Album Review: Ukulele Songs, Eddie Vedder

Does what it says on the tin. Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder - once considered the most serious man in rock, even if only by me - playing ukulele.
It seems almost comical, until you listen to the music.
Vedder kicks off with Can't Keep, an acoustic version of the opening track from Pearl Jam's Riot Act - arguably their best album. So we begin on somewhat familiar ground, and are reminded at once of Soon Forget, the ukulele track from the band's Binaural.
There's a simple beauty, and a beautiful simplicity, to the songs - though after a while you lose track of proceedings as each track's gentle strums and soft yet pained baritone melt into those of the next.
There's a touch of Texas Campfire Tapes about the whole concept, which adds to its appeal. But as enjoyable as this album is, it's probably best if Vedder plugs back in and leaves the novelty act as a one-off.

Stars: 3.5/5