Album review: Eddie Vedder's 'Ukulele Songs'

Eddie Vedder has said this solo outing began with no intention of the music going public, and there’s no reason to doubt him. A solo ukulele record from the leader of Pearl Jam, one of the great alt-rock bands of the last quarter century, doesn’t exactly brim with marketing potential.

The narrow musical scope carries with it both freedom and isolation, qualities particularly suited to Vedder’s temperament. The nakedness of the sonic palette — this is truly folk chamber music — also leaves him emotionally exposed, lending considerable power to songs of separation (“Sleeping by Myself”), alienation (“Can’t Keep”), romantic yearning (“Longing to Belong”) and vulnerability (“Broken Heart,” “Once in a While”). The instrument’s intrinsic sweetness seems to head off any inclination to succumb to despair, and contrasts evocatively with his sandpapery, quavery vocals.

He complements a dozen originals with outside material mostly from the ukulele’s heyday in the early 20th century (“Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “Tonight You Belong to Me,” “More Than You Know”), helping his own songs cast a longer shadow. Who knows? Perhaps this experiment will inspire him to take on that last bastion of uncharted rock-star territory: Accordion Anthems.

 

Eddie Vedder
“Ukulele Songs”
(Monkeywrench Records)
Three stars (Out of four stars)

-- Randy Lewis

Comments

[Star Carlton]

Ok - what about the review? Is the album any good? Out of 5 stars - how many does this get?

[Elsa Ayala]

I still love you Eddie!!! I hope you do more!!! Vamos!

[Scott]

Ummm Acordian Anthems, have you not heard Bugs before?

[Bek]

He's the most irritatingly pretentious 'musician' I have ever bothered to hear out.

[Victor R]

I heard the live stream and the record is horrible. Trust me, you're better off with needles in your ears then listening to Eddie's self-indulgent musical masturbation. Too bad nobody was around to tell him it was a bad idea.

[Steven James]

Perhaps this attempt to "review" an album without saying if it's any good or not will inspire you to change careers?

[kjc]

at the bottom he says it gets 3 out of 4 stars

[Julie Tomblin]

Eddie is a very talented artist. I fell in love with his music when he came out in Temple of the Dog. Ever since then PJ has been my favorite band in the world. His music speaks to my heart. Love You Eddie!

[dave]

julie - he didn't 'come out' in temple of the dog. pj existed prior to that album.

[Sara]

I think it's awesome!

[eastcoastbias]

This album wasn't meant as a "musical statement." It was meant more as an experiment. AND IT WORKS!!!! Vedder can be pretentious at times (like all rock stars his level)but this album is not pretentious at all. It is a nice departure from his day job and a GREAT listen sitting on the porch drinking a beer and watching the sunset. Trust me!!!!

[Aaron Mendonca]

Was this a review of the record or a collection of vague thoughts on Vedder's style and future in the industry. I'm confused. And how is this "Chamber Music"? What do Accordions have to do with it; is that an attempt at humor? Someone steps out of their usual comfort zone and puts out a raw and organic records and it becomes fodder for hipster wit and jokes? Where do they find these "journalists"?

[Aaron Mendonca]

@Bek and Victor R.

You guys ever heard of Sting? As long as he's alive please don't refer to Eddie as self-indulgent or the most pretentious musician you've ever heard about. Do you honestly believe their is something self-indulgent or pretentious about making an entire record of Ukalele music? It's probably one of the greatest risks a guy from an alt-rock history can take. People used to say the same stuff about Neil Young and his music is still enduring and moving people today. Did you read the "review" at all? Eddie didn't have to release this record, it's a gift to people who like his music. And even the reviewer states (and rightly so) that his choice of instrument and track list are hardly marketable. If you don't like it you don't have to buy it. Go listen to the new Lady Ga Ga like everyone else.

[Tesfaye]

Some interesting comments about this record. Just because it's a record full of Ukulele songs I wanted to dismiss it but it's not bad at all. As far as the review/commentary is concerned, I don't find much fault with it and I think the author did the right thing by not offering up much of an opinion. Listen to it and judge for yourself.

Now about that "self-indulgent musical masturbation", lolwut? For all but two tracks the songs don't carry on for more than 2:40, I think it's a nice listen. The music is good, Eddie sounds great and there's even some cello in "Longing To Belong". It all works pretty well in my opinion. I'm actually listening to this at work and I have yet to change tracks midway into a song or get the urge to turn it down or off. I can't say the same about Fleet Foxes or My Morning Jacket's latest efforts, and those groups are hyped to hell and back.

I say give this record a chance, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Of course if hearing a ukelele sends you into fits of rage and makes you want to do bad things to kittens then do pass on this. :)