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Pearl Jam's Backspacer tuning into Rock Band - Report

Pearl Jam has approached the rhythm game craze with gusto. In March, the Seattle grunge rockers teamed with MTV Games and Harmonix to release a playable edition of its reissued seminal album Ten, which was available for download in Rock Band the same day it hit store shelves. Two months later,...

Pearl Jam has approached the rhythm game craze with gusto. In March, the Seattle grunge rockers teamed with MTV Games and Harmonix to release a playable edition of its reissued seminal album Ten, which was available for download in Rock Band the same day it hit store shelves. Two months later, Pearl Jam indicated through its Web site that it would be collaborating with Harmonix on a dedicated Rock Band game that featured only live cuts from its catalog.

Now, Billboard has details on Pearl Jam's next exploits with Rock Band. According to the music industry staple, Pearl Jam's upcoming album Backspacer will be available in playable form as a Rock Band download the same day it hits store shelves. Billboard also reports that those who purchase Backspacer at Target will receive a token to download the songs through Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network.

According to the band's official site, Backspacer is expected to be available in stores on September 20. The 11-track album's first single is "The Fixer," though the band performed "Got Some" on the first edition of The Tonight Show under Conan O'Brien's tutelage.

60 Comments

  • Zeldafan221

    Posted Aug 27, 2009 3:02 pm GMT

    So you have to buy the album at target to get it on Rock Band? Or if you buy it on itunes does that work to?

  • AirPortugall

    Posted Aug 11, 2009 4:19 pm GMT

    I think Pearl Jam's a pretty sweet band but i'm not too interested in all the songs being live, just not my cup of tea.

  • thibbledorfP

    Posted Aug 5, 2009 3:41 am GMT

    Interesting

  • knoetgen

    Posted Aug 3, 2009 1:35 pm GMT

    Pearl Jam went to crap after VS. Ten by far was their best work a truly timeless album.

  • Abe-Froman_SKC

    Posted Aug 3, 2009 10:47 am GMT

    @ Skingus

    You're right, I stopped listening after Yield. I never disliked the band, just lost interest. What would be the album to listen to?

  • xstaggerxleex

    Posted Aug 3, 2009 9:54 am GMT

    Binural is an awesome album... what are you thinking...

  • Rottenwood

    Posted Aug 3, 2009 9:35 am GMT

    Pretty clever idea; now you'll get a lot more people to purchase the album outright, since it comes with a token for the downloads and is therefore a better deal. People can't resist a deal, even if they didn't really want everything that came with it originally. It's a boon for Target, too, since people will go for the record but end up purchasing laundry detergent, Cheez-Its, and whatever else is on sale since they're at the store anyhow. It's a win-win retail scenario and I hope other bands follow suit.

  • danissuperman

    Posted Aug 3, 2009 8:53 am GMT

    Try speaking english next time Trogeton. Maybe step out of your trailer and take 3rd grade level literature when you get the chance.
    Anyways, I think that it's cool that you can get the RB album as well when you buy the real one, here's hoping they do the same with other bands too in the future.

  • Trogeton

    Posted Aug 3, 2009 7:40 am GMT

    @ MagicPigeOn

    My comment made plenty of sense just all the ignorant people that hate the facts and don't want to admit it

  • PixelAddict

    Posted Aug 3, 2009 5:49 am GMT

    @QualityJeverage

    You're right, it's over. Been a good run for humankind, but when we lower ourselves to Rock Band versus Guitar Hero, we lose our right to breathe.

    We may as well move into the bomb shelters and wait for the fallout from troll war between Borderlands and Fallout 3. And Wolfenstein and Call of Duty. And apparently GH 5 and RB 3.

  • MagicPigeOn

    Posted Aug 3, 2009 1:05 am GMT

    Wow, Trogeton's comment had so many contradictions and made so little sense...

  • manusup

    Posted Aug 3, 2009 12:56 am GMT

    I wanna see some more linkin park in rock band but im not saying that this is a bad idea.

    I also wish there was a michael jackson track pack

  • QualityJeverage

    Posted Aug 2, 2009 9:11 pm GMT

    @Trogeton

    Really? We have fanboys for specific rhythm games now? I've lost all faith in humanity.

  • Trogeton posted Aug 2, 2009 8:32 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Trogeton

    Posted Aug 2, 2009 8:32 pm GMT (hide)

    ROFL.. Rock band has NOTHING on GH anyone can make new music, but new features requires a bit more effort that is why guitar hero has more hits. also it's pretty simple just to add and add, but to make and create makes players stay interested and it's obvious that BR fanboys HATE GH...because RB instuments are crap compared to GH why you think you find soo much more GH stuff that RB not to mension rockband guitar hero UGLY they were trying a little too hard to make them look real IT'S ONLY A GAME

  • iucidium

    Posted Aug 2, 2009 12:07 pm GMT

    @rockongow; actision will never do it because it 'doesnt have sequel exploit potential' ROFL! also, musicians like rockband - suits go to guitar hero

  • RockonGOW posted Aug 2, 2009 10:59 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    RockonGOW

    Posted Aug 2, 2009 10:59 am GMT (hide)

    It's great their making pearl jam but what about a guitar hero ACDC

  • REgrl4life

    Posted Aug 2, 2009 6:46 am GMT

    omg yesssssssssssssss =D

  • SolidSnakeJT

    Posted Aug 2, 2009 3:11 am GMT

    wwonka, your idea is good, but it should be only for rockband

  • wwonka666

    Posted Aug 2, 2009 3:00 am GMT

    I hope this buy the album/get it on Rockband to play becomes the norm. It would be cool to buy a new album, get to enjoy listening to it as well as interacting with it. This could be the start of something big for Rock Band fans. I'm assuming though it would also have to be extended to Guitar Hero as well kind of like when you buy a DVD and get a digital copy and choose if you want it on Itunes or Windows Media format.

  • ckat609

    Posted Aug 2, 2009 2:13 am GMT

    love it

  • Linkman0714 posted Aug 1, 2009 7:10 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Linkman0714

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 7:10 pm GMT (hide)

    pearl jam sucks

  • thegrtone

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 5:51 pm GMT

    The album is going to be exclusive to target. Some independent music retailers will get it as well. Everyone is saying free. I don't see that in the article. Hope that is the case. We will see. I think Pearl Jam could be the first band to have thier entire catalogue on rock band. They are going to re-release every album over the next 2 years leading up to the 20th anniversary. So maybe they release it all to rock band. Don't think a lot of people will buy "Binaural" but "vs." and "Vitalogy" would do well.

  • D_West

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 5:28 pm GMT

    Aw man, no wii lovin!

  • mightycloud

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 2:50 pm GMT

    Whoo hoo! My favourite band doing something really cool. This is better than the metallica cash-in on guitar hero anyday. Shame I won't get the benefit of the token since I live in the UK. Maybe i'll just play the album on rockband before I buy the CD :-)

  • Kajiuro

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 2:05 pm GMT

    ..Is anyone else tired of Guitar Hero/Rock Band?

  • smack_masta

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 2:05 pm GMT

    Yes! Pearl Jam is always welcome. Looks like I'll be getting it at Target also

  • sparkypants

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 1:38 pm GMT

    Hot damn! I love pearl jam.

  • skingus

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 12:55 pm GMT

    Abe- Please listen to their last album and tell me it's not great. I don't think that you've listened to anything off at least their last 4 albums, if you are even wondering whether or not people want this... They are going down as one of the greatest rock bands in history, certainly our generation... Any band that can have 9 studio albums be successfull is doing something right... Give them a listen.

  • Abe-Froman_SKC posted Aug 1, 2009 11:48 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Abe-Froman_SKC

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 11:48 am GMT (hide)

    A new Pearl Jam album 18 years ago might have been cool, but do people really want this? Let alone be able to play it on Rock Band? Loved the band back then but haven't liked an album since Vitalogy.

  • jimmy8118

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 11:25 am GMT

    There's always room for more Pearl Jam, can't wait!

  • Cellpwn

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 11:07 am GMT

    I heart Pearl Jam.

  • Zeldafan221

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 10:02 am GMT

    Pearl Jam sure is putting a bunch of stuff on rock band. Good thing it's a good band letting a lot of their songs be on these games. I'm buying the album at target now!!!

  • Zidaneski

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 9:07 am GMT

    Ohhh, I thought it was like the AC/DC thing, but If I buy the album at target I get all the songs on RB free? Wow, I haven't bought any CDs in a while so this has got me sold.

  • skatefreak89

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 8:16 am GMT

    Eddie looks like russel crowe. but yeah I love Pearl Jam

  • Eddie5vs1

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 7:53 am GMT

    Hell Yes! Can't wait for the new album and to ability to play it on RB!!

  • skingus

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 6:21 am GMT

    Can't wait for this!!! I can't wait for the album, and to be able to literaly rock out to it myself immediately is awesome! Best band on Earth.

  • brian_13un

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 4:28 am GMT

    Great

  • Zartan3000

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 4:28 am GMT

    Vedder and crew are still kicking it old school in the best possible way...

  • Ash_Korsair

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 3:16 am GMT

    i cant wait for this album! dont care for the rock band part.
    pj is best band ever!

  • Beatle2010

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 2:57 am GMT

    I want every song in the Pearl Jam catelog! Seriously. I'm a PJ fanatic and a RB drummer who's actually selling my set on Ebay! Damn! I knew about the 2010 Pearl Jam Live Rock Band. Thought I'd have some time before picking up the new RB2 drums (w/ cymbals). With this announcement, I have to get em in a month and a half.

  • GC4ever

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 2:51 am GMT

    sweet deal
    i was going to get it
    the whole token thing is a great idea
    go PJ!!!

  • stephenage

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 12:29 am GMT

    Tom McShea will be happy

  • knux2007 posted Jul 31, 2009 10:59 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    knux2007

    Posted Jul 31, 2009 10:59 pm GMT (hide)

    As much as I love more albums in Rock Band, I don't have much interest in Ten or This. I would prefer All The Remains' The Fall Of Ideals, The Red In The Sky Is Ours, or maybe even a Bang Camaro/Freezepop 12-pack. But don't get me wrong, Ten is a good album to listen to, to play.... not so much

  • riddle11762

    Posted Jul 31, 2009 10:52 pm GMT

    this has to be the coolest music idea since Year Zero! i bet the cd will be $9.99!

  • Genexi2

    Posted Jul 31, 2009 10:19 pm GMT

    2 things.

    1- I like how the artist is offering a free download of the gaming album for those who purchase the CD. I wish more artists would do that.

    2- This game better damn well have a song-export mode. Harmonix lost a sale from me with Beetles by disallowing it. (I refuse to play the disc-swap game for a music title, one of the reasons I not bothered with Guitar Hero since 3)

    And yes I'm aware Beetles has had some modifications to the game engine to allow for choruses. Whoop-de-doo, that could be patched into the 'main' Rock Band series. (and fix the busted voice-chat on PS3 while you're at it for gods sake)

  • eortlieb

    Posted Jul 31, 2009 9:53 pm GMT

    PJ is back!

  • konradak

    Posted Jul 31, 2009 9:39 pm GMT

    Sweet, Pearl Jam is awesome, I hope their new album is good.

  • Pete5506

    Posted Jul 31, 2009 8:55 pm GMT

    More music is a good thing

  • CVM_123 posted Jul 31, 2009 8:30 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    CVM_123

    Posted Jul 31, 2009 8:30 pm GMT (hide)

    wth? O_o

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