all that's sacred #33

Been feeling a little under the weather here lately and had this week’s podcast sneak up on me. Luckily I had some listener help with the song selections and was able to crank this out to end the year on a high note. With #33 being the last episode of 2009, we’re going out with a BANG and featuring songs where Mike McCready ignites the moment by creating sonic fireworks with his instrument! I just couldn’t think of a more appropriate way to close out the year.

Hope you all have a happy and safe New Year! Looking forward to 2010 but recognize that 2009 wasn’t without its highlights. The biggest personal highlight for me this year was the creation of the podcast and connecting with so many of my fellow fans. Thanks to everyone in the Pearl Jam online community and special thanks to Brandon at The Sky I Scrape for the early and continued support. I really appreciate you all coming along for the ride and contributing to the podcast and hope to continue for the foreseeable future. See you next year.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #32

With Christmas looming so close, I wonder what kind of listenership to expect this week for episode #32. I don’t really have that great of expectations, but I hope most of you find a moment to break away from the craziness of the holiday to tune in to this week’s podcast. This week is notable because every single song was requested by one of you in your own voice! As I had hoped, the voicemail has added a new dimension of connection and interaction to the podcast. It’s nice to have your additional input and perspective and I appreciate you all being game enough to try it out. Most importantly though, there is some great Pearl Jam music being explored here.

Next week is the last podcast of 2009 and I want to end things with a BANG! I can think of only one way to accomplish that and that’s by featuring songs where Mike McCready is shredding guitar and melting faces! I got a list started but, as always, I’d really like some help from you listeners. If you got something to contribute, please contact me by email, Facebook, Twitter, or check out the voicemail at 707-SACRED9 (707-722-7339).

Have wonderful holiday weekend and see you next week to ring in the New Year!

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #31

This year is quickly wrapping itself up and I figured episode #31 would be a great opportunity to reflect on the year that was by featuring a few highlights from some of the 2009 Pearl Jam shows. This last year found the band in a really good place – showing no signs of slowing down or becoming a caricature of their former selves. The guys continue to grow, perform, and surprise at a level that would be the envy of any self-respecting band.

The anticipation for 2010 is already building with the recent dates announced for Europe and The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. I’m quietly hoping for a few dates here in the Pacific Northwest. I’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.

Next week on #32, we’ll be featuring some listener requests via the voicemail – which include a few additional 2009 tour highlights. I’m really enjoying this new interaction and I still have a few more spaces to fill so if you’d like to contribute, please call 707-SACRED9 (707-722-7339). I appreciate all the continued support and participation.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #30

On episode #30 I figured it was time to catch up on some great listener requests I’ve been sitting on for far too long. Virtually the entire episode was listener-driven right on down to the image art submitted by listener Ted in WI! To my delight, I got a This Day in PJ History suggestion via the voicemail! I’m also finally back with the commentary after a 2 week hiatus – including a bit on the inspiration for the podcast.

I’m thinking next week on #31 we’ll feature some 2009 tour highlights. I’ve got a list going but if you have anything to add, please contact me via email, Facebook, Twitter, or voicemail 707-SACRED9 (707-722-7339). Speaking of the voicemail, I appreciate everyone who has called so far and plan to dedicate an upcoming show to your voicemails on #32 so keep them coming!

Thanks for listening and hope you enjoy #30.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #29

The holiday season is upon us and I thought it only appropriate to make episode #29 a playlist of some of Pearl Jam’s yearly gifts via the annual Holiday 45 exclusive to Ten Club members. A couple of these aren’t “Christmas” songs per se, but still felt wintery and fitting. I’ll be back with the commentary next week, but figured I’d sit this one out. I thought some of you might want to have this for a little background ambiance while you gift-wrap, visit, and/or imbibe in the coming weeks – I’d just be getting in the way of the music.

I also included two Six Degrees of PJ tracks to mix it up a bit. While there is an easy connection to the artist on the first track, the second track ends the podcast and requires a little more analysis – although you don’t have to be a rock historian to connect the dots. While this closing track was recorded over 40 years ago, it’s regrettably and eerily still relevant to today – and a subtle reminder that we still live in a crazy world despite all the feel-good holiday sentiments. The more things “change”, the more they stay the same…

Best wishes to you all this holiday season and I hope you enjoy #29.

Peace. Donny

all that's sacred #28

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for taking the time to listen and contribute to the podcast. This year has been a real battle for me (for a number of reasons that I won’t bore you with), but this little experiment of mine has been an enormous bright spot despite the dark days. It’s been an amazing learning experience and creative outlet but most importantly, it’s been really incredible connecting with so many of you from all over the globe. So again, many thanks and well wishes to all of you this holiday.

Episode #28 is dedicated to contributions via the new podcast voicemail – 707-SACRED9 (707-722-7339). I have high hopes that this addition to the podcast will allow for greater interaction and connectivity. It’s been a real kick to hear from you all more directly and I think we’re off to a promising start. I appreciate those of you who were game enough to call and get the ball rolling. Keep ‘em coming!

Not a whole lot of band news to comment on. Rumors are bubbling about a European tour in 2010 just as the Oz tour is wrapping up. Fingers crossed with high hopes for the coming year!

Hope you enjoy #28.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #27

As promised, episode #27 revisits some of our favorite front man’s better politically-inspired rants. Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, it’s definitely an eye-opener to look back a few years to re-examine how the band was processing the world around them. As the country became more polarized and with Pearl Jam being one of the more socially and politically active bands around, it was inevitable that the tours during the Bush years were going to yield some compelling moments.

As an aside, I wanted to thank those who took the plunge and called the podcast voicemail last week. In an effort to make the podcast more interactive, I set up a Google Voice account for the podcast at 707-SACRED9 (707-722-7339). I’ve been stoked at the response so far and I’ve decided to dedicate #28 entirely to listener voicemails and requests. I still need a few more to round out a complete show so I implore a few more of you to call in and contribute.

Thanks for the continued support and listenership. As always, I love hearing from y’all. Hit me up via email, Facebook, Twitter, or the new voicemail. Take care and hope you folks “down under” are having a blast at the shows!

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #26

Greetings! Last week’s rant podcast was a screaming success with 600+ downloads to date! We’ll be revisiting the rants on #27 but in the meantime, episode #26 highlights some touring rarities from past Australian shows. The guys are kicking off the tour “Down Under” this Saturday in Perth and I thought it was only fitting to do something to help get our friends in the South Pacific ready for the awesomeness that is Pearl Jam.

I talk about this for a minute on the podcast, but I wanted to take a moment here to introduce the podcast voicemail. I set up a Google Voice account over the weekend and now you can call in your stories and requests! I can then export the messages into an mp3 and cut it right into the podcast. It’s just the latest idea I had to make the podcast even more interactive and allow y’all to participate more directly and actually be on the podcast. I’m hopeful some of you will give it a go and I’m eager to hear what you got. The number is 707-SACRED9 (707-722-7339). Hope to hear from some of you soon!

Thanks, as always, for tuning in and checking out the podcast. I also appreciate all the suggestions and correspondence. I’m thinking of doing a 2009 tour highlights show in the coming weeks so let me know if you have any suggestions. I have a few ideas, but I’d really like to know what you think would be cool to play and why. Try the voicemail if you’re feeling adventurous or you can always still contact me via email, Facebook, or Twitter. Thanks again and enjoy #26.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #25

You asked for it and you got it. Episode #25 explores some Ed’s better rants over the years as suggested by you listeners. In fact the response was so overwhelming, I actually had more rants than I could use for one podcast. So in addition to those played today, another episode in the very near future will feature those rants that were more politically-inspired. As always, I appreciate all the feedback and suggestions and thank you for taking the time to listen each week. Hope you enjoy #25.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #24

Well, to say that the guys are off to a promising start would be an understatement. Last night in Philly, Ed intimated that they intended to play every song they know over the 4 night stand to close the Spectrum -- and judging from the soundcheck and set list, he just might have been serious!

To help put a little wind in their sails, episode #24 features listener-requested material from a couple past Philly shows. As is demonstrated, there have been more than a few memorable Pearl Jam highlights in the City of Brotherly Love and this week promises to eclipse them all!

To everyone at the shows, have a blast and know that those of us unable to be there are living through you vicariously so keep the details coming.

See you again next week where we highlight some of Ed’s best rants over the years.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #23

As promised, on episode #23 we are playing listener-suggested songs from past Camden, NJ shows to gear up for this 4 night stand in Philly. Seeing as how there is not too much going on this week, I decided to take this episode off from the commentary. Most of the song suggestions didn't come with any stories or memories and once I started putting it together, it just felt natural to make it a sonic snapshot of the band's Camden performances since 2000. So it's bit like a live mixed tape and I actually thought it came together pretty well -- very reminiscent of what we did on #10. Thanks to all of you who wrote me recently – especially with these Philly and Camden suggestions!

On #24 next week, we’ll be revisiting those Philly tracks as Pearl Jam will be right in the middle of their epic run to close the Spectrum. Also, don’t forget we have episode #25 after that dedicated to some of Ed’s better rants over the years accompanied with some aggressive live music. I’ve got a growing list but if you have anything to contribute for either of those shows, please shoot me an email or message me on Facebook or Twitter.

Let the Philly party begin! Sure wish I could be there with you all. Take care of your neighbors and have a blast!

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #22

Not a whole lot of new news to report and so we are going to take the opportunity to get caught up on some awesome listener requests on episode#22. I make mention of it on the podcast, but I also wanted to reiterate my gratitude here to all of you for your incredible suggestions for the upcoming Philly and rant episodes. I’ve gotten a HUGE response and as a result, I think we are going to have to do 2 episodes dedicated to the 4 night stand in Philly!

Next week on #23, we are featuring music from past Camden, NJ performances (almost Philly). Then the following week on episode #24, we will feature requests from past Philadelphia performances with the podcast falling right in the middle of the run to close the doors on the Spectrum. Considering the significance of the occasion and considering how Pearl Jam wrapped the western leg of the tour, it’s sure to be an epic event! I hope the podcast can help amp the lucky ones in some small way.

Thanks again for all the feedback and the help – it’s always so much appreciated. Hit me up via email and Twitter and check out our new home on Facebook. Enjoy #22.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #21

The guys continue to impress on the road playing inspired sets in LA and Austin before closing this leg of the tour in San Diego on Friday. To prepare the lucky ones for this show, episode #21 highlights a few songs from past SoCal shows as well as features a few regular ATS segments. I also couldn’t help but play a few of the new Backspacer tracks from the recent Seattle gigs now that the official bootlegs are available.

Pearl Jam returns to the stage in couple of weeks for a 4 night stand in Philadelphia to close the historic Spectrum. In keeping with tradition, I’m dedicating an upcoming podcast to past Philly performances to prepare for this epic event and I could use some help with song suggestions. Please communicate these and any other song or segment suggestions to me by email, Facebook, or Twitter.

I have endless appreciation for all the continued support and for all the wonderful correspondence. Thanks for tuning in. Hope you like #21.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #20

Episode #20 finds me tired, rambling, and trying to recover from my Pearl Jam week last week. And what a great week it was too! I got to meet a ton of other Pearl Jam fans and listeners to the podcast at the pre-parties and shows in both Seattle and Portland. It was a blast meeting everyone and I had a fantastic time hanging out and seeing our favorite band. Today I recount a few of my observations from these shows and spin a few tracks from past LA and Austin shows to prepare the lucky ones for these upcoming gigs – plus I threw in a This Day in PJ History tune and Six Degrees of PJ tune for good measure. We also explore new territory as suggested independently (yet simultaneously) from listeners James, Sebastian, and Andrew in a new segment where we play a song’s first live performance – or its “maiden voyage” as Ed likes to say. All of this adds up to this being the 2nd longest episode of All That’s Sacred, clocking in at 1 hour 2 minutes and 34 seconds!

Thanks for continuing to listen and contributing to the podcast. I always love hearing from other fans so if you have anything to suggest or say, please contact me via email, Twitter, Facebook, or just leave a comment on the site posting. Hope y’all get to catch some of these upcoming shows to round out 2009.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #19

The last two nights in Seattle have been incredible -- and lucky me, I still have Portland to look forward to! I pre-recorded episode #19 on Sunday to stay on schedule featuring songs from past Portland, Vancouver, and Utah shows to get everyone ready for these upcoming gigs. In the coming weeks, we are going to feature songs from past LA, San Diego, Austin, and Philly shows so please start sending me your suggestions for that.

Thanks, as always, for tuning in. I had the opportunity to meet many of you at the shows and pre-parties the last couple of days and it has been awesome to make the connection! Stay in touch via email, Facebook, and Twitter. I’ll be sure to have some thoughts on this amazing week to share next week on #20. In the meantime, enjoy some more great music from shows past to prepare for shows present.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #18

Backspacer’s official release is just days away and followed by a couple dates in Seattle at the Key Arena. To make sure everyone is fully prepared, episode #18 features a number of tracks from past gigs in the Emerald City. If you’re planning on going to these shows, be sure to check out the “Backspacer Bash” and Midnight Sale at the West Seattle Easy Street Records Saturday night as well as the Wishlist Pre-Parties before the shows Monday and Tuesday night. I plan attending all in some capacity so hopefully I’ll get to see some of you there!

Thanks for tuning in! Still soliciting songs from past Vancouver, Portland, and Salt Lake City shows to feature on upcoming podcasts so if you have any suggestions, please shoot me an email. Enjoy the album and safe travels to the show.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #17

Less than two weeks now until the release of Backspacer and the tour kicking off in Seattle! Episode #17 helps to feed the anticipation with a spin from the new record, a few listener requests, and a look back at some moments from the epic 2000 tour – plus a beautiful b-side from tour opener Ben Harper.

To get ready for these upcoming shows, we are going to continue the tradition of playing songs from past performances in these respective cities. I’ve already received some great submissions from listeners thinking ahead but I need some more help. To start, please send me your song suggestions from past Seattle, Vancouver, Portland, and Salt Lake City gigs to play in the coming weeks to get everyone amped for these shows.

Connect via email, Twitter, Facebook, or leave a comment on the site. I always love hearing from other fans and appreciate the all the input in making this podcast. Thanks for making it such an interactive and fun little venture each week.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #16

While the band takes a breather before the release of Backspacer and resuming the tour in Seattle on September 21st, we get caught up on a couple listener requests and review a little Pearl Jam history on episode #16. This podcast continues to be a fantastic exercise in discovery and rediscovery for me – and hopefully for you as well. Many thanks, as always, to you for listening and sending me your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions. I’ve said it before, but special thanks to fan-run sites Two Feet Thick for being such an awesome resource and The Sky I Scrape for being an early, constant supporter.

You know I love hearing from other fans so feel free to shoot me an email or leave a comment on the site -- plus check me out on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks again and see you at the shows!

Cheers! Donny

Edit: By request, link to the TFT.com article referenced in this podcast.

all that's sacred #15

Throat a little scratchy, head a little groggy, body a little achy, ears still ringing – today finds me still recovering from the weekend Chicago trip and Sunday night Pearl Jam show. The boys surpassed all my expectations and made it a trip and a night not soon forgotten. Episode #15 starts with some of my Chicago observations and incorporates some performances from the past to help paint the picture. Halfway through, though, we switch gears and play some songs from the 2006 San Francisco gigs to celebrate and prepare for the upcoming appearance at the Outside Lands Festival.

I appreciate everyone’s continued support – not just in tuning in to the podcast every week – but also in the wonderful emails sent my way and comments left on the site. As a reminder, Facebook and Twitter are also great ways to communicate and stay connected to the podcast so look for me there as well. Thank you again and again!

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #14

The tour just wrapped in Europe and Pearl Jam is headed back to North America to treat us to a few shows before releasing Backspacer! First up, is Toronto on August 21st and then Chicago on the 23rd and 24th. At the suggestion of Mike in Toronto, on episode #14 we are going to celebrate these upcoming gigs by playing listener-suggested songs from past Toronto and Chicago Pearl Jam shows. We’ll also be sprinkling in some current tour highlights and other commentary as well. Episode #14 starts off a little weird but stick with it and I think you’ll like where it takes you.

I can’t thank everyone enough for their continued support and great emails and comments on the site. It’s been a lot of fun trading stories and following people’s more recent experiences on sites like Twitter and Facebook. Thanks again and hope to meet some of you in person at the Chicago show this Sunday.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #13

Another busy day today with the Ten Club presales for the 5 additional North American dates. Good luck to everyone going for tickets! I’m sure it’s going to be getting a little crazy – especially for those Philly dates. Episode #13 is chock full of awesome listener requests and should prove to be an enjoyable listen as you refresh.

I’m thinking next week we’ll play tunes from past Toronto and Chicago shows to get everyone amped for the upcoming gigs so if you have any suggestions, please send them my way by email or leave a comment on this post. As mentioned before, you can follow and contribute to the podcast on Twitter and Facebook as well. Thanks, as always, for checking out the podcast. I really appreciate everyone continuing to tune in and all the great correspondence.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #12

How exciting is it to be a Pearl Jam fan right now? A flurry of recent press, a taste of Tom Tomorrow’s incredible artwork for the album, a new demo of the track Speed of Sound, plus the tour kicking off this weekend! And today being a Wednesday, it’s time for another episode of All That’s Sacred! As promised, #12 features listener-suggested songs from past European gigs to get our friends across the pond amped and ready for their upcoming shows.

Many thanks for y’all continuing to check out the podcast – especially at times like now when there is so much PJ-related stuff vying for your attention. I love hearing from other fans and welcome you to send me an email or make a comment on the site post. You can also follow and contribute to the podcast on Twitter and Facebook. Everyone stay safe, take care of your neighbor, and have a blast at the shows!

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #11

Episode #11 didn’t come together as initially intended. I had planned to play a number of listener requests from my ever-growing list. However, my internet connection decided to crap out a few days ago before I could download many of those songs. As a result, I pieced together the following podcast from bootlegs in my collection at the last minute while melting in my un-air-conditioned office. Luckily, the internet repair guy showed up ¾ of the way through, thereby making it possible for a timely upload. And despite the unexpected diversions, I’m pretty happy with how the alternative came together. Hope you like it too.

I’m always thankful for you taking the time to tune in to the podcast. I’m also always thrilled to hear from other Pearl Jam fans. If you want to contact me, please do so via email, Facebook, Twitter, or leave a comment on this post.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #10

To celebrate podcast #10 I implored you to send me song ideas to recreate the album TEN track listing using live tracks culled from the last 19 years -- and boy did you deliver! I’ve been immersed in TEN songs for the last two weeks and listening to a ton of material! Unfortunately, I can’t play all of the awesome suggestions. I did give some preference to songs that had multiple requests. Plus, I accounted for sound quality and flow. I also wanted to make sure that the song selection represented the band’s entire career to date and wasn’t weighted in one time period or tour. And here is the end result. I’m sure some of you might be rolling your eyes at some of these song selections but ultimately I think it turned out pretty well. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Like always, I appreciate you listening to the podcast and love hearing from other fans of the band. If you want to drop me a line, please do so via email, Facebook, Twitter, or leave a comment on this post.

Cheers! Donny