News Roundup: Pearl Jam, Pavement, Loudon Wainwright III

Videos by American Songwriter

The always cool Wolfgang’s Vault, home of rock memorabilia and free classic rock concert streams, has uploaded their first concert by Pearl Jam. Head here to hear a “swashbuckling” 1994 concert at Fox Theater in Atlanta, featuring now-rare songs like “Release Me,” “Whipping,” and “Glorified G.”

Speaking of the grunge era, alternative rock powerhouse Soundgarden have reunited. The band, who formed in 1985, broke up in 1997, after which lead singer Chris Cornell went on to form Audioslave with members of Rage Against The Machine, and pursue a troubled solo career. Cornell wrote on his Twitter: “The 12-year break is over and school is back in session, sign up now – Knights of the Soundtable ride again!” For album and tour updates, keep your eyes posted to Soundgardenworld.com.

Beck’s been covering Skip Spence’s psych-rock oddity Oar via his Record Club. An awesome new video of former duet partners Jeff Tweedy and Feist singing the song “Broken Heart” is now up on Beck’s website. Beck’s voice can be heard in the left speaker, singing along. Highly recommended.

Pavement made waves when they announced they’d be reuniting in 2010. On March 8, you’ll be able to relive their greatest moments, or find out what all the hype is about, as Matador will release Quarintine The Past: The Best of Pavement. The label will also be releasing all of Pavement’s original albums on vinyl on that day. Pavement will rock Central Park’s Summer Stage in September.

Freak Folk harpist and singer-songwriter Joanna Newsom will hit the road this month, touring Australia and Japan before bringing her quirky magic to the States for a slew of gigs in March, including Knoxville, Tennessee’s Big Ear Festival. Fans have been eagerly awaiting her next album. Also firing up the van will be Loudon Wainwright III, who’s been garnering critical acclaim (and a Grammy Nomination) for his latest album, High Wide and Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project, which features music by and about the late picker and singer. Check out the dates below:

1/15 New York, NY @ Rubin Museum of Art *

1/16 Natick, MA @ Center for the Arts

1/27 Vienna, VA @ The Barns at Wolf Trap

1/28 Annapolis, MD @ Rams Head (with Lucy Wainwright Roche)

1/29 Fairfield, CT @ FTC Stage One

2/9 Los Angeles, CA @ Largo at The Coronet

2/11 Santa Cruz, CA @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center

2/12 Petaluma, CA @ Mystic Theatre (with Solid Air)

2/13 Berkeley, CA @ Freight & Salvage (with Alex Caton)

4/30 St. Augustine, FL @ Gamble Rogers Folk Festival

5/1 Orlando, FL @ Plaza Theater

5/28 Yosemite, CA @ Strawberry Music Festival