Crazy Mary

Frank Sinatra heard the song “My Way” and immediately told himself that ‘this is my song’. He later recorded his own studio version and it has become one of his defining songs. In similar fashion, the cover song “Crazy Mary” has evolved into one of Pearl Jam’s own. From it’s humble beginnings on a benefit album, it has become a fan favorite in the live setting. “Crazy Mary” was first written by Victoria Williams, a little known singer-songwriter with a knack for country/folk music with small town storylines. Sadly, Victoria was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993. Many caring artists decided to put together a benefit album for Victoria, with all proceeds set to pay for her increasing medical bills. As Pearl Jam has demonstrated in the past and present, they are extremely passionate about many causes, charities, and non-profit organizations. Pearl Jam had recently met a guy by the name of Young Neil, and their friendship led to the acquainting of Victoria and Pearl Jam, since Neil was a fan of the country singer. So when Eddie and Co. heard about a benefit album in the works, they jumped on board.

Now all they had to do was choose and record a song to contribute to the project. As it was decided that each song on the benefit would be a cover of a Victoria William’s original, “Crazy Mary” was chosen. Victoria’s version of “Crazy Mary” was never put to record as it only existed in demo form. With that said, it is difficult to know how much of a collaborative effort the recording of this song may have been. (She later recorded and released her own version) We do know that Victoria did in fact go to Pearl Jam’s recording space to lend her hand, both in vocals and guitar. They surrounded themselves with candles and sat in a circle, creating the perfect atmosphere. Eddie has been quoted saying it was one of the most magical moments of his recording career. ‘Sweet Relief: A Benefit for Victoria Williams’ was released in 1993.

At first, this amazing studio version was hard to come by and was only scarcely played on radio. From what I can remember, “Crazy Mary” initially went under the radar, which is rare for a song recorded by the world’s biggest band in their popularity heyday. Without today’s internet advancements in place, it took me awhile before I finally found this song on a bootleg. Nowadays you can find the benefit album on Ebay fairly easy.

The studio version of “Crazy Mary” is very pleasing to the ears. Victoria’s backing vocals are beautiful. The music itself is simplistic, with just enough subtleties to bring the vocals and story to the forefront. ‘Crazy Mary rising up above it all’ is a lyric that still brings a tear to my eye as I clearly picture this tortured woman of society rising above all the bullshit. It is a country tune sung by Eddie Vedder in 1993 when he was still the spokesman for grunge. To step outside oneself in such a fashion was a real eye opener to the potential of Pearl Jam’s music.

The song debuted live September 6, 1993 and featured Victoria Williams as a guest musician, then took an extended leave of absence until 1998. That first performance was subdued compared to today’s energetic take. During this song’s hiatus, it was widely believed that PJ was not interested in playing “Crazy Mary” live without Victoria Williams in tow. Eddie himself may have alluded to that very idea with some choice words at the mike.

Since 1998, “Crazy Mary” has become a highlight at every show it graces. It has since been played live over a hundred times, none of those versions featuring Victoria Williams. This song can work both as an acoustic number or played electric with 30,000 screaming fans. Since the addition of Kenneth “Boom” Gaspar into the fold, “Crazy Mary” has taken on a whole new feel and energy. The extended outro is amazing, with Boom’s hammond B3 organ playing the call-and-response game with Mike McCready’s solo guitar work. Other times, Boom will solo first and Mike will follow him. “Crazy Mary” is Boom’s shining moment as he can really let loose, hitting those high notes most other songs don’t call for. Vedder has perfected his vocal delivery on this particular song, sometimes delving into a Tom Waits-esq growl on parts. This song has also evolved into a moment where Vedder interacts with the crowd, passing his wine bottle to audience members so they can take a swig. “Take a bottle drink it down, pass it around.”

With all due respect to the amazing songwriter Victoria Williams, “Crazy Mary” has become Pearl Jam’s song in my eyes. They chewed it up and spit it out, old blue eyes would be proud.

~ by believeyoume123 on November 20, 2007.