Never thought you'd HABIT!! (No Code - Pearl Jam)

Member Name: dcoare

Product:	No Code - Pearl Jam
Date:	25/10/03 (50 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Well crafted songs., Eddie's fantastic vocals., Lukin.

Disadvantages: None

Pearl Jam – No Code


Released in 1996, this was the bands 4th album. After following on from the difficult Vitalogy album, we were maybe expecting a more uplifting long player. Think again! Pearl Jam decided to produce what I would call their most abstract effort to date.

That being said, it wasn’t at all bad!

The temptation to produce another Ten, or Vs must have been overwhelming, but the boys were stuck on course to play with their own formula. This may have seemed strange at the time, but they had made their decision and for me, it was a good one.

You often get the impression from this album that the band were returning to what was said to be their origins, “Grunge”. Some of the tracks have that distinct fuzziness which was linked with grunge.

The Tracks


Sometimes.

Very slow and quiet start to the album. An enticing beginning to an album, as you know that it is all going to kick off. This song holds you on the edge of waiting for the explosion, which is sure to happen. Eddie’s heart-felt vocals lift you as he reminds us that sometimes, anything can happen. (Remember Rhona Cameron’s speech on I’m a celebrity..get me out of here?)

Hail Hail.

Here it is, the explosion you were waiting for. Heavy guitars, drumming, and Eddie’s relentless vocals immerse you in the very real sound that is Pearl Jam. A fantastic jump-along track, great for lifting your spirits.

Who You Are.

This was the single release from this album. A slow-tempo, rather disjointed track, that actually ends up sounding fantastic. Lots of bass guitar, and an African feel to it. Bongos, handclaps, etc.

In My Tree.

No, not a song about trees, but more about the things that are going through Eddie’s head. An amazing drum rhythm throughout this track is held together with some inspired strumming. There is even time for an abstra
ct interlude. A brilliant track!

Smile.

Good old-fashioned guitar strummy intro, with a cut in from a mouth organ. Eddie begins to croon over the consistent strumming, with a sarcastic sneer that makes you realise how ironic situations can make you chuckle to yourself. Eddie bares his soul when he pronounces that “I miss you already, I miss you always!”

Off He Goes.

This one stumbles through an intro, and begins with acoustic guitars gently lacing what sounds like a country ballad. Eddie’s feelings are laid bare as he sings of a traveller who affects peoples lives, then moves on. A beautiful piece of storytelling/musical awareness that leaves this as an affecting track. You really get a feeling for the impending nightfall, which will see our stranger walk away again.

Habit.

Kicking away the cobwebs, this track fires into life from the off. A song about people who perhaps shouldn’t, form habits, which enrage our good friend Mr. Vedder. A fabulous rock track with all the ingredients needed to get you throwing yourself around. An infectious guitar riff, meaningful drumming, and Eddie screaming,” Never thought you’d habit!”

Red Mosquito.

A heavy bluesy intro, slowing for Eddie to sing. Laced with acoustic guitars and lulling vocals, this is truly something special. The story takes you through the struggle between god and the devil, when Eddie sees that if he knew what he knows now, he wouldn’t have been tempted.

Lukin.

The quickest track on the album, but easily my favourite. A true slice of punk, this track really reaches out and grabs your attention. A superb riff, with relentless drumming and Eddie screaming near incoherently above the noise. His anger is there for all to see. And then it is finished, brilliant.

Present Tense.

Slow intro, with a single guitar playing around Eddie. You could almost feel like your f
lying with the birds as this track swoops and floats along. Towards the middle, the intensity multiplies, and the band begin to kick in. Questions dwelling on past events.

Mankind.

A song unusually penned and sung by Stone Gossard. Offers a break from the general Pearl Jam formula, with a Neil Young sounding pop-rock type track. Stone’s vocals aren’t as intriguing as Eddie’s, but he pulls off what is still a good old fashioned rockin’ song.

I’m Open.

A different track, and very experimental. With various sounds being made in the background, Eddie recites a poem, rather than singing. His softly sung chorus leaves you in a trance-like state.

Around The Bend.

Pearl Jam album finishers, a whole op in themselves. The final track doesn’t disappoint with the lullaby feel. Piano’s and various strings lace this beautifully crafted melody. Eddie’s vocals are warm and leave you feeling good about this whole album.


Packaging.

The artwork for this album was done by the band member, Jeff Ament. It consists of various photographs of rather abstract images. There are close ups of eyes, flowers, and even the centre of a dartboard. Some of the images will leave you amazed at the beauty and/or ugliness of mother nature.

The CD was released in various limited formats, which contained a collection of 7 Polaroid photographs depicting images from the cover. On the back of these were the lyrics to some of the tracks. Apparently, you wouldn’t necessarily get the same mix of photos/lyrics if you bought the album twice as each pack contained random additions.

Overall.

Pearl Jam are never going to be considered sexy, but they are well followed and well loved. Although this album was seen as too experimental, I believe that the band were just running through all their capabilities.

Summary: