Every cult band has its own personal cult following: The Grateful Dead’s “Deadheads,” Phish’s “Phishheads” and even Jimmy Buffett’s “Parrotheads.” The overzealous fan base of Pearl Jam, or the “Jamily,” is no different, and these days, they once again have something to celebrate. The band released their ninth album since 1991, Backspacer. The new sound is sure to satisfy the fanatics, as well as those who only recognize the name Pearl Jam from jamming out to “Alive” on “Rock Band 2.”

Named after the typewriter key — songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Eddie Vedder often typewrites his lyric drafts — Backspacer is available at any local record store, but is mainly distributed through Target stores. The vinyl is also available at Target, as well as a CD with just the single “The Fixer.” This single has gotten the most public coverage thus far, but the other songs will surpass it in fame once fans take a listen to the 10 other tracks.

Unlike “Gonna See My Friend,” where the repetition is imperative to drive forth the edge and grit of the song, “The Fixer’s” repeated melody is a bit immature for a band as time-honored as Pearl Jam. While it’s as catchy and soulful as could be desired, the song leaves the listener waiting for a melodic variation that never comes, not to mention the somewhat uninspired lyrics compared to the rest of the album. For example, in “Amongst the Waves” when Vedder croons, “Remember back the early days…the first time you saw blood/ Cut to later, now you’re strong/ You’ve bled yourself, the wounds are gone,” reminding fans why they listened to Pearl Jam in the first place: Vedder’s ability to turn raw, sinewy edge into poetry.

The video of “The Fixer” has been generally criticized for its lack of special effects among other things, as it simply depicts footage of the band performing their song at a small indoor concert. Yet, what true fans should realize is Pearl Jam has always strived to be above commercial aspects of professional musicianship and did not make music videos for most of their hit songs. And while this particular video is far from the flash and glamour that this generation is used to, it allowed a select number of fans the chance of a lifetime — to be in the music video of a band they love, and for most, a band they have loved since 1991.

Promising to be a listener favorite is “Johnny Guitar,” an entertaining, grin-tempting song of disappointment that tells the story of a real guitarist, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, who always seemed to get the girls.

Something interesting, and assumedly the band’s intent, is the fact that as the album winds down, the track titles seem to signify its closing. The album finishes with the slow and reflective “The End,” and considering the band has already been producing music for almost two decades, one would hope this title does not also hold significance for their career.

Backspacer contains some jams and some more chill songs. Some are older and some are newer — the well-crafted ear orgasm of “Gonna See My Friend” is sure to remind the contemporary music listener of the breakthrough band Cage the Elephant. Another more modern aspect is how the always political-minded band has not kept concealed the reason for the higher proportion of up-tempo tracks: their delight in the election of President Barack Obama.

Backspacer admittedly cannot cross boundaries of time to the mental and musical state the band had in the ’90s, but they have proved they are still able to produce a worthwhile and pleasing sound. Bottom line is, it’s no Ten, but Backspacer will still warm tender Jamily hearts.

4 stars out of 5.