Merkin Ball is an extended play (EP) by Grunge band Pearl Jam. The EP contains two songs: A side I Got Id (also known as I Got Shit) and B side Long Road, both written by Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder. The EP features Canadian American musician Neil Young and was released on December 4, 1995, through Epic Records. Merkin Ball is a companion to Young‘s 1995 album, Mirror Ball.
The EP became a chart hit, particularly in Australia and Scandinavia. It reached number two in Australia, number three in Finland, number five in Norway, and number 10 in Denmark. In the United States, the EP peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, number two on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, and number three on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. It has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. I Got Id was included on Pearl Jam‘s 2004 greatest hits album, rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991–2003).
Tracklist:
- I Got Id (also known as I Got Shit)
- Long Road
Pearl Jam
Jeff Ament: bass guitar on Long Road
Jack Irons: percussion, drums
Eddie Vedder: guitar, vocals
Additional musicians and production
Neil Young: guitar, pump organ, vocals
Brendan O’Brien: bass guitar on I Got Id
Joel Bernstein: portraits
Brett Eliason: production, engineering and mixing
