WILD CARD Lost Dogs (2003)

Sometimes, you can judge a band by the songs that don’t make their albums, and there are gems galore here. The early days have a strong showing with the groovesome “Alone,” Ten outtakes “Hold On” and

hypnotic B-side “Wash” (one of their first compositions). Soundtrack song “Hard to Imagine” is a highlight; Gossard’s eastern lick building to a majestic outro. Some of the “Binaural” and “Riot Act” outtakes here, like “Sad,” are even better than songs that made the albums, but it’s worth getting familiar with all the tracks if you’re going to a Pearl Jam gig — such is the unpredictable nature of their setlists every night. It’s very likely one will be “Yellow Ledbetter” — their traditional show closer’s central lick is McCready (and his Strat) fully embracing his inner-Hendrix.

Download: “Yellow Ledbetter”