It was definitely more radio-friendly than other Grunge bands (Kurt Cobain famously called the band “commercial sellouts”). This album, although classified as Grunge, is probably more alternative-leaning. In the meantime, Ament, Gossard, McCready and Cameron joined Soundgarden vocalist, Chris Cornell to record the one off album, Temple Of The Dog, a tribute to the late Mother Love Bone vocalist. Following a surf, Vedder would record vocals on the demo, which he then sent back to the band.

Eddie Vedder received the demo via Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer, Jack Irons. The trio recorded a 5-track demo with Soundgarden drummer, Matt Cameron, which was then used to shop around for vocalists. Following the death of Mother Love Bone lead vocalist, Andrew Wood, Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard joined up with guitarist, Mike McCready. He also provides backing vocals which adds to the distorted sound the song possesses.‘Ten,’ Pearl Jam’s debut record, is my favourite album of theirs. On the album version of the song is where we hear the true epitome of the traditional quirky Gossard guitar sound. Stone did NOT want to play No Way, but after Eddie pestered him, it was decided. If you were in attendance at the PJ20 Anniversary shows in Alpine Valley, then you definitely heard this song and were freaking out.

“Here’s a token of my openness, of my need to not disappear.” Brother is one of the heaviest and loudest Gossard songs to date and it proves how different his sound can be. They have played it eight times: once in 1991 six times in 2009 and once in 2010. This is my personal favorite Pearl Jam song and is on my bucket list to hear live.

While the instrumental, composed by Gossard is on the Lost Dogs compilations, a newer version with lyrics written by Vedder appears on the Ten Reissue. This song started as an instrumental in its early 90s incarnations.

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