Chicago Band Slow Pulp Covers Pearl Jam Hit
The local group recorded a new stripped-down version of the 1994 classic Better Man for SiriusXMU.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Alternative
Chicago-based band Slow Pulp has released a new cover of the Pearl Jam song Better Man. The recording, which features a stripped-down musical arrangement, was performed specifically for the radio station SiriusXMU.
Why it matters
This release follows the band's recent launch of their third studio album, Melodie. It also adds a new interpretation to a frequently covered track that has previously been performed by artists like Post Malone and Brandi Carlile.
The band released their third album, Melodie, last month. The original song Better Man was featured on Pearl Jam's 1994 album Vitalogy.
The players
Slow Pulp
A band based in Chicago that recently released their third studio album titled Melodie.
Pearl Jam
An influential rock band that originally released the song Better Man on their 1994 album Vitalogy.
SiriusXMU
A satellite radio station that commissions exclusive performances and cover recordings from various artists.
The details
Slow Pulp recorded their version of the song for SiriusXMU, opting for a minimalist arrangement. The track is notable for being a significant departure from the original grunge sound of the 1994 Pearl Jam recording.
Timeline
1994: Pearl Jam released the album Vitalogy.
2021: Brandi Carlile performed with Pearl Jam at Ohana Fest.
2022: Post Malone covered Better Man on the Howard Stern show.
September 2026: Slow Pulp released the album Melodie.
Industry Dynamics
Slow Pulp's cover follows in the footsteps of the 2022 performance of Better Man by Post Malone on The Howard Stern Show. This recording demonstrates how modern indie artists are continuing to reinterpret rock classics to reach new, digital-first audiences.
Fans can hear the new stripped-down version of the song exclusively through SiriusXMU platforms. The cover provides an accessible, minimalist take on the classic track for listeners currently following the release of the band's latest album.
The takeaway
Music fans can appreciate how bands use stripped-down covers to highlight the core songwriting of classic rock hits. These reinterpretations often allow listeners to discover new depths in familiar songs they have heard for decades.
Further reading
For more on the local music scene, browse our Alternative section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Stereogum.
