Reissues are typically ignored, unless they have a few extra demos or unreleased tracks. Yet even then, most fans will just dig online and download the extra goodies, and usually before its even released. Some bands throw in a poster, some dusty conceptual album artwork or perhaps a making of- DVD. Whatever the case, these reissues usually have to flaunt something extra flashy to raise any eyebrows. Next year, Seattle rockers Pearl Jam will blow any former reissues away, and all for their perfect, diamond debut, Ten. Yes, the one that started it all.

It’s sold twelve million copies since its 1991 debut, but on March 24, 2009, fans will experience the magic all over again… and in a totally new light. The classic is being remastered, and while some may shrug and ask, “Why?”, the band’s members and original producers have some answers. In the press release via Pearl Jam’s official site, producer Brendan O’Brien said of the new release: “The band loved the original mix of Ten, but were also interested in what it would sound like if I were to deconstruct and remix it. The original Ten sound is what millions of people bought, dug and loved, so I was initially hesitant to mess around with that. After years of persistent nudging from the band, I was able to wrap my head around the idea of offering it as a companion piece to the original – giving a fresh take on it, a more direct sound.”

The reissue is only a quarter of the product, depending on which edition you buy, of course. Considering any reissue is for primarily the fans, the producers behind this release took many, many notes. Designer Andy Fischer (of Vinyl Films) explains: “The goal was to assemble the ultimate fan-piece. Something Pearl Jam lovers could pore over as they experience an indelible record all over again, in an entirely new way.” No one can argue that this release will have everything fan’s could have expected and more. So, what the hell exactly is in the damn thing? We’ll say no more…

1. Legacy Edition (2-disc set in mini-LP style slipcase):
· Disc 1: original Ten tracklisting digitally remastered (original mix)
· Disc 2: original Ten tracklisting digitally remastered and remixed by Brendan O’Brien, plus six bonus tracks: “Brother,” “Just a Girl,” “State of Love and Trust,” “Breath and a Scream,” “2,000 Mile Blues” and “Evil Little Goat”
· Re-designed packaging

2. Deluxe Edition (2-disc set plus DVD specially designed hardbound package):
· Disc 1: original Ten tracklisting digitally remastered (original mix)
· Disc 2: original Ten tracklisting digitally remastered and remixed by Brendan O’Brien, plus six bonus tracks: “Brother,” “Just a Girl,” “State of Love and Trust,” “Breath and a Scream,” “2,000 Mile Blues” and “Evil Little Goat”
· DVD of Pearl Jam’s previously unreleased 1992 MTV Unplugged performance including never before seen bonus performance of “Oceans” with 5.1 surround sound audio remix

3. Vinyl Collection (2-LP set)
· LP 1: original Ten tracklisting remastered for vinyl
· LP 2: original Ten tracklisting remastered for vinyl and remixed by Brendan O’Brien

4. Super Deluxe Edition (2-disc set plus DVD, 4 LPs and replica cassette in linen-covered, slip-cased clamshell box):
· Disc 1: original Ten tracklisting digitally remastered (original mix)
· Disc 2: original Ten tracklisting digitally remastered and remixed by Brendan O’Brien, plus six bonus tracks: “Brother,” “Just a Girl,” “State of Love and Trust,” “Breath and a Scream,” “2,000 Mile Blues” and “Evil Little Goat”
· DVD of Pearl Jam’s previously unreleased 1992 MTV Unplugged performance including never before seen bonus performance of “Oceans” with 5.1 surround sound audio remix
· LP 1: original Ten tracklisting remastered for vinyl
· LP 2: original Ten tracklisting remastered for vinyl and remixed by Brendan O’Brien
· LP 3 & 4: Drop in the Park – Live at Magnuson Park in Seattle on September 20, 1992 (audio mixed by Brendan O’Brien)
· Cassette: replica of original “Momma-Son” Pearl Jam demo cassette featuring “Alive,” “Once” and “Footsteps”
· Package also includes an Eddie Vedder-style composition notebook filled with replica personal notes, images and mementos from the collections of Eddie Vedder and Jeff Ament, a vellum envelope with replicated era-specific ephemera from Pearl Jam’s early work and a two-sided print commemorating the Drop in the Park concert.

It’s a mouthful, that’s for sure, but wow what a bite! It’s almost too much to take in, really. However, the real gem here is the band’s original demo cassette, which features some of the group’s biggest hits in its earliest form possible. This is the tape that essentially brought the band together, the one that pulled ol’ frontman Eddie Vedder, who was just a renegade surfer with some ideas bouncing around in the tow. If anything, that tape is worth the Super Deluxe edition itself, which runs about $140. (Note: Ten Club members can pre-order theirs now. I know I did.)

This reissue won’t be the only thing coming from the band in 2009. This inaugural reissue will serve as the starting point of a planned two-year campaign of re-releases, which all lead up to the band’s 20th anniversary in 2011. Also, it’s not all about the back catalog, either. Let’s not forget that they’re hard at work on their follow up to 2006’s self titled record. Considering they’ve been demo’ing and recording for the last few months, a new record is bound to happen in 2009.

Fingers crossed for a kick ass tour, too.

Check Out:

Pearl Jam - “Oceans”

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Tags: Pearl Jam