Records stores across Ames and the country are making way today for the release of “Yeild,” the fifth and long awaited record from grunge pioneers Pearl Jam.

However, it is unsure whether the CD, which reportedly features the band moving in yet another musical direction, will be one of the year’s strongest sellers.

“I expect it to be a moderate seller,” Charlie Stewart, manager of Peeple’s Music, said. “But each Pearl Jam release has sold a little less than the previous one. There seems to be less enthusiasm for the band.”

While Pearl Jam’s fourth release, “No Code,” was highly criticized by music magazines, “Yeild” has already received improved reviews.

The first release off the record, “Given to Fly,” is currently No. 3 on Billboard Modern Rock Singles Chart.

While Stewart declined to mention how many of the CDs he ordered for his store, he said Peeple’s Music will be running a sale on it and all of the previous Pearl Jam CDs, including the critically acclaimed “Ten,” “Vs.” “Vitalogy” and “No Code.”

Many retailers are hoping that pre-release listening parties will draw fans in to buy the new recording. Musicland hosted a party Monday from 7-12 p.m. and will be opening at 7 a.m. this morning to kick off another listening session that is scheduled to last until 9.

Disc Go Round also threw a midnight sale Monday to help promote the CD. Retail prices are a little under $12 at all three stores.

Perhaps the most aggressive promotion of the CD comes from Best Buy, which started advertising “Yield” in its Sunday ads four weeks ago.

Last Sunday, Best Buy ran a full-page ad that proclaimed the chain would have the new release on sale for $12.99 and the first 50 customers who bought “Yield” would also receive a free limited edition vinyl featuring live and unreleased material.

Best Buy is also having a sale on the group’s previous CDs and has an extra stock of the group’s eight singles on sale.