SOUNDGARDEN
"Superunknown" (A&M;
1994)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Soundgarden's "Superunknown" was released in 1994. I had been exposed to Soundgarden through a work friend (once again, I have to thank Angie C). I knew Soundgarden was an outstanding band but, frankly, I did not expect to hear what came out of this CD.
Not only did the band kick ass but the production value was tops and, with that, simply one of the greatest recorded releases of all time. It may be bold for me to say that, but all you have to do is listen to this recording from start to finish and you will realize just what a great fucking band Soundgarden really is.
When "Superunknown" first came out, MTV still played music videos, and "Black Hole Sun" was in the A rotation. However, in my opinion, that is not even the best cut from that recording. "Spoonman" is and will forever be my favorite Soundgarden cut of all time.
"Superunknown" is simply one of the best recordings to come out of that era. Tight rock'n'roll music with more than a little attitude, killer musicianship and outstanding production value make "Superunknown" one of the best all-around releases of ever.
I was going to add a cheesy segment about what was going on when this recording came out but I've decided not to. All I have to say is that this is one fucking awesome recording.
For more information, check out https://www.soundgardenworld.com/.
"Badmotorfinger" (Polydor;
1991)
Reviewed by Snidermann
It was the mid-90s when a co-worker gave me a cassette tape and it was "Badmotorfinger" by Soundgarden. I have to thank Angie C. That was simply killer music she lent me. I did return her tape, but I never lost the love of Soundgarden.
Now, twenty-five years later, "Badmotorfinger" is back in my A rotation. I once heard someone say in a TV interview that if you find a high ability guitarist like Mick Jones (Foreigner), Mike Campbell (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Eddie Van Halen, Phil Campbell (Motorhead), just to name a few, that you stick with them. Make them happy and they will make your band better.
Soundgarden has one of the best guitarists I have heard in quite some time, Kim Thayil, along with legendary vocalist Chris Cornell, bassist Hiro Yamamoto and various drummers. Soundgarden released "Badmotorfinger" in 1991and never looked back. The only bummer I see is they were pigeon-holed into the genre of grunge music for no other reason than being from Seattle in the late 80s.
Soundgarden’s "Badmotorfinger" is a shot to the arm of any rock'n'roll fan that is ready to accept that grunge is just a fucking word ... but good music is good music. RIP Chris Cornell. You are gone, but you will never be forgotten.
For more information, check out https://www.soundgardenworld.com/.
"Ultramega OK" (SST;
1988)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Soundgarden was pigeon-holed into a narrow gap of music called grunge rock just because they started at about the same time the term came out. When I think of grunge rock, I think of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains and, of course, Soundgarden although, frankly, I do not think that is a fair representation. Just because a band was from the northwest and started in the mid- to late 80s doesn't mean they should be cornered into that genre.
"Ultramega OK," which I thought was Soundgarden's debut release (more on that later) is not grunge. It is rock, pure and simple. Actually, I hate that term: "grunge rock," and this is the last time I will every use that fucking moniker.
"Ultramega OK" is rock music, simple, to-the=point with a super-talented band behind it, doing what they do best. In the case of Soundgarden, that would be Chris Cornell on vocals and guitars, Hiro Yamamoto on bass, Matt Cameron on drums and, of course, Kim Thayil on guitar.
This shit is alive with great music. It's raw and the production value isn't that great but it's good enough to appreciate what great musicians this band has at its disposal. The band puts together all the shit that is needed to deliver a killer musical presentation and they do it with style and grace.
I always thought that this release, "Ultramega OK," was their first recording but, after doing research for this review, I found out they actually had two previous EPs: "Screaming for Life" and "Fopp." Now with my streaming service I can enjoy both of them and I will be reviewing them on this site soon!
For more information, check out https://www.soundgardenworld.com/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2021 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
