I listen to PJ all of the time (probably my favorite band) and I'll agree the production quality on the newer albums is phenomenal. IMO, there is nothing wrong with the earlier albums, just not quite up to the level of their newer stuff.

My favorite album is, and I'm sure will always be, Vitalogy (Corduroy sounds amazing). Their last couple of albums have been great though, if a bit too political for my tastes.

"Chickens don't clap."