Rock Desk

Welcome to the Rock Desk, where Seattle Times rock critic Patrick MacDonald fills you in on the latest news, upcoming concerts, news releases and insider info on the rock 'n' roll beat. Music critic Tom Scanlon also contributes local music and club news.

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March 1, 2006 11:20 AM

Pearl Jam to release "Pearl Jam"

Posted by Patrick MacDonald

Pearl Jam announced today that its first album on a new label, J Records (after releasing eight albums on Epic over 10 years), will be called "Pearl Jam" and will be released May 2. The first single, "World Wide Suicide," will be released to radio stations March 8 and will be available as a free download March 8 and 9 at www.pearljam.com. The single will be in stores March 14.

The album will be the Seattle band's first studio release in nearly four years. J Records was founded by Clive Davis, the legendary recording-industry executive who is known to ride close herd on his recording artists, and is a master of publicity. He usually has final word on what goes into the albums and which songs will be released as singles. Under Davis, Pearl Jam will probably get the biggest boost in its career in years. Don't be surprised if the band goes back to making videos, as Davis is a big advocate of them.

Details on a world tour will be announced later this month.

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