There are four cuts from the aforementioned Backspacer and each fits seamlessly into its designated place. The two pleasant surprises the album has in store for the listener are how well the new material from 2009’s “Backspacer” sits next to the classics and the muscular production, which is streets ahead of the quality of the official bootlegs. After the raucous opening songs the album heads into mid tempo territory with a cover before reaching the finale complete with classic sing-along’s “Alive” and “Jeremy” before finishing up with perennial set closer “Yellow Ledbetter”. Other than this, the album chugs along ably as a microcosm of an actual Pearl Jam gig. The opener sounds out of place and I imagine will be skipped by most listeners on repeat listens.
As it is, the album only kicks off at the second track “Worldwide Suicide” from their 2006 self-titled album. Surely, it would have been more in their interest to open the set with a slow burner from their extensive back catalogue as they do live instead of a cover of an only half-decent song. If this was Pearl Jam’s intention while tracking this album it makes it baffling that they chose to open the lp with a cover of late punk legend Joe Strummer’s “Arms Aloft”. Why then would you want to release a compilation of your shows from the last seven years? Surely, the only plausible reason for doing this is to appeal to the casual fan who may be a little daunted by the hundreds of bootlegs to choose from. Over the last ten years, your band has released nearly every one of your concerts as an official bootleg. Imagine you are a member of one of the most renowned live acts in the world. Review Summary: A welcome addition to the casual fan's collection.