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July 10, 2019: Happy 100th

Hi Brad and Brad,

Well you guys did it, 100 episodes discussing Pearl Jam (99 technically if you count the Metallica recap, but who's counting).  
It's almost been a year since I found you guys and started listening on Episode 53.  I've loved this band for quite a while, but listening to your podcast has taught me several things about Pearl Jam that I did not know.  Here's just to name a few.
  • Christmas Singles: I literally did not know about this.  I've only received one back in 2008 and kept it in good condition.  Now I find myself trying to collect them all.  It will probably take me several years to do so, but it's turned into a good excuse for me to visit any record store I pass by.
  • B-Sides: I grew up collecting cassettes and CDs and honestly did not buy my first vinyl until this year's record store day.  I bought Lost Dogs when it was released, but did not know what a B-Side was until you two.  It seems sad when I type this out, but you learn something new everyday.
  • Self Pollution Radio: I took the time late one Saturday night to listen to this 4-hour masterpiece.  If I can ever find a copy of it on any platform, I want to own it badly.
  • Off Ramp Cafe: Their first live show as a band.  I will remember the date, 10/22/1990 from here on out.
There are several things about their music that I have come to appreciate more.  I'm only naming a few of many below.
  • No Code: This record has constantly grown on me, the older I get.  It's the "Pet Sounds" or "St. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" for this group, however has not and probably will not get the accolades the aforementioned received and doesn't flow as well, but it really started to define their persona for the next 24 years.
  • You Are: I always liked this song, but after taking the time to listen to it more closely and study the lyrics, it's a song that has defined a recent period of my life between me and my wife.  "I am the shoreline, but you're the sea."
  • In Hiding: Another song I didn't spend much time with regarding the lyrics, until listening to you guys.  It defines so much of my life over the years and what helps me find my equilibrium.  "It's funny when things change so much, it's all state of mind."
Also, the relationships and other podcasts you guys have facilitated.
  • Bill Castrovince: Thank you for putting me in touch with him.  It was extremely helpful to talk with someone who went through a similar experience to a loved one of mine.
  • The Porch Podcast: I listen to Jessi and Kate as religiously as I do you two.  It's hard to think they would not have the strong following they have without your support.
  • The Podcast Community: It's hard not to listen to any Pearl Jam podcast without thinking of the other 3.  You hear common listeners across all 4 shows and consistently hear each show mention the other.  It's great to to hear so many others discuss many feelings and thoughts I've had about the band.  I've felt much less alone because of this.
Lastly, thank you for reading my emails over the podcast and responding to many others.  I know you guys probably get dozens of emails every week and I hope everyone you respond to or has their email read over the air feels as moved as I do.  It also caused me to find an outlet in my Blog, which this email will get posted onto.  Whether anyone reads it or not, at least I have a way of expressing one of my passions to anyone who is interested in reading about it.

Forced to endure, what I could not forgive,

Chris

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