Five against One by Kim Neely
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Book Reviews of Five against One
Book Review: Very adept airing of grievances.....
Summary: 5 Stars
Although, for the most part I enjoyed this book, I felt that it was difficult to obtain a fair view of the band whilst all of the information was gathered from people who had a problem with Pearl Jam, and in particular, Eddie. He seemed to be portrayed as a control freak, careerist obsessed with his public persona. The intimation was there that most of it was an act. I find it difficult to believe that a man could keep up a charade such as this for eight years, with never a slip in his convictions from then to now with his involvement in pro-choice, the Tibetan problem to the Kosovo crisis today. Even his detractors have always said he's never been short of commitment and passion. As for the other members of Pearl Jam, professionally they were there for the ride, but personally we learned absolutely nothing new. Mike's severe alcohol problem was skimmed over as if it was a mild addiction to paracetamol and not the life threatening, soul destroying problem it actually was. As fascinating a character as Eddie Vedder is, the others deserved better treatment. Still, being a devoted Pearl Jam fan I couldn't resist this book, even though at times I felt I was a peeping tom peering through a window into Eddie's turbulent private life and the ramblings of his contemptuous step-father were nothing short of shameful and embarassing. I think the book could have done without these musings. All in all if you love Pearl Jam, you'll read it anyway. Just go in with an open mind and read a positive account of the band afterwards to give you a balanced view. Somewhere in the middle is the truth. I wonder if Miss Neely still receives gifts from Eddie. I severely doubt it!Book Review: hard to measure
Summary: 5 Stars
Though this book was very informative and captivating (my professors asked me many times to quit reading it during their lectures and when out, i found myself looking forward to getting home so i could read more) the book is undoubtedly very negative towards the band and paints Ed in an almost "excentric bratt" light. Not to sudgest that Ed is the most normal person in the world (or maybe he is the appitamy of normal) the book subtly interveiws only persons who have been offended by Ed such as Dave Abrussezzes, his step-father, Chris Carufto, and other such characters. It would have been nice to hear from his mother or brothers or wife or publicist or someone who liked him. Though the recounts are literarity factual, they are focused through a negative filter created by bitter aquaintances. The discography of the band starts well, but by the end of the book, it seems like the author has become somewhat bored of writing about the actual music, and would rather focus on raucus and provocation. Unfortunately, individual biographies are very limited to all but Ed and that's too bad, because we can find out about Eddie in the music, but no one seems to let us know much about Stone, Jeff, Mike, or Dave/Jack's up-bringings. Oh well. Some good information. Definitely a must read for ne true fan, but u'll still feel dissapointed by book's end.Book Review: Couldn't put it down -- truly fascinating book!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is far and away the best, most interesting biography I have ever read on Pearl Jam. The author, a former Rolling Stone writer who apparently knows the band well, writes engagingly and shares information on Pearl Jam that has never before been revealed, much of which contradicts their myth. Though this is largely a sympathetic look at the band, Ms. Neely does not shy from tackling material that Pearl Jam's public relations team might have preferred she gloss over. The book contains many funny anecdotes, a beautiful collection of photos from private collectors that I'd never seen anywhere, and a massive, poignant section on Eddie Vedder's childhood that was truly engrossing. The only book I've ever read on Pearl Jam that made me feel as if I were actually getting the real inside view. Very credible and detailed, without the annoying factual errors that have ruined other biographies on the band for me. Die hard fans who live to believe in the Pearl Jam myth may be put off by some of the revelations in this book, those readers might be more comfortable with one of the "fan" biographies on the band. But serious readers who are interested in an accurate, unvarnished portrait of Pearl Jam will surely find this a great read. Highly recommend it.Book Review: A must read. Wow!
Summary: 5 Stars
The story Pearl Jam doesn't want you to read, yowza! This book is fun, gossipy, and admirably researched. Interviews with the band and their friends are weaved together to form a highly informative "he said/she said" history. It includes a substantial amount of original reportage and shines above previous, less comprehensive bios. I found particularly gripping the truth (finally!) about Dave Abruzzeze's firing, and the chapter on Eddie Vedder's background, where his own recollections are supplemented with the accounts of his mother, father, and others who "knew him when." Also enjoyed the blow by blow description of the Ticketmaster feud, and the amusing stories about Eddie's penchant for self promotion. His public image is challenged with a series of vignettes that reveal him to be much more image conscious than he lets on. However, to the author's credit, his more generous and admirable traits are given equal time. There is enough controversial material that this book is unlikely to be embraced by the "Eddie is God" crowd. But if you're curious about the truth behind the celebrity facade, you will probably enjoy this book very much. I will look for other books by this author.Book Review: Great book, but a sequel will be needed
Summary: 5 Stars
Kim Neely is one of the best music writers out there and has been for years. Although she spends much of this book going for the heart-strings and maybe a quick tear which doesn't always work for the average Pearl Jam fan. She tells a brutally honest story bashing vedder when and where she felt she needed to and cuddling Dave all along. It is chock-full of great stories including one "I'm going to F--- Opus," story which is worth the price of the book alone and is laugh out loud funny if you've never heard it. However, there seems to be a little resentment between Neely and Eddie Vedder which is too bad because it kinda wrecks up a great read, then again she does free-lance for Rolling Stone which explains a lot. This causes her to briefly talk about Mike's drinking problem in a line or two and skip out on Stone all together other than the the fact he wears hats and cries when he has to fire people. I'd like to see in the coming years a few chapters added on the book including updates on Mike and the Roskile tragedy, but if you even remotly like Pearl Jam pick it up it is totally worth the cover price.