It’s Finally Here: The Return of Soundgarden
Well, it seems after 13 years, they’re returning to the stage this summer at various festivals. To celebrate the amazing music that Soundgarden left the world to ponder over during their hiatus, Vitamin String Quartet is releasing “VSQ Performs Soundgarden” soon.
With classic grunge anthems like “Black Hole Sun” (that video still creeps me out), “Spoon Man”, “Fell on Black Days”, “Pretty Noose”, and “Burden in My Hand”, Soundgarden was a force to be reckoned with in the 1990’s. Featuring Cornell’s made for rock, belting vocals, Soundgarden achieved its most success with the album “Superunknown” from the ridiculously amazing year of music that was 1994. While many modern bands have cited Soundgarden as an influence, many fans were ashamed to mention their loyalty as Cornell pumped out a steady flow of unworthy “hits” until coming to his senses recently, but that’s no reason to take away how talented this band once was (hopefully still is). With searing guitar solos, very solid melodies, and that bad ass Cornell yell, what wasn’t to love?
I will say I am a bit worried though about these unannounced shows that are said to happen starting this summer, does Cornell still have the voice? I’ve heard many people who have seen him live in the last five or so years say he lost it, he can’t hit those notes anymore, he’s like Axl Rose post-2000. Let’s hope they were wrong or that he’s saving the best for his old standby. Come on Spoon Man, save me.
“Fans of Soundgarden have had to suffer for the last 13 years from the effect of Chris Cornell’s ego”
“…does Cornell still have the voice?”
You can comment on Chris Cornell’s ego with commitment, yet you have no idea if he still has the voice? Sounds like you are just making noise but have nothing with which to back it up. Check this Youtube link out and then you tell me if he still has his voice:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=chris+cornell+troubadour&search_type=&aq=0&oq=chris+cornell+troubado
Now go check your OWN ego at the door or check out some of Cornell’s music from the last few years on YouTube. Maybe you shouldn’t judge so easily without doing your homework.
Anyone who thinks Chris Cornell can’t sing any more should check out these live videos from his solo show in Los Angeles at the end of January 2010. Start with “When I’m Down” and then move onto “Ticket To Ride”.
http://www.youtube.com/user/TenaciousLibbs
Thank you to Persiphone for already saying EXACTLY what I was thinking as I read the question “does Cornell still have a voice” For someone who seems to know so much about the “failings” of Cornells solo career, you would think the author would know that there has been nothing but accolades for the mans voice, ESPECIALLY as of late! If you are going to write an article…at least be knowledgeable! No credibility here anywhere in this article…just personal opinions based on NOTHING.
Thanks for the responses everyone.
I do speak from experience in having seen him attempt to sing live with Audioslave, bailing on the high notes, and not really into the performance.
I also speak from experience in having heard all his solo albums, including the awful last one that was so bad his contemporary Trent Reznor even said about it, “You know that feeling you get when somebody embarrasses themselves so badly YOU feel uncomfortable? Heard Chris Cornell’s record? Jesus.”
I also speak from having read many horrible reviews of his tour for said album, which I didn’t see, which aren’t my opinions, but read pretty damning, like this: http://www.nypress.com/blog-3856-chris-cornell-at-webster-hall.html
and this: http://blogs.pitch.com/wayward/2009/04/concert_review_chris_cornell_a.php
(Best part of that one is this line: “But, by far the most startling aspect was Cornell’s voice — or lack therof. Even when he erupted into a tirade of yells, the ear drums were merely tickled.”)
I’m not even going to get into posting reviews about his solo albums… We all know how those read…
But I’m digressing a bit, I truly do love Soundgarden and think that Cornell was literally the voice of rock and roll, but come on… You simply can’t compare playing an acoustic show to playing a rock show. There’s completely different dynamics involved, you’re singing over a band, you need to yell to get those notes heard. In these videos he’s barely hitting his high notes, and he’s maybe at half the volume he used to be able to handle, so it’s not really a fair comparison…
Look at what happened to Axl Rose when he tried to play “Welcome to the Jungle” at the 2002 VMAs and completely embarrassed himself trying to hit those notes. Their singing styles are similar in that they use the same belting, diaphragm methods… It just worries me a bit is all, I’d hate to see the band’s image in my mind tarnished by a half-ass performance…
I truly do hope that he does kill it, but an acoustic show proves nothing… When he stands on stage and can hit the notes in “Pretty Noose” perfectly over the rest of the band, than I’ll admit I was worried about nothing…
Cornell has been touring steadily with his band since 04/07. He did (approximately) 113 shows in 2007; 59 shows touring with Projekt Revolution in 2008; and 72 shows in 2009. (links may not have had all shows listed.) His shows averaged a 2 1/2 hour performance.
While you may need the high notes of “Pretty Noose” to convince you of CC’s vocal ability, take a listen to “Say Hello 2 Heaven” performed at the Hard Rock Cafe in Vegas 10/09. AND notice, he’s singing over a band:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCF-D4HU_to
Put your worries to rest! Cornell delivers with boundless energy and incredible soul!
Here’s another Youtube video that many have been thrilled by:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml5JrKJCzDY
Classic Cornell scream included….
An acoustic show proves nothing? I thought you were trying to sell a string quartet here?
On the contrary, an acoustic show leaves a singer with nothing to hide behind. It shows every flaw and every nuance of a voice. Cornell has had his rough patches vocally, but not often since he gave up the booze and tobacco. His voice is currently in stunning condition.
But I doubt there’s much point in trying to convince someone who needs to believe someone’s work is crap – even quoting Trent “I want to be Courtney Love” Reznor’s pathetic schoolyard bitchery to back them up.
For what its worth there are plenty of recent videos on YouTube which show Cornell is well able to sing Soundgarden material – or covers of classics like Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song – over a loud live band.
Jesus Christ Pose http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eje0eZDHpM
Immigrant Song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9OLBoa8IXc
During Audioslave he had several bouts of laryngitis and some infections. He was actually on teh brink of being put in the hospital a few times if I remember correctly. From time to time there were issues because of that. But since dumping cigs and dairy his voice is clearer than ever. Trent reznor…there is a piece of work for ya. New fans who really weren’t aware of Cornells past loved Scream. I am an “old fan” and I enjoyed him changing it up. As far as scream is concerned it is a very “to each his own” it doesn’t make him a failure. Check out ccfanpage.com or ijeffgarden.com for recent, very hard rocking non acoustic performances and you will not be disappointed.
Blah ze Blah. Soundgarden was and is an important band. A lot of people can’t really comprehend how good and influential they really were.
The fact that they are reuniting is awesome. Yes Chris Cornell’s solo material sucks, but who’s doesn’t?
And the first Audioslave record was good. That’s all most bands can claim anyway.