The Pearl Jam song Mike McCready calls “immensely moving”
Pearl Jam redefined the sound of the 1990s. One of the leading bands spearheading the Seattle music scene that birthed grunge, the city also gave the world Nirvana, Soundgarden, Sleater-Kinney and the iconic Sub Pop record label. But when it comes to Pearl Jam, it’s hard to think of a band more influential to the grunge and alternative genre.
Forming in 1990, the band’s founding members were Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Eddie Vedder, Matt Cameron and guitarist Mike McCready. Guitarists often referenced McCready as one of the most influential players in alternative rock history. Mixing classic rock and blues solos with his own unique style, his guitar playing made Pearl Jam the band they’re beloved for being.
With 11 albums under their belt, Pearl Jam have been prolific ever since their formation. Still touring and playing to this day, they show no sign of slowing. But it’s always important to pause and look at everything that’s come before. In conversation with Guitar Player, McCready reflected on his career, picking out the five most defining tracks.
From his first recorded guitar playing on Temple Of The Dog’s ‘Reach Down’ to a later 2013 Pearl Jam song, ‘Sirens’, McCready is rightfully very proud of a lot of his work. But one track especially stands out, calling it “immensely moving”.
The song in question is ‘Present Tense’ from the band’s 1996 album No Code. “I wrote this song at a time when I was trying to experiment and do different things,” he explains, “I just came in with that riff and started singing some lyrics, and the guys helped me arrange it.”
“The song is about keeping things in the present tense, not tripping out about the future too much or worrying about the past,” McCready said of the song’s meaning. “I love that idea. If I can stay in the present tense, my life is much better.”
But beyond the song’s lyrical meaning, the track’s actual craft makes it special to the guitar player. Built as a collaborative effort between the band members, McCready wanted the track to be something special for their live shows. “I like to have a lot of dynamics in my songs, and I felt that this was something that we could really build when we played it live,” he continued.
Their aims were achieved as ‘Present Tense’ made for a beautiful live moment; “the intro was just me and Ed [Eddie Vedder], and hearing the crowd sing the lyrics back when we do that part live is immensely moving and satisfying.”
