Weekend reading: Pearl Jam, Twitter and lots of new music

Seattle grunge has been in the news lately, and that’s even if you put aside the whole Pearl Jam reissue.

Thank Chris Cornell for the headlines. He just released an album produced by Timbaland, and people aren’t exactly crazy about it.

In particular, Nine Inch Nail’s Trent Reznor talked some smack via Twitter — just like a tween! And then Cornell fired back, sort of, also through the Twitter, but less like a tween and more like weird preacher guy.

Then, to toss a little curveball into the drama, Soundgarden (minus Cornell) reformed for a short set at the Crocodile, which just reminded some that Cornell used to really deliver the goods. Then many single tears were shed by fans.

Whew. And to think, no one will care about ANY of that in about two week’s time.

Anyway, here are some interviews about the Pearl Jam reissue and other stuff.

Jeff Ament wasn’t crazy about all that pink on the cover of “Ten.” (Billboard)

And Eddie Vedder doesn’t want to be the plumber of rock stars. (Newsweek)

I’m shocked — just shocked — to find out that 50 Cent lets his lackeys post incredibly lame Twitters on his behalf, including, “My ambition leads me through a tunnel that never ends.” Shaq disapproves too. (NY Times)

50 Cent aside, some of these Twittermajigs are probably for real. Like the one where Ryan Adams starts posting from his fiance Mandy Moore’s account. Or Robin Pecknold’s cigarette-snapping extravanganza. (Stereogum)

Speaking of Mandy Moore, her album is one of the 45 spring/summer releases Rolling Stone has rounded up in a handy little preview. (Rolling Stone)

Blender magazine is folding. (Advertising Age)