As the second hour passed, I noticed the band did its best to seamlessly integrate their new songs with old favorites, and throw in a cover of Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl" for good measure. We Canadian fans were much appreciative of the homage, considering the mutually beneficial relationship these two have had over the years. Argue all you want, but I believe Neil's early work was a precursor of the grunge movement, and I think Eddy would agree. Having only heard the new CD a few times through, I realized how the band had grown musically and how they have never left their core ideals. They are political, emotional, and, at points in the concert, maniacal, all without an ounce of pretension. Yes, the new songs serve us Jam fans well.

Leaving the concert, I had the chance to engage other fans about their reactions to what we just experienced. The overwhelming majority gushed about the venue, the music, and the simple fact that Pearl Jam is as relevant now as they were when they first broke on to the music scene many years ago. I remember one guy, one intoxicated guy, who made it a point to tell me over and over Pearl Jam is, bar none, the best live band there ever was. To that end, I don't know, but what I do know is regardless of the numerous rumors of their demise, Pearl Jam still defines a type of music that is, at its heart, a righteous declaration of intelligent defection that leaves you pumping your fist and screaming at the top of your lungs. For me, that's the only way there is to leave a concert.

On a side note — I would like to thank Dani Lovett from Cornerstone for her tireless efforts in getting me in to see this show... thanks Dani!