RELEASE ME.

I can specifically remember putting Release on many of the mix-tapes that I had made for my father as a child.

Ever since I first heard this song in 1993, it's always sent shivers up and down my spine, puts a tear in my eye & a lump in my throat- particularly when Eddie gets to the part where he's screaming in pain, "I'll wait up in the dark for you to speak to me...".

I've uploaded three versions of this song, and each one is special in it's own way of course. The first is the studio version- classic Ten is always a good way to go. The second is live from The Garden 1998- the pain in Eddie's voice seems more intense than ever at this show. The third is what I consider to be the absolute best of the best of this set though... I have for you tonight Release from the Mookie Blaylock demos- and once again, the pure grittiness and raw unhampered energy that's captured is reason enough to name Pearl Jam the number one rock band of all time. They don't need to be edited to sound good- it's almost preternatural, you could say.

Release - Live at the Garden 1998.mp3 (5.75 MB):

http://www.sendspace.com/file/1qqo55

Release - Studio Version.mp3 (3.60 MB):

http://www.sendspace.com/file/phy5ox

Release - Mookie Blaylock Demos.mp3 (9.22 MB):

http://www.sendspace.com/file/809dk0

I got some bad news about my father today, and well, I'm sending tonight's post out to him.

"Oh dear dad - Can you see me now?

I am myself - Like you somehow.

I'll ride the wave - Where it takes me.

I'll hold the pain - Release Me."