08/6/00 - Bercy, Paris, France

Pearl Jam

If vocalist Eddie Vedder took any foreign-language courses in high school, my bet is that they were French. He at least attempts to speak a few phrases, and sprinkles words here and there (even if his pronunciation and accent aren't so hot), unlike other shows on the tour in which he basically speaks as though he's back in the States. Two hard-hitting tunes off of Binaural--the fast, punky "God's Dice" and the staccato stutter-step of "Evacuation"--are included in the set. The sweet, hummable melody of "In Hiding" is a welcome addition, and the usual improv jam in the middle of "Rearviewmirror" turns the song into a particularly inspiring closer. Lead guitarist Mike McCready makes his presence felt in a big way on this date, taking his usual smokin' solos from Ten's "Even Flow" and "Black" to screaming crescendos. Neil Young's "Fuckin' Up," at the end of the encore, is also a bonus in this already powerful performance. --Adem Tepedelen

08/6/00 - Bercy, Paris, France Album: