The headlining trek will precede the band's supporting role opening for Pearl Jam [ tickets ] for seven dates in July. Ex-Pavement bassist Mark Ibold will join the band as touring bass player during the outing, which kicks off June 13 at New York's CBGB.

The band has tabbed Nashville teen-rockers Be Your Own Pet as openers for the first half of the tour, while Awesome Color, a self-described Michigan-based "psychedelic garage band," will handle support duties beginning with the June 21 date in Tulsa, OK.

Sonic Youth will also tackle a June 18 slot at the Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester, TN, while further down the line the band has nailed down a spot on the Aug. 5 Lollapalooza roster in Chicago.

"Rather Ripped," which was recorded in late 2005 in the band's hometown of New York, is Sonic Youth's first new album since 2004's "Sonic Nurse," and also the band's first since the departure of Jim O'Rourke from the group. O'Rourke had been a full member of the band since 2002's "Murray Street" CD.