Even Flow [Single] - Pearl Jam (CD 1995)

You've heard it numerous times over the past decade plus. It's a staple at their concerts and a staple on not only modern rock radio but now classic rock as well. I'm talking about Pearl Jam's huge arena rocker Even Flow. Even after all these years, it's hard to escape the image of a flannel-clad Eddie Vedder swinging the microphone around while belting out this huge anthem that helped define the sound of the early 1990s. The band wastes no time in bringing the heaviness. The opening guitar part blasts forth as an unmistakable riff. Soon comes Vedder, who growls out lines about a homeless man.

If longevity determined the quality of a song, "Even Flow" would definitely be considered a classic. It's still on solid rotation on many rock radio stations around the country, nearly 9 years after it's release. Lately, however, DJs have been playing the 'new' version of the song. That 'new' version is actually a re-recorded version, done with (at the time) new drummer Dave Abbruzzese. It's faster, looser, and in my opinion, better. That version of the song is only available on import CD singles for "Even Flow". Unfortunately it's not on the domestic version. On to the music... "Even Flow"...