On The Download: Pearl Jam's Fantastic "Fixer"

Updated 7:45 PM EDT, Fri, Aug 14, 2009

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"The Fixer" is Pearl Jam's most radio friendly cut in years. As the first single from the band's new disc, "Backspacer," due Sept. 20 exclusively at Target, it leaves you wanting to hear the rest. A catchy, clear guitar riff kicks off the track and keeps it rocking forward, no meanderings here typical of much of Pearl Jam's recent music. (I am not saying that is bad, just typically less radio-ready.)

Singer Eddie Vedder keeps up a spirited burst of energy throughout the whole track, while belting out a memorable, immediate melody. So, you will find yourself singing along halfway through the first listen, and you don't stop — "Fight to get back again…yeah yeah yeah yeah!"-- I am singing it now! Simply, it's catchy.

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And here's why. You can divide up much of Pearl Jam's music into two categories-- songs, whether fast or slow, that are based around Vedder's immensely unique voice and his gift of matching lyrics with melody, where he often seems to hang his soul on a stake ("Alive," "Release," "Daughter", "Betterman", "Come Back") with his passion — and songs that center around the group's love for 70s classic rock such as The Who and Neil Young, which therefore feature more straight ahead guitars and shy away from Vedder's soulful melodies ("Cordoroy", "Hail, Hail", "Brain of J", "Breakerfall", "World Wide Suicide"). As a fan, both categories are great. I am just recognizing each, and each of you are welcome to pick which category you like better…I flip, depending on day, weather, and mood.

Luckily, on "The Fixer," the band finds a middle ground. You get the great rock riff without losing Vedder's melody…his soul. Heck, you can even understand what he is saying! And the result is one hot, memorable rock n' roll track. It's the band's best chance at a true radio hit in years — and a tantalizing taste of the new album. I want more… Sept. 20 can't come soon enough. Bring on "Backspacer!"

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