Perth Australia: February 23rd 2003 by Pearl Jam (2003-06-10)

These days it's difficult to be a successful studio band, let alone a live one, let alone both. But for the last near on twelve years, Pearl Jam have been entertaining audiences (and many of them...) all over the world, as well as producing fine, if slightly inconsistent albums. Inconsistent possibly isn't the best word, because in their own way each Pearl Jam album was something a little special, but if there was one thing you could always rely on, it was their live show.And if anything of late they have been much superior to earlier in their career. Many bands slowly lose 'it' as they get older, but Pearl Jam, now in their fourties, have got better with age. Their experience over the last decade will have improved their performance, but if anything it's their differing musical styles they've shown they are capable of through the years. Having something as beautiful and emotional as 'Betterman' straight after something as rollicking and as dark as, 'Do The Evolution', just shows not only their capabilities, but also their fans dedication. The people who filled the arena in Perth that night knew every lyric, word for word and sung along happily to the wonderfully performed 'Corduroy', 'Crazy Mary' and live favourite, 'Alive'. In truth, pretty much all the performances are performed well, although if you expect perfect studio versions then you'll be disappointed, but the atmosphere of the show puts you through.Particular highlights include those already mentioned, as well as opener 'Long Road', the soaring 'Given To Fly' the acoustic sing-a-long 'Daughter', the rollicking 'Go' but it's amazing, that despite Pearl Jam's superb studio efforts, the main highlights of these shows are the cover versions they perform, such as 'Crazy Mary', which although Pearl Jam did record it, it never appeared on any of their studio albums, and was always a highlight of their recording career. But the best song of the night was when Vedder invited Mark Seymour, of Hunters And Collectors, on stage to sing an acoustic version of his bands own classic 'Throw Your Arms Around Me', which is performed perfectly and with heart, with Seymour himself putting in a great vocal section. Vedder himself has said that he's performed it at every camp fire he's ever been to, and I'm sure the people inside Perth's arena that night were enjoying every second of it.Although this is not Pearl Jam's best performance, that's not saying anything since this is a terrific performance, and when they're at their best, they're true kings. But this performance, although not recommended to Pearl Jam 'starters', will make many people happy, not just those who were in Perth that night, but those who purchase this double album. It shows Pearl Jam haven't lost it yet either.4 Stars.

This is one of the prolific series of Pearl Jam live recordings, which allow fans unprecedented access to concert recordings which might otherwise only be available as bootlegs.These recordings are great value, very good soundboard quality and plainly packaged, so purchasers know exactly what they're getting. I would assume that there are no overdubs, as there is the occasional flub, which is no bad thing and adds to the atmosphere. The energy drags a little at times, not surprising given the length of the show.This show has most of the 'hits'such as Evenflow, Do the Evolution and Betterman, but also has a great encore: Alive, CCR's Fortunate Son and the Australian 'sort of' classic, Throw Your Arms Around Me.I'd like to give it four and a half, but that isn't possible. Highly recommended.

the usual pearl jam live absolutely electric but with a little something special this double cd has a duet with eddie vedder and mark seymour its enchanting to say the least i dare you not to be captivated by it its more than worth buying just for that duet alone a must buy for any die hard pearl jam fan or for someone just starting out on the pearl jam trail in short "just buy it"