PEARL JAM LOOKS AHEAD
BILLBOARD
by Jonathan Cohen
May 28, 2004

After a long break, activity is slowly brewing in the Pearl Jam camp. The group's official Web site hints at a handful of future releases and live performances by the fall. "There could be some shows -- maybe acoustic, maybe not, a possible CD of some sort, and it's possible the band may head back to the studio towards the end of the year to begin work on their eighth album," the site says. "As far as new music from side projects goes, some releases are possible but not definite," the post continues, referring to such affiliated acts as Brad and the Rockfords. In addition, frontman Eddie Vedder is confirmed to appear on former Pearl Jam drummer Jack Irons' upcoming solo album, but will not make a rumored guest spot on the Who's in-progress studio release.

The prospective fall shows may be held in swing states in the run-up toward the U.S. presidential election. And while Pearl Jam actively campaigned for Ralph Nader in the 2000 election, the site says the group will not play any fundraisers on his behalf this year. Bassist Jeff Ament and guitarist Stone Gossard will be seen in the upcoming documentary "Malfunksun: The Andrew Wood Story," which chronicles the life of the late Mother Love Bone vocalist. Former Soundgarden members Chris Cornell and Kim Thayil have also participated in the film. Finally, the site confirms that Sony Music is working on a Pearl Jam greatest hits album, with details to be announced. The band exited Sony's Epic Records last year after spending its entire career on the label. Pearl Jam says it is "still leaving options open" for a new record deal.

DEFYING CONVENTION
BOSTON PHOENIX
by Steven Stycos

Will Americans be able to exercise their fundamental right to protest at the major-party conventions in Boston and New York this summer? For more: http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18798

IRAQ 'SUPERMAX' PRISON WON'T WIPE AWAY ABU GHRAIB STAIN
PACIFIC NEWS SERVICE
by Earl Ofari Hutchinson

The horror of America's own supermaxes mocks Bush's claim that supermax prisons will fix the problem in Iraq. Read more: http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18819

WAL-MART WELFARE
THE PROGRESS REPORT
by David Sirota, Christy Harvey and Judd Legum

Wal-Mart has received more than $1 billion in economic development subsidies from states while many states are making tough budget decisions because of White House tax cuts and reductions in federal grants. Click here full story: http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18816

COUNTER CULTURAL PROGRAMMING
IN THESE TIMES
by Michael Atkinson

Finally, a movie list to combat the numbing media avalanche; the best 'lefty' films ever made are sure to keep the flags of discontent flying. In Movie Mix: http://www.alternet.org/movies/