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Three songs to remember Matt Cameron’s 27 fantastic years in Pearl Jam

BBG News

Over a span of thirty-five years, Pearl Jam has experienced only minimal changes in its personnel, primarily on the drum kit. The band’s former drummers such as Dave Krusen (from 1990 to 1991), Dave Abbruzzese (from 1991 to 1994), and Jack Irons (from 1994 to 1998) have all been recognized for their significant input in the band’s intricate songwriting during their time with the group.

In the realm of Seattle’s iconic band, I was not just a rhythm keeper; I was an integral part of the democratic process that shaped the music we produced. For instance, I contributed to the creation of both “Vs.” (1993) and “Vitalogy” (1994), alongside my fellow bandmates. However, there were moments when individual contributions were recognized, such as when I was credited as a co-writer on six tracks during my four-year stint. But even then, the limelight never fully belonged to any one of us; we were all essential cogs in the machine that was Pearl Jam.

After his time in Soundgarden and collaborating with bassist Jeff Ament and guitarist Stone Gossard in Temple of the Dog, Matt Cameron joined Pearl Jam during a period when the band was embracing fresh concepts.

Matt Cameron’s contributions to Pearl Jam as a songwriter/co-writer

Pearl Jam kicked off the new millennium seeking a fresh sense of self. Post-Grunge Pearl Jam primarily explores themes related to adult life. The band’s debut on Cameron’s first recorded work, “Binaural” (2000), showcases them exploring various paths. The powerful snare drum in “Nothing As It Seems” adds depth as the song progresses.

On the song “Breakerfall,” Cameron gives the track structure by layering a rigid rhythm beneath it, thereby diminishing its peculiar Who-like qualities. In a short collaboration with Eddie Vedder, “Evacuation,” Cameron finds innovative applications for his Soundgarden-inspired hi-hat accents and tempo deviations.

Pearl Jam – “Evacuation” (Binaural)

In the aftermath of the nine fatalities at Roskilde and 9/11 events, the album “Riot Act” (2002) aims to control a tumultuous wave of mixed feelings. With the inclusion of keyboardist Kenneth “Boom” Gaspar, Pearl Jam grapples with love in its various interpretations (“Love Boat Captain”). The influence of Cameron’s songwriting grows to four distinct tracks within this release.

A ‘cropduster’ is often a typical medium-paced track by Pearl Jam, marked by concise yet impactful lyrics (“I believed the world/In fact, it was me who was misunderstood”). The punky number “Get Right” provides a midpoint energy injection to the record. However, it’s important to note that while “I Am Mine” is the most emotionally charged song on the album, the unique out-of-tempo rhythm and guitar work by Cameron on “You Are” seemed to have motivated Pearl Jam to explore different rhythmic paths.

Pearl Jam – “You Are” (Riot Act)

Cameron kept refining the quickened, “Limo Wreck” vibe from “You Are” until it evolved into the chart-topping single “The Fixer,” which marked the launch of Backspacer (2009). At a swift pace, Cameron blended his unique odd-meter melodies to create riffs that tugged both forward and backward against an epic chorus reminiscent of Pearl Jam’s signature style, allowing every band member to join in unison.

Pearl Jam – “The Fixer” (Backspacer)

In the midst of countless emotional homages to Cameron, who was hailed as a “formidable musician and drummer,” Pearl Jam’s online forums were filled with reminiscences and accolades for the veteran drummer. A hopeful fan encapsulated the sentiment beautifully, “When Jack left, it felt like the end of the band. In reality, it was just the beginning.

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2025-07-10 16:00

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