Live: 04-6-00 Manchester Evening News Arena - Manchester, England - Pearl Jam

In a move to beat bootleggers to the punch, Pearl Jam decided to release their 2000 European concert performances in a series of inexpensive double-CD sets. The June 4th show from the Manchester Evening News Arena (at least America doesn't have a monopoly on stupidly named sports stadiums) in Manchester, England, manages to translate the energy of a small club show to a massive crowd. One of the best versions of "Breakerfall" in this series helps to get the set rolling, followed by excellent versions of "Courduroy" and "Daughter." The soulful "Black" serves as a highlight of the second disc, with a fantastic solo from guitarist Mike McCready and impassioned vocals from Eddie Vedder. The crowd was treated to a rare cover of "Timeless Melody" written by Liverpool band the La's and a familiar cover version of Neil Young's "Fuckin' Up." The band's rushed "Leatherman" loses something in its live translation, but their early B-side "Footsteps" benefits greatly from a lazy harmonica solo and sparse production. The punk-infused "Do the Evolution" sounds a little jarring between "Footsteps" and the gentle "Garden," but the powerful blues of "Yellow Ledbetter" combines raw energy with a subdued intensity and includes an effect-laden solo from guitarist Mike McCready. As is the case with 99 percent of these Pearl Jam live recordings, the sound quality is spectacular; the two guitars are separated in stereo, the vocals are pushed to the front, and the rhythm section is clear and full, really representing the live show spectacularly. This show is full of bright spots and does a great job of combining their new and old material. ~ Zac Johnson, All Music Guide