Catching up with Pearl Jam

Last week, Pearl Jam was named top American rock band by readers of USA Today's Pop Candy. This week, guitarist Mike McCready answers fans' questions by way of email. Read all of his responses here.

What can you tell the fans about the new album and the next tour in North America? — Kasey Lawson, Murfreesboro, Tenn.

The new album is about halfway done. It sounds incredible. Ed (Vedder) is singing like I have never heard. He has raised the bar on all the songs. I think we all have pushed each other to make (dare I say) a really classic and rockin' album. There's no release date set for the record or the tour yet, but we hope to be out playing in the States next year.