A real Pearl

ANN POWERS did a nice job with her piece on Pearl Jam. Her predecessor might have caught some of the subtleties of the band’s evolution but would have spent an inordinate amount of words comparing the band to REM, Springsteen, et al. Maybe this signals that The Times will begin to look forward and see how music evolves, how music and people change. Always trying to report what’s new is fine for some; what was is good for others; but what changed and why is the way we learn.

DAVE MACE

Sherman Oaks

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SPEAKING as a die-hard fan of the band since they emerged when I was a young teen, I love to hear them talk about the music, really talk about it. I’ve read nearly every article and interview ever written, and Powers has done something no journalist has ever accomplished: She has gotten them to speak honestly about Ed Vedder’s leadership in the band. I’m sure it also came with the ever evolving maturity and self-confidence of the members, but within her interviews, they are finally able to acknowledge just how special having Ed at the helm really is to the quality and success of the band. The “gatekeeper,” I like that. We PJ fans admire each member greatly, but most of us will recognize that it is because of this guy, this weirdly introverted guy whose desire is to not gain attention for the wrong reasons -- this guy is what makes this band extra special. Acknowledging it to themselves and now taking the step and acknowledging it to the rest of us will allow this band to continue to stay together and make great music. And for helping them accomplish that, is why I say thanks.

JON RAINEY

Glendale