someth1ng1ntheway

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I know someday you'll have a beautiful life I know you'll be a star In somebody else's sky But why Why Why can't it be Oh can't it be mine

Pearl Jam

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Eddie Vedder Eddie was born as Edward Louis Severson on December 23, 1964. Though, during the beginning of his life he was under the impression that his step-father was his biological father- so, he borrowed the last name “Mueller”. His upbringing was anything but normal after he moved out of his parents house and into his own apartment at 15 years old. To make ends meet, he worked night shifts at a drugstore while also attending high school. Feeling like he had bigger, better, and more real responsibilities- he dropped out. Not long after this, Eddie flew out to California to make a career in music while working as a security guard. Then, he met band members of Mother Love Bone in 1984, which eventually evolved into Pearl Jam. Till this day, Eddie remains as the lead vocalist. 

Before gaining his confidence, Eddie struggled heavily with stage fright and anxiety when performing. His real-life struggles made him empathize deeply with others- especially his fans. He would spend countless hours after shows talking with them, and even providing some with his personal phone number to aid in emotional support. His compassion echoed into other topics such as women’s rights, animal mistreatment, and many other causes. He co-founded a nonprofit organization called “EB Research Partnership” to help children with harmful skin conditions. In fact, $2 of every Pearl Jam ticket goes towards this cause. 

Eddie also took part in seeking justice in the West Memphis Three case, consisting of three teenage boys wrongfully convicted of a murder in West Memphis, Arkansas. Damien Echols was put on death-row for illegitimate reasons such as wearing black, listening to metal music, and exploring a spiritual realm other than Christianity in his bible-belt town. His individualism was misinterpreted by law officials, who drew false connections with occultism. After the West Memphis Three case gained internet traction, Eddie and Johnny Depp put forth their efforts in courtrooms. Luckily, Damien Echols, Jesse MissKelly, and Jason Baldwin were released in 2011. 

Eddie’s dedication to music has never steered in the wrong direction. Even dealing with anxiety and depression, he managed to stay sober from hard drugs. This must have been incredibly difficult, considering how prevalent heroin use was during the 90’s Seattle grunge era. Overall, he has remained an artist who fans are incredibly grateful to still see perform live in healthy spirits.

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Smashing Pumpkin’s Most Underrated Album: Gish (1991)

The Smashing Pumpkins are most notably known for their hit 1979, and have continually gained recognition in the music world throughout decades. But, what some don’t know is how underrated some of their albums are. Taking the spot in first place, is Gish. Gish was released as a rock-alternative studio record on May 28, 1991. Frontman Billy Corgan has made comments describing it as a "very spiritual album" and "an album about spiritual ascension". 

An absolute must hear song is “Honeyspider”. The sharp guitar riffs make you want to crawl out of your shell in the best way. Truly, a riveting tune.

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MTV Unplugged

Beginning in 1989, MTV came out with a program called “MTV Unplugged”, allowing popular artists to perform their unplugged version of their top hits on a stage to be broadcasted around the world. This concept gave fans a new way to experience their favorite songs through a much more interpersonal approach. The tunes that were produced from MTV’s Unplugged were so euphoric that from that point on, music history was transformed- and is ongoing till this day. 

Nirvana (November 18th, 1993) 

Nirvana’s performance has gone down in history as one of the most impactful segments of the show’s series. Not only that, but it was a defining moment for 90s pop culture. Nirvana’s setlist was immaculate; including some of their best work-  Where Did You Sleep Last Night, All Apologies, Come As You Are, About A Girl, and Something In The Way. The stage was particularly haunting to look at after Kurt Cobain’s passing only months after their performance aired. The stage looked almost funeral-esque with glowing black candles, bouquets of flowers, and a chandelier centered at the ceiling. 

Alice In Chains (April 10th, 1996)

As previously mentioned, MTV wanted to rope an intimate tie between the artists and their fans- and on that night, Alice in Chains did just that. Band members transformed their grunge-stye ruggedness into a humbling tone of something that felt bittersweet- which is especially difficult to transcend when performing an unplugged version of “Would?”. But ultimately, “Nutshell” stole the show. The stage dimmed as the candle flames grew in luminescence, bringing a presence that could still be felt 25 years in the future.

Incubus (November 6th, 1999)

After releasing their hit album “Make Yourself”, Incubus took the best opportunity a band could take during the 90’s and performed just short of an hour for MTV’s Unplugged series. They showcased an elite setlist including Pardon Me, Drive, and Wish You Were Here. Their sound was crystal, sounding just alike to their in-studio record. 

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Shaping “Temple Of The Dog”

Only days following Andrew Wood’s death, his former roommate Chris Cornell (of Soundgarden) began writing songs to express his grief. He swiftly wrote “Say Hello To Heaven”' and “Reach Down” during his time of sorrow. Through this, he realized that the mellow tunes he’d been writing didn’t fit the style of Soundgarden. This led Chris to jam with Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, and Mike McCready (of Mother Love Bone). All four decided to create a single album band in memory of Andrew Wood that we all love and know now as “Temple Of The Dog”. The band's name was taken from a Mother Love Bone lyric “.. seems I’ve been living in the temple of the dog”.

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Kurt embracing his femininity.

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The Formation of Pearl Jam

Their story begins in Seattle Washington during the 1980′s at the NW school where Alex Vincent, Steve Turner, and Stone Gossard attended. Each of them were unsuccessful in creating separate bands, up until 1984 when Mark Arm and Jeff Ament were introduced to the group, forming Green River- who was the first band of the hardcore Seattle movement to release an official recording. Essentially, giving birth to Seattle grunge. Then, Green River appeared on an album with Soundgarden and Malfunkshun called “Deep Six”. From Malfunkshun came the voice of Andrew Wood, who then joined the disbanded members of Green River. 

After the break up, Green River was left without a leading vocalist. At this point, Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, and Bruce Fairwether were at a stand still before Andrew Wood jumped in as lead singer of a new band called “Mother Love Bone”. Two separate bands with completely different sounds would become one and rock the music world. 

Their first album was a complete success, which prompted them to release their first full studio album called “Apple”, set to debut in March of 1990. Then, only days prior to it’s release- disaster struck. Lead singer of Mother Love Bone, Andrew Wood, was found dead from an apparent heroin overdose. 

The tragic loss of Andrew Wood devastated the music community, and left Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard once again without a lead singer. Both members started jamming with Mike McCready, and crafted a demo that contained only instrumentals and no vocals. Shortly after, they went on to look for a singer and drummer. They took this tape and relayed it to Jack Irons, who was close friends with none other than Eddie Vedder. Vedder went on to record his written vocals (Alive) over the instrumental tape and sent it back to Stone and Jeff. He was immediately sent on a plane to Seattle, and by the time he landed, he had already written “Black”. Thus, Pear Jam was born.

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Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell has been thought of as one of the original founders of the Seattle grunge movement. He’s been a part of iconic bands like Soundgarden, Audioslave, Mad Season, and Temple Of The Dog.

At a young age, Chris got involved with older teenagers who led him to discover rock and metal music. Though, hanging with an older crowd came at the cost of premature usage of LSD and PCP. Soon after forming these habits, he developed severe anxiety and depression. Not only this, but he also suffered from agoraphobia- which allowed him to forcibly seek safety in hiding from the rest of the world.

Eventually, Chris was kicked out of school and his parents realized that there was no chance of him leading a “normal life”. As a coping mechanism, he began playing drums and aspired to jump into a band and become a famous drummer. Chris recalls his gratitude for his first drum set- calling it a saving grace, but little did he know that it would lead to so much more. He was in a few failed bands, and eventually grew tired of playing other people's songs. He and a couple of his roommates decided to join together and create Soundgarden.

The term “grunge” hadn’t been coined yet, and for the most part, leather and lipstick bands such as “Kiss” and “Motley Crue” were the front face of rock. Chris wasn’t a fan of how corporate their persona became. Going against the mold, Soundgarden’s motif began to take on a tune that was never heard before- it was the beginning of grunge.

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I don't mind stealing bread from the mouthes of decadence- But I can't feed on the powerless when my cup's already overfilled

Temple Of The Dog- Hunger Strike (1991)

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Dirty Girls (1996)

Dirty Girls is a student made documentary that follows a group of girls that call themselves as such, after adopting the demeaning title from fellow classmates. The Dirty Girls wore grunge-style clothing, and were teased for rumors like not showing since the death of Kurt Cobain (2 yrs).

Underneath their hardened exterior, their group had incredibly progressive demeanors. Being a “dirty girl” meant that they acquired a powerful feministic presence. Unfortunately, their classmates had a rugged response- implying that there were no justices to fight for in the once modern day of 1996. While watching the documentary, one of the girls pulls out a journal to read aloud and ridicule- but I could’t help but notice references from the band “Hole” written on the tattered pages. 

The journal was filled with strong willed poetry with words that read “I have a right to me mad, I have a right to be sad, I have a right to be disgusted- you don’t have a right to tell me to shut up so dont even try”. Which then, surprisingly, was mocked by other female classmates. As pages turned, they came across lyrics from “Doll Parts” by Hole.

Doll Parts (1994)

Doll Parts was written during the fall of 1991 when Courtney Love met and fell desperately in love with Kurt Cobain. Since then, she's confessed that the song’s lyrics were indeed about Kurt, and the way that she felt insecure of his infatuation with her. The track contained lyrics such as “They really want you, they really do”- which referred to his level of fame as he climbed to the peak of his career before passing away in April 1994. 

Violet- Hole (1995)

Violet was initially written in 1991 by lead singer Courtney Love and guitarist Eric Erlandson. It’s on record that Love was inspired to write “Violet” after her relationship with Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan. The lyrics represent a furious stance on an abandoned romance. The song has gone on to serve as a feminist anthem against the one-night-stand male prerogative and sheds light on what “being used” feels like.  

“When they get what they want, and they never want it again”

“You should learn when to go- you should learn how to say no”

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The Controversial- Courtney Love

Courtney Love- sometimes a sensitive name to say in grunge culture. You either love to love her, or love to hate her. Most perceptions of Courtney stem from the media’s mockery of her undeniable substance abuse. Unfortunately, her dark moments were broadcasted on live television more than a few times. She grew up in the punk-rock scene being what most would call a “groupie” as she climbed her way to fame through musical connections and formed her own band, Hole.

She’s also known for her infamous role as Kurt Cobain's widow- to which some believe is also his alleged murderer. There is no ruling evidence, though it’s understandable to believe either argument. But, don’t let those accusations strip her of the talent she has. She’s in some ways, actually quite brilliant. Though, surely someone wouldn't think of her in that light after old bag, Barbara Walters, slandered her on screen shortly after her husband's devastating death. During this interview in 1995, Courtney shed light on her upbringing and how her trinkets of trauma led to naming her band “Hole”. She recalled her mother suggesting, "Now Courtney you can't just walk around with a hole in yourself because you had a bad childhood”, to which Courtney thought “Wow, what a brilliant name.. Hole”.

Since forming Hole in 1989, she’s went on to write feminist anthems such as “Violet” and “Doll Parts” to express the true rage that women weren’t known to emulate in music during that time.

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Singles (1992)

Singles was released in 1992 by Warner Bros as an American romantic comedy that was written, directed, and co-produced by Cameron Crowe. The film focuses on how different couples coexist and sometimes go their own way. What most characters had in common was that their lives were centered around Seattle's music scene, which created a powerful entryway for real-life musicians to make their way into a film that seemed reality based. Throughout screen time, some of the most recognizable rock bands of the 90’s made their debut on the big screen, ultimately crafting one of the most legendary soundtracks. This included bands such as Alice In Chains, Mother Love Bone, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. Alice In Chains performed twice during the movie, and Soundgarden showcased “Birth Ritual” as well. In fact, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden actually wrote “Spoon Man” just for this film. As for roles, Pearl Jam members were casted as one of the main characters' fellow bandmates while Chris Cornell was portrayed as himself. 

After Singles was released, people ban to wonder how almost every Seattle grunge icon appeared in Singles, besides Nirvana. By 1992, grunge wasn’t exactly coined as a term used for the musical movement, and Nirvana was categorized as “punk rock”. Going along with this identity, starring in a mainstream movie just wasn’t appealing to Nirvana band members. In an interview Kurt Cobain said that when he was asked by producers to cameo in Singles, his response was an immediate no- even before consulting the rest of the band. Also, Nirvana was vocal about disliking both Alice In Chains and Pearl jam, calling them “corporate puppets”. Kurt also began accusing them of forming their style from his band, Nirvana. This was surprising during the time, because Nirvana and Pearl Jam shortly toured together in 1991. Over time, both bands set aside their differences and were at peace with one another. 

Official Soundtrack

1.) Would? - Alice In Chains

2.) Breath - Pearl Jam

3.) Seasons - Chris Cornell

4.)  Dyslexic Heart - Paul Westerberg

5.) Battle of Evermore - Lovemongers

6.) Chloe Dancer / Crown of Thorns - Mother Love Bone

7.) Birth Ritual - Soundgarden

8.) State of Love and Trust - Pearl Jam

9.) Overblown - Mudhoney

10.) Waiting for Somebody - Paul Westerberg

11.) May This Be Love - Jimi Hendrix

12.) Nearly Lost You - Screaming Trees

13.) Drown - The Smashing Pumpkins

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Tunic (Song For Karen) (1990)

**trigger warning// eating disorder**

Tunic was written about Karen Carpenter, who was a dual band member of “The Carpenters”, who sadly died of anorexia nervosa on February 4, 1983. Since Karen’s death and Sonic Youth’s release of Tunic, a heightened awareness was pinpointed on eating disorders and body dysmorphia. 

Tunic carries a fast pace grunge rhythm that one would think is to represent a hardcore aura of rock n’ roll, but the lyrics read sadly:

“I feel like I'm disappearing, getting smaller everyday, But I look in the mirror, and I'm bigger in every way.“

Above relates to body dysmorphia- the rude concept of viewing your body in a different, and more negative way than what stands in reality. Sometimes, this condition is what leads to the never ending cycle of eating disorders, because no matter how you look, your inner self self see’s a monster in the mirror. 

Lyrical and artistic meanings are always up for interpretation. With this being said, I think that Kim Gordon (vocalist for Sonic Youth), wrote a piece in the song that implies light of Karen’s passing- and how she may feel at peace in the heavenly realm. 

“I'm in heaven now - I can see you Richard

Goodbye Hollywood, goodbye Downey - hello Janis

Hello Dennis, Elvis - and all my brand new friends”

If you or anyone you know struggles with ED, help awaits you. You are precious and loved.  

ED Helpline: (888)-375-7767

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Who was Lane Thomas Staley? In the public eye he was the original lead singer of the 1990′s Seattle grunge band, Alice in Chains. In private, his pain devoured him at the end of his days. A beautiful being, nonetheless. 

Staley was born as “Layne Rutherford Staley” on August 22, 1967 in Kirkland Washington. Immediately, he realized he was destined to be a performer- at the tender and adorable age of 3. So, he joined his first rhythmic band as an infant and the rest was history. 

During adolescence, Staley found his voice though performing in a band called Sleze, that would eventually evolve to be none other than Alice In Chains.

From viewing his performances and interviews, Staley appears as a stoic and fun-loving dude who’s soul is rooted in all the fun that’s meant to be had during his time as a rockstar the 1990′s grunge era. However, his dark moments embodied genuine agony- being rendered through his songwriting. His battle with hard substance abuse began to slowly kill the radiant star that once was.