In this article, we dive into the Redux version of Present Tense featured on Pearl Jam’s latest EP—and take a look at the band’s history of re-recorded tracks over the years.
In Pearl Jam’s world, musical evolution doesn’t just mean writing new songs—it also means revisiting older ones, sometimes giving them a whole new life. Before we get into the details of this Redux Present Tense, let’s take a step back and explore a cool part of the band’s journey: the songs they’ve actually re-recorded in the studio over the years.
Songs Pearl Jam Has Re-recorded
Before we zoom in on Present Tense, it’s worth pointing something out: not every tweaked version of a song counts as a proper “re-recording.” For example, a lot of the tracks on Lost Dogs (2003) feature slight changes—maybe a different instrumental layer here, a bit of remixing there. These are more like “revised and updated” versions, not full-on re-records.
But then there are songs that have been straight-up re-recorded in the studio—offering up brand-new takes that sometimes even outshine the originals.
1. Even Flow (1992)
First up, there’s Even Flow. This one got re-recorded in 1992 after Dave Abbruzzese joined the band, bringing a way punchier style than original drummer Dave Krusen. That version showed up on the single, in the music video, and later on the Rearviewmirror greatest hits compilation. A lot of fans actually prefer this version—it’s got more energy and shows how just changing the groove behind a song can totally shift the vibe without losing its core.
2. Brother (2009)
In 2009, Pearl Jam dropped a fully re-recorded version of Brother—a song that had only ever existed as a 1991 demo. Eddie Vedder went in and laid down new vocals, turning what was once an instrumental on Lost Dogs into a full, fully realized track. The new take hit harder and brought out a deeper emotional tone the original demo never had a chance to.
3. Release (2013)
Another big one: Release. Originally the closing track on Ten (1991), Vedder re-recorded the vocals in 2013 to match the dark tone of the film Out of the Furnace. That version wasn’t officially released on the soundtrack, but it’s become a rare gem among hardcore fans. With its updated vocal delivery, the song took on a whole new mood—somber, haunting, and perfectly in sync with the movie’s vibe.
Present Tense Redux 2025 Version
Now let’s get to the heart of this piece: the Redux version of Present Tense from Pearl Jam’s latest EP. Originally released in 1996 on No Code, this song has been reimagined in a pretty striking way.
The most obvious changes are in the instrumentation. Back in ’96, Present Tense was all about that electric guitar and percussion interplay. But this time around, the band swapped the electric vibe for layered acoustic guitars. The whole instrumental track was re-recorded, and it sounds like it was laid down by the current lineup—which means Matt Cameron’s on drums. That alone marks a pretty big shift. The original had Jack Irons doing his thing with a very distinct, tribal-style groove, while Cameron brings a more modern punch to the beat. It gives the song a fresh energy while still honoring its roots.
What’s even cooler is what Eddie Vedder did with the vocals. The first verse? That’s straight from the original 1996 recording—same take fans know and love from No Code. But starting with the second verse, everything changes. Vedder re-sang the rest of the track, giving it a whole new emotional flavor. It feels like he’s revisiting the song not just as a singer, but as someone who’s lived a lot more life since the original cut. The choice to leave the first verse untouched seems like a tip of the hat to the original, while the updated vocals feel like a personal and artistic rebirth.
This Redux version of Present Tense isn’t just a reflection of the band reworking their past—it’s a reminder of how Pearl Jam always keeps evolving. Their re-recordings aren’t just nostalgia trips; they’re acts of reinvention. They let the band reconnect with the past while giving fans a whole new lens to experience the music through.
Scroll down to hear both versions: the 1996 original and the brand-new Redux version released 29 years later on The Last of Us EP.
Born in Reggio Emilia in 1980. He created pearljamonline.it in 2001 and wrote the first edition of “Pearl Jam Evolution” in 2009 along with his wife Daria. Since 2022, he is behind 2 podcasts: “Pearl Jam dalla A alla Z” and “Fuori Orario Not Another Podcast”. He has collaborated with Barracuda Style, HvsR, Rolling Stone, Rockol and Il Fatto Quotidiano. He continues relentlessly to try to find “beautiful melodies that say terrible things”.
Favorite song: Present Tense
Favorite album: No Code
Favorite bands/artists other than PJ: Tom Waits, Soundgarden, Ramones, Bruce Springsteen, IDLES, Fontaines D.C., The Murder Capital, Dead Kennedys, Mark Lanegan, Cat Power, R.E.M.