Five against One by Kim Neely Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Five against One
Book Review: After reading this I knew TOO much about Pearl Jam.
Summary: 3 Stars
It took me about 3 days to read Kim Neely's book about my all-time favorite band. From a journalist's perspective, the book was well-written, and I have enjoyed Neely's articles in Rolling Stone. There are a few parts that are misleading, as the eager Dave Abbruzzesse (former drummer) is always ready and willing to talk about his departure from the band and how his bandmate Vedder mistreated him. However, the comments from the band are not as plentiful, so the entire case is not presented. The early sections prove interesting as Neely details what the Seattle music scene was like. Even more intriguing are the chapters concerning Pearl Jam's early tours and what an emotional strain they were on their singer. After reading those parts one can come to more of an understanding of what this band had to deal with to get their music heard. These excellently detailed chapters of the early years lead the reader/fan to a sort of letdown at the end of the book, where the band's last two albums were barely spoken about. "No Code" and "Yield" are key albums that represent the transition of the band's mindset and music. The book annoyingly focuses on the negative parts of their career rather than the postitive parts where the whole band seemed to be in good spirits in the time that the last two records came out. Neely makes Vedder's life seem like a soap opera as she devotes a whole section entitled "Blood" to detail his life. This is good writing. But that's all it is, because while I read it, I felt uneasy about knowing everything about Eddie Vedder's life...I realize that he is just a common guy like myself, and I probably wouldn't enjoy having the bad parts of my life written up into a book. A question comes to mind when I read this part, like where's the Stone Gossard detailed life story at? or the Jeff Ament? Mike McCready? Jack Irons? These are members of the band also, just as important as Vedder is, and if you're going to call a book "The PEARL JAM story"--then u should deliver upon that promise and equally report about the members. The book does bring to light a few themes in the music and trivia that I was not aware of. As far as books go, this isn't a bad read... but if u do read it, be sure that's not your only source and that u educate yourself furthur about Pearl Jam, this book leads u to a greater understanding of some of the aspects of the band, but not all of them. --Kirk RobinsonBook Review: An informative book
Summary: 4 Stars
Interesting reading full of facts that may enlighten you and give you better understanding to the band.The thing I didn't like about the book is that although it covered the early album and tours, explaining every song in detail, it says less and less about the other albums. It is good the book has a chapter about Eddie Vedder, but where are the chapters about the rest of the band members??. Pearl Jam is formed by 5 guys not just one!
Book Review: An informative read
Summary: 4 Stars
Although Five Against One is the only Pearl Jam book I have ever read I would still recommend it to any hardened Pearl Jam fan. Written by Kim Neely(a reporter that knows what she's talking about) the book covers Everything from Jeff's upbringing to the release of the 'Given to Fly single. The book devotes two chapters around about mid-book to the complete life story of Eddie Vedder. This basically answers all the questions you have about his past which is shrouded in mystery. The only negative thing about the book I found was that although it covered the release of their first album 'Ten' and the following European tour, it says less and less about each successive album as it progresses, No Code only has about a page written on it! Apart from that it is full of lots of interesting facts like how the noise of drumsticks clattering at the end of 'Rear View Mirror' is really when Dave Abbruzzese chucks a tantrum, and that the band is not really named after Eddie's Grandmother. What really enlightened me about reading the book was how poorly Dave was treated by the rest of the band and how it is perhaps the greatest shame that he was ever dropped. If you want to know all about Pearl Jam's battle's with Ticketmaster, their relationship with Nirvana etc. I suggest you pick up a copy of this fabulous book. Hadleigh Brownie 28/4/99Book Review: An intimate and revealing look at the members of Pearl Jam
Summary: 5 Stars
Kim Neely writes a passionate and revealing novel about the inner workings of Pearl Jam. She delves into the Seattle scene at the birth of Green Rivers and completes the book with tales of Yield. This book changed the way I see their lyrics and music. I am moved by her poetic and sometimes emotional words. The deaths of Andrew Wood and Kurt Cobain have as much impact as stories about the Ticketmaster battle and Eddie Vedder's struggles with life and success.Book Review: Awesome...highly recommend!
Summary: 5 Stars
This was a great read, although as evidenced by a few of the other reviews I see here, it's hard hitting enough that fans who only want the "varnished" truth may feel a little betrayed by it. Extremely well researched and full of behind the scenes info (some of it fairly shocking) I didn't know about the band. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about PJ than their PR people typically let out.