Odds & Ends: Jack White, Soundgarden, Beck, Joan Jett

When Soundgarden hits the road next year you won’t find Matt Cameron behind the drum kit. A post on the band’s website today explains that the drummer is taking 2014 off because of prior commitments to hit the road with Pearl Jam as well as “the desire to have more time at home with my family.”

Cameron added, “I am trying to balance the many twists and turns of my awesome music career. This is temporary. I am still an active member of Soundgarden. Chris, Ben, Kim and I are in the process of finding the perfect substitute for the upcoming Soundgarden dates in 2014. Thank you all for listening and the Years of Support!”

Last week Soundgarden announced it had booked a handful of June gigs in Germany with Black Sabbath. So far, the band’s 2014 schedule also includes appearances at Lollapalooza in Santiago, Chile; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Beck recently talked to Argentine newspaper Página/12 about why he’s waited so many years to release a new (non-sheet music) album since 2008’s Modern Guilt.

During the interview the singer divulged that he had to spend time recovering from an injury to his spine, according to a translation by TheFutureHeart.com (via Rolling Stone).

“I had some injuries, I had severe damage to my spine, but now it’s improving so I’m back in the music,” Beck said. “It was a long, long recovery. Lately I concentrated on playing guitar. Do not think I can move again as before, although I can give a lot onstage.”

During the past five years he’s built his own studio and produced music for acts including Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks, Thurston Moore and Dwight Yoakam.

Beck said that producing was “just something that I always wanted to do but had not had time for in my career.” He noted, “I think it was healthy to be on the other side of the glass in the studio. I gained perspective and have helped others.”

He also discussed the album he recorded in late 2008 that he never put out, saying “after a while [it] stopped ringing fresh.”

Beck’s next LP, Morning Phase, is due out in February.

Jack White’s record label is launching “The Great Third Man Turkey Drive” to help the Nashville Rescue Mission reach its annual goal of collecting 1,000 turkeys, along with food and clothes for hungry and homeless locals in need.

Now through Nov. 26 Third Man is accepting turkeys; non-perishable food items (requesting BIG CANS please); and winter hats, socks or gloves.

To thank music fans for their generosity, those who donate a turkey or needed items equal to the cost of a turkey will receive a seven-inch vinyl of their choice (with the exception of limited edition or specialty discs). Fans will also get a picture taken of them posing with the turkey and the vinyl that will be posted on Third Man’s wall of fame.

A rare Dead Weather triple-decker vinyl record will be awarded as a grand prize to the person who donates the most turkeys or other eligible items.

Third Man is also encouraging folks to volunteer for the Nashville Rescue Mission’s Thanksgiving banquet.     

Click here for more information about joining The Great Third Man Turkey Drive.

South Dakota ranchers have gotten their way and convinced Macy’s to remove Joan Jett from the state’s tourism float at the annual Thanksgiving Day parade.

Ranchers took issue with Jett and her band, The Blackhearts, representing South Dakota because the rocker is a longtime vegetarian and supporter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

“Coming from such a rural state where livestock is such a part of our life, we didn’t think it was appropriate,” South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association President Cory Eich, who farms and ranches in South Dakota, told the Associated Press.

Macy’s parade spokesman Orlando Veras said Jett will now appear on another float “to prevent any further distraction from our entertainment mission.”

Jett released her own statement, saying, “I’ve decided to switch from South Dakota to another float because people’s political agendas were getting in the way of what should be a purely entertainment driven event. I will remain focused on entertaining the millions of people watching, who will be celebrating a great American tradition.”

A new performer for the South Dakota float, which features Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, will be announced. The AP noted that it was Macy’s, rather than state officials, that selected Jett to appear on the float.