Oh I, Oh I, Oh I'm still alive! Yes, it's Pearl Jam's breakthrough debut album from 1991. I'm sure you're familiar with all of the hits, "Alive," "Even Flow," and "Jeremy." And I bet you might have a thing for "Black," and possibly "Oceans," as well? Whatever the case, Epic has gone the extra mile with this reissue of one of the grunge movement's most lasting moments. Sepia toned gatefold sleeve, die-cut circular insert and a second version of the entire LP remixed by Brendan O'Brien. If you're not familiar with O'Brien, he's been the engineer on practically every Pearl Jam record since Ten. It makes sense that the label would have him take a stab at remixing the album for this release. So there you have it, the album from the ex-Mother Love Bone guys who recruited a basketball infatuated surfer and incited the ire of none other than Kurt Cobain. Have at it and enjoy.

• 180g black double vinyl pressing
• LP1 contains original album mix
• LP2 contains alternate mix by Brendan O'Brien
• gatefold sleeve
• original release year: 1991
• music label: Epic 2009

reviewed by Le Haim 06/2014