil Moore (studio); Gil Moore and Rik Emmett (live)
Chart History: None
Video?: No
Lyrical category: Rocking out

This is not a song that requires a lot of explanation. On "Tear the Roof Off," from Triumph's most metal-sounding album, the band tells you that they're going to rock your face off, and they proceed to do just that, while name-checking one of their older songs, "Rock & Roll Machine."

Rik Emmett's opening guitar riffs are absolutely scorching. The middle section has some interesting syncopated beats going on with synthesizers swelling subtly in the background, which leads into one of Emmett's patented fast-fingers solos. And at the end, Emmett's guitar is virtually howling, matched by actual howling from Gil Moore's voice on the fadeout. Moore sings the entire song on the studio version, but Emmett sings the second verse in all live performances I have found.

Given the relentlessness of its music and its lyrics concerning the band getting ready to rock and then proceeding to do so, it should not be surprising that this served as a concert opener, occupying that slot for the Progressions of Power tour and some shows on the Allied Forces tour, including the Baltimore show that appeared in MTV's late-night concert slot back in the day. You'd think that it would kick off the album it comes from as well, but it does not. We'll learn why later.

Live version from Cleveland in 1981, broadcast for the King Biscuit Flower Hour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeJUm9hNhD4
Live version from the aforementioned Baltimore show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qwvix_mxnw
Live version from Ottawa in 1982: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2TLUhfbrm4
Live version from Orlando in 1982: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7Z7uX9DTQg

At #24, a song that showed Triumph could still make great rock and roll even when they were under heavy commercial pressure.
 
Listened to the #25 playlist. Other than my own song:
  • Favorites already known to me:
    • R.E.M. - Bang and Blame
  • Favorites new to me:
    • The Pretty Reckless - Back to the River -- 7 for 7 and still running away with this countdown for me
    • Wilco - Impossible Germany -- their first standout for me in the countdown; really enjoyed the guitar in this
    • Lindsey Stirling - Stars Align
    • Our Lady Peace - Made of Steel
    • My Morning Jacket - Dondante -- standout of this playlist for me
Great playlist, easily my favorite so far.
 
Thoughts on the #25s of artists I know well:

Yes -- I like parts of Big Generator. This is not one of those parts.

Tweedy/Wilco -- "Impossible Germany" has incredible guitar work and sounds like nothing else in Wilco's catalog. In sound, it's a '70s classic rocker updated for the 21st century. In lyrics it's -- a bunch of non sequiturs. This is always a highlight of their live shows and is probably in my Wilco top 5.

My Morning Jacket -- Speaking of "always a highlight of their live shows," I've seen some absolutely epic versions of Dondante. Its formlessness means it can be crafted in so many different ways each time out. Krista probably disagrees with me, but I get chills when Carl Broemel breaks out his saxophone.

P-Funk -- Not heard anything from Parlet before today. Despite some Chic-like trappings on this track -- and some very of-its-time saxophone parts -- this is still unmistakably in the mold of the late '70s Parliament and Funkadelic records. That's obviously Bernie on synths -- no one else sounds like him. Even the cadence with which the ladies sing isn't really different from how George, Gary, Bootsy, etc. vocalize.

Bee Gees -- Was not familiar with the Trafalgar album aside from its most famous song which we will presumably see later. Seems like early '70s dross until we get to the chorus, which is emotive as hell. I wonder if Jagger modeled his vocal on "Angie" on Barry's performance here.
 
25's PLAYLIST

Ryan StarYambagWhere the Island Ends
When his first band, Stage, parted ways, He became the solo artist R.Star and released his independently produced debut solo album Songs from the Eye of an Elephant on Stone Crow Records in 2005. “The next day I started a record called Songs from the Eye of an Elephant. I recorded it, just me and my piano in my parents’ house. I didn’t have money for a band or recording, so I just recorded it on my own and in about a month I had twenty new songs I put out and it was one of the greatest things I’ve ever done, because it was just me. I felt like Ani DiFranco style, **** record labels, **** everybody, I’m going to do this myself. It got me started. I started playing in New York and Philly, all this stuff. Just like two people, three people a night – whoever would come out. I would just make fans and over time it built and built and built.”
 
Bee Gees -- Was not familiar with the Trafalgar album aside from its most famous song which we will presumably see later. Seems like early '70s dross until we get to the chorus, which is emotive as hell. I wonder if Jagger modeled his vocal on "Angie" on Barry's performance here.
The song sounds a lot like Neil's After the Goldrush during the verses.
 
Bee Gees -- Was not familiar with the Trafalgar album aside from its most famous song which we will presumably see later. Seems like early '70s dross until we get to the chorus, which is emotive as hell. I wonder if Jagger modeled his vocal on "Angie" on Barry's performance here.
The song sounds a lot like Neil's After the Goldrush during the verses.
Didn't get a chance to do a writeup for this, but I initially pegged this to Dylan/The Band's "I Shall Be Released".
 
Bee Gees -- Was not familiar with the Trafalgar album aside from its most famous song which we will presumably see later. Seems like early '70s dross until we get to the chorus, which is emotive as hell. I wonder if Jagger modeled his vocal on "Angie" on Barry's performance here.
The song sounds a lot like Neil's After the Goldrush during the verses.
Didn't get a chance to do a writeup for this, but I initially pegged this to Dylan/The Band's "I Shall Be Released".

I think this is Mr krista's favorite from the Bee Gees. Really happy to see it make your list!

And "I Started a Joke" is top three for me. :)
 
I listened to that new Ringo song last week. He does do Country well.

Wish I'd written this song up yesterday, because I am in no mood to do so today. Glad that you'd enjoyed it. As I mentioned before, I really do think his voice is best suited for country. A few more country-tinged songs will be showing up on my countdown. I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of the album next year.
 
The weekend was a blur, and then there were…other things on my mind the last day or so. Still are, but music makes for a good distraction. So then it’s (hopefully) a double playlist day, starting with the #26s

Selected (and shuffled) Favorites:
What A Wonderful Man - My Morning Jacket
It Can Happen - Yes
Four Provinces - The Walkmen
Don’t Leave Me - Ragunde/ROAFF (via Big Room)
No Fear, No Hate, No Pain (No Broken Hearts) - Eurythmics
You Stepped Into My Life - Bee Gees
We Were Kings - Ryan Star
Can You Get to That - P-Funk
Battle Cry - Triumph

Shuffle Adventures:

This time around I’ll go with the new (though perhaps vaguely familiar) “Stealing Babies” from Our Lady Peace meshing with the certainly well-known “Heavy Metal Drummer” from Wilco (including Jeff Tweedy)
 
Bee Gees -- Was not familiar with the Trafalgar album aside from its most famous song which we will presumably see later. Seems like early '70s dross until we get to the chorus, which is emotive as hell. I wonder if Jagger modeled his vocal on "Angie" on Barry's performance here.
The song sounds a lot like Neil's After the Goldrush during the verses.
I was more thinking one of Elton’s early ballads.
 
Candlebox #25
Song: Understanding
Album: Lucy (1995)


(Official Video) Candlebox - Understanding (Official Music Video)
(Live version) CANDLEBOX- --Understanding Live from ShowBox Seattle Washington

Do you think it's time to tell them?
Yes I think it's time that you shove them a little harder
Yes I think it's time that you pushed them over
Don't you think it's time you told them stop?



I’d call a song titled “Understanding” somewhat appropriate for these times, but when isn’t it something we search for? Besides, I feel like this one’s more about the rock star life, and the pressures surrounding it. (“Everybody wants to tell you something”; “time you let them take control”, etc.) Given the band's rocky relationship with their record labels and the pressure to record Lucy in a short time after Candlebox was so successful, it seems like a solid guess. Bonus fact: the video was directed by Gus Van Sant.

Tuffnutt called this a “certified banger”, and I can’t argue. Oh sure, there’s a slower first stanza or so, before it builds up a little. It continues at that tempo until the chorus comes at you with full force. By then you expect the slowdown for it to be able to build up once again. The guitar and drum work are very solid here, though I might say that I enjoy Kevin's vocal range here the most.


Next on the countdown, a stellar song that has a bit of pop to it. We’ll see how powerful that explosion is for you soon enough.
 
#25: JOURNEY - LOOK INTO THE FUTURE


The longest track on the playlist, and another early track that is basically an instrumental. I just dig the build up to the Neal solo at the end, and it's stayed at the top of my rotation since listening to this album for the first time. I think we still have 2 more from this album still to come.

Next up we get the first entry from the album this is all about. For me and my ears, the biggest highs and lows of Journey are here. Since it has the highest hit % of their albums in my top 10 I have to say it's a favorite album, but because it has my least favorite Journey songs from their first 9 albums that statement still feels weird.
 
Favorite 25s:

Armatopia

Impossible Germany - a staple of every Wilco live show for years

Look Into the Future

Dondante - like I said earlier, I'm a huge fan of every MMJ album pre-Evil Urges. This is a favorite from Z and another classic live moment.

Cardiac Arrest - an occasional FBG poster, Andalusian Dog, and I were at the '07 Coachella and wandered up to the Gobi stage for the final show of the festival not knowing what we were getting into and were very pleasantly surprised by a Teddybears' show---wearing their oversized plastic bear heads. It was a few years before they met Robyn, but it was thoroughly entertaining.

Lost in Time and Space - gotta remember to listen to LH more often because I've loved all the songs.

Bang and Blame

Lewis - somehow missed this single in '94. Very good.

Don't Wanna Live Inside Myself - so many great songs that are not very well known (at least to me).

Time on my Hands - not something I expected to hear from Ringo but I really enjoyed it.
 
Last edited:
I think, collectively, I preferred the 26s to the #25s. I doubt I could point to any solid reasoning behind that. So consider it, like, just my opinion, man. Anyway, there was still a ton to appreciate. Here’s a few:

Selected (and shuffled) Favorites:
I Lost You - The Walkmen
Immortality - Pearl Jam (/Eddie Vedder)
Lost in Time and Space - Lord Huron
O Caminho Do Bem - Tim Maia
Bride & Groom - Airborne Toxic Event
Back to the River - The Pretty Reckless
Virginia Reel Around the Fountain - Built to Spill
Bang and Blame - REM
A Rat Like Me - Motley Crue

Shuffle Adventures:

Normally saying that I liked Radiohead and Journey together would be a “duh”. After all, I tend to like them separately. Still, both “Lewis (Mistreated)” by the former and “Look into the Future” are fairly deep cuts for me. So them working together well (let alone at all) was a surprise.
 
My contribution to the monkey playlist (outside of the obvious one):

 
Approaching page 2 bump

It's hard to focus on music with all the monkeys on the loose. :oldunsure:
Damn dirty apes.
🙉
I’m doing a “deep dive” on a different musician each week this year. This week is Gorrillaz. Their best songs are strong but I’m not loving all their depth.

Cure fans might like
 
I’m doing a “deep dive” on a different musician each week this year. This week is Gorrillaz.

I don't think you were around for the first MADs single artists thread but I did Damon Albarn's top 31 which included 10 Gorillaz songs.

I wasn’t, that’s great. I’ll check it out.
Any chance someone did the dead south for my last week or next week’s Killers?
 
I’m doing a “deep dive” on a different musician each week this year. This week is Gorrillaz.

I don't think you were around for the first MADs single artists thread but I did Damon Albarn's top 31 which included 10 Gorillaz songs.

Due to a shortage of Steely Dan songs that passed my muster, I almost went with a set from this opening act.
 
I’m doing a “deep dive” on a different musician each week this year. This week is Gorrillaz.

I don't think you were around for the first MADs single artists thread but I did Damon Albarn's top 31 which included 10 Gorillaz songs.

I wasn’t, that’s great. I’ll check it out.
Any chance someone did the dead south for my last week or next week’s Killers?
Pretty sure there is a Killers playlist
 
I’m doing a “deep dive” on a different musician each week this year. This week is Gorrillaz.

I don't think you were around for the first MADs single artists thread but I did Damon Albarn's top 31 which included 10 Gorillaz songs.

I wasn’t, that’s great. I’ll check it out.
Any chance someone did the dead south for my last week or next week’s Killers?
Pretty sure there is a Killers playlist
Killers is one of mine i am considering for the future
 
Oh! I hadn't noticed we were in a big lull, but as promised I wanted to share friend of current thread's Jeff Tweedy and one of his performances at Steve Albini's memorial in July. Jeff performed several times in various groups and iterations, but this solo bit was my favorite.

And even more importantly, if you don't have time for the entire Tweedy set, his son Sammy joined to provide vocals on two songs, and it was the highlight of my entire weekend. His phrasing on "Both Sides Now" is so amazing for a kid. Sammy.
 
Last edited:
Oh! I hadn't noticed we were in a big lull, but as promised I wanted to share friend of current thread's Jeff Tweedy and one of his performances at Steve Albini's memorial in July. Jeff performed several times in various groups and iterations, but this solo bit was my favorite.

And even more importantly, if you don't have time for the entire Tweedy set, is that his son Sammy joined to provide vocals on two songs, and it was the highlight of my entire weekend. Sammy.

The person who comes up and stands in front of Jeff and Sammy near the beginning of "Both Sides Now" is Steve's widow, Heather.
 
MADs adjacent new releases this week

Rick Wakeman has a new 20 minute long medley of Yes themes


Who asked Santa for a Steve Perry Christmas album?


An expanded edition of Spoon's 2014 album They Want My Soul with lots of demos


I don't believe anyone's taken on Talking Heads yet but I had one of their songs in my current countdown and there's huge reissue of '77 with a new remaster, alternate versions and a live show from CBGB.

 
24's PLAYLIST

The WalkmenScoresmanI'm Never Bored
The Clashkupcho1Hitsville U.K.
Ryan StarYambagBrand New Day
YesYo MamaEverydays
Built To SpillThe Dreaded MarcoWhen Not Being Stupid Is Not Enough
Johnny MarrEephusThe Smiths--Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others
The Pretty Reckless Raging Weasel Loud Love
Jeff TweedyDr. OctopusSpiders (Kidsmoke)
JourneyKarmaPoliceWhen You're Alone (It Ain't Easy)
Lindsey Stirling-oz-Electric Daisy violin
TriumphPip's InvitationTake a Stand
Our Lady PeaceMACMonkey Brains
Mötley CrüeJWBDancing on Glass
The Airborne Toxic EventZegras11Time To Be A Man
Annie LennoxMrs. RannousSomething So Right
Whitney HoustonCharlie SteinerI Wanna Dance with Somebody
My Morning Jacketlandrys hatWar Begun

RobynJohn Maddens LunchboxHandle Me
Tim MaiaDon QuixoteDo Your Thing, Behave Yourself

Parliament FunkadelicUruk-HaiBop Gun
Parliament - Bop Gun {Endangered Species} (youtube.com)
Lord HuronKarmaPoliceSetting Sun
R.E.M.TuffnuttSweetness Follows

RadioheadTitusbrambleJigsaw Falling Into Place
CandleboxMt.ManSupernova
Eddie VedderTau837Hard Sun
The Bee GeeszamboniI’ve Gotta Get a Message to You
Fred EaglesmithMister CIACarmelita
Ringo Starrkrista4No-No Song
Big Room/Deep Big RoomzazaleFire
 
Eddie VedderTau837Hard Sun

"Hard Sun" by Eddie Vedder is a powerful cover of a song originally written by Gordon Peterson (under the stage name Indio) for his 1989 album "Big Harvest." The song peaked at #13 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart.

Eddie recorded his version in 2007 for the "Into the Wild" soundtrack. As I posted previously, the movie is an American biographical adventure drama film about Christopher McCandless, a young man who ventured into the Alaskan wilderness in search of adventure and truth.

The song explores the journey of breaking free from societal expectations or personal restrictions. This aligns with McCandless’s own journey into the wilderness, seeking freedom from conventional life. "Hard Sun" captures the allure and challenge of nature, symbolized by the sun. This duality reflects the reality that while nature can be beautiful and inspiring, it is also indifferent and unforgiving.

The lyrics touch on relationships, whether with people, nature, or ideals, and the inner conflict between seeking solitude and longing for connection. This mirrors McCandless’s story, where his journey into solitude is countered by a deep yearning for meaning and belonging. The speaker describes leaving a position of privilege or comfort to pursue something more real. The song speaks to the sacrifices involved in pursuing an authentic path, including the vulnerability that comes with embracing the unknown.

Musically, Eddie's version of "Hard Sun" is a powerful folk-rock ballad with an anthemic quality. Featuring strong acoustic guitar work and Eddie's deep, soulful vocals, the song has an expansive sound that evokes the vastness of nature. The addition of backing vocals by Corin Tucker (of Sleater-Kinney) enhances the song’s emotional depth, bringing in a sense of camaraderie and unity. The production gives the song a raw, organic feel, capturing both intimacy and grandeur, much like the film’s depiction of the wilderness.

"Hard Sun" received significant acclaim upon the release of "Into the Wild," with Eddie's rendition becoming closely associated with the film and its themes. The song has since become a favorite among fans, both of Eddie's solo work and Pearl Jam, and is often celebrated for its introspective, powerful lyrics and rich sound.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Top