During the band's earliest era, many alternative rock fans had a lot of resentment against their success. It seemed to them like the band was going in a different direction than their peers. But despite the fact that the world around them was changing, Pearl Jam kept their punk rock ideals intact and remained one of the biggest bands in the world.
"Corduroy" is an anthem that's still as powerful today as it was when it was first released. It's also one of the most important songs in Pearl Jam's history, as it was written for a fan who wanted to see them live before he died from ALS.
The anthem is built around an incredible Stone Gossard riff that's the basis for a propulsive song about overcoming the darkness of the world, leaving it behind in the rearview mirror. It's a great example of what made Pearl Jam so unique: it had a Clash-like sense of letting the world know that you don't take crap lying down and that you'll do something about it.
This song was recorded during a show that the band had rescheduled for an ailing fan in Berlin back in June of 2019. It shows how Pearl Jam truly believes that they are a band for the people and that their fans matter.
The band's latest album, Lightning Bolt, has several new songs, including the aforementioned sirens. It's a more intimate ballad than the band's earlier work, and it is another great example of their newfound freedom.
