I remember when I heard “Ten” for the first time, back in 1992. It changed the way I listened to music. That album had a really profound effect on me and inspired me to pick up the guitar and learn to play (which took much longer than I thought it would….).

17 years later and Pearl Jam have released their 9th album, “Backspacer“. And it’s brill. A real return to form and it’s probably the best album since “No Code”.  Highlights include the single “The Fixer” – currently in my ears as I write this – “Got Some” and “Supersonic”. Eddie Vedder actually sounds a little bit….hopeful, dare I say it. The last couple of albums have been pretty political and quite heavy in their lyrical content, but “Backspacer” is almost a joyful record. And I love it…..