PEARL JAM

The official recording of Pearl Jam's concert in Berlin on June 25, 2000, shows a band in good shape nearing the end of its European tour. The set is long and the playing is tight. Singer Eddie Vedder even remembers most of the lyrics to songs he usually flubs, like "Immortality," which features a nice little improvised intro on guitar by Vedder. However, this concert seems sluggish at times, and never gains the energy of other shows on the tour. Vedder mentions that it was "very much a Seattle day" in Berlin, and the concert has the tired feel of a rainy day. Things that distinguish this show from others include a dark-sounding improv intro to "Habit," featuring the repetition of the normally uplifting line "I'm free at last." The quiet mood of the show is enhanced with the unusual choice to close with the ballad "Indifference" from the Vs. album. However, this version is marred somewhat by Jeff Ament's standup bass being slightly out of tune. Also, the clarity of the recording all too well captures a fan singing the lyrics off key at the top of her lungs. Berlin is a solid show, but not quite as good as others on the tour. If you want a live version of "Indifference," it is preferable to go with better-sounding shows from the North American portion of the tour. ~ Steven Jacobetz, AMG

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