
Grunge-rock mainstays Pearl Jam have unveiled plans to issue a souped-up version of their breakthrough 1991 debut album, "Ten."
Due in stores March 24, 2009, the revamped set will include the original version of the album, plus a new remix of the set done by the band's long-time producer, Brendan O'Brien, who has produced a number of the group's post-"Ten" recordings.
"The band loved the original mix of 'Ten,' but were also interested in what it would sound like if I were to deconstruct and remix it," O'Brien said in a prepared statement. "The original 'Ten' sound is what millions of people bought, dug and loved, so I was initially hesitant to mess around with that. After years of persistent nudging from the band, I was able to wrap my head around the idea of offering it as a companion piece to the original-giving a fresh take on it, a more direct sound."
The set will be released in four different configurations: the Legacy Edition (a two-disc set in a mini-LP style slipcase), the Deluxe Edition (a two-disc set plus DVD in a specially designed hardbound package), the Vinyl Collection (a two-LP set) and the Super Deluxe Edition (a two disc set plus a DVD, 4 LPs and a replica demo cassette in a linen-covered, slip-cased clamshell box). The Legacy, Deluxe and Super Deluxe editions will also feature a varying array of extras, including six bonus tracks: "Brother," "Just a Girl," State of Love and Trust," "Breath and a Scream," "2,000 Mile Blues" and "Evil Little Goat."
Additionally, the reissues will feature updated artwork overseen by Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament, who served as the art director for the original "Ten" packaging, and designer Andy Fischer, of Cameron Crowe's Vinyl Films.
Specific details about each of the different reissue versions, as well as the updated album artwork and a picture of the contents of the Super Deluxe Edition, are posted at Pearl Jam's website.
The "Ten" reissue "serves as the launch of a planned two-year catalogue re-release campaign leading up to the band's 20th anniversary in 2011," according to a press release.