What made Soundgarden great was they did things on their own terms, much like PJ. Inevitably it was the pressure of success that drove them apart. Cornell wanted the success, and wanted to change their sound to accomodate that, something that Thayil objected with.
Thayil seemed to believe that an artist shouldnt compromise their art...essentially he didn't believe he should 'SELL OUT'.
Plus the ever increasing demands of touring and Shepherd's increasing temper tantrums basicaly pushed them to break up.
In terms of albums, whilst PJ are a fav band of mine, Superunknown blows their body of work out of the water. PJ are pretty straight forward to be honest. Soundgarden weren't afraid to do the unexpected.
In terms of musicians....
Cornell is a tad overrated, but there's no doubting his legacy. Its weird how good he actually was at songwriting. Don't know what the hell happened to make him lose the plot! Stayley was probly the most unique singer, Eddie the best Lyricist.
Thayil, whilst not the best, was unconvential enough to make his mark. He learnt the art of subtlety towards the end and was awesome to listen to. In terms of the best guitarist i'd say Cantrell. He was less flashy but had more substance.
Shepherd was by far the best bassist. He was an amazing songwriter and had interesting ideas that the other bassists didn't have. He was a 'dangerous' player...not convential at all.
Sorry to say it but Cameron is by FAARRR the best Seattle drummer. He was subtle, complex and innovative. Grohls just a hard hiter, Peters is a bit sloppy, Abruzzeze was too cymbal happy, Kinney never really stood out. Cameron is streets ahead of all of them.
Oh and no other band could have wrote 'Head Down'.
"That f***ing guy makes me wanna puke, sending a statue of himself on tour: what the f*** is all that about? What a f***ing jerk. You know what I hope? I hope he's buggering Lisa Marie! Shit, that asshole Elvis must be rolling in his grave, F***er."
I'm one of those who think that Superunknown is among the best albums of the 90's. It's just so different from its predecessor and just seems so damn cool. I am also of the opinion that Cameron was the best drummer in the 'grunge' scene if only because of the subtle jazz influence in his drumming. (Kinney is up there, too. Such a distinct sound.) I do think that, at least in the studio, Soundgarden was the most technically proficient band of the "Big 4".
However, having seen them in concert in 94, I can understand how Cornell can be described as annoying. Thayil and Cameron were pretty awesome. If I remember correctly, Cornell and Shepherd came across as assholes. The only think that I really remember fondly from that concert was Cornell singing Mind Riot, without the band.
This is in contrast w/ Pearl Jam, who have always seemed to exude a great deal of warmth and solidarity with their audience. However, I didn't see PJ in concert until 2000, so I didn't see them at their most 'intense'.
However, having seen them in concert in 94, I can understand how Cornell can be described as annoying. Thayil and Cameron were pretty awesome. If I remember correctly, Cornell and Shepherd came across as assholes. The only think that I really remember fondly from that concert was Cornell singing Mind Riot, without the band.
This is in contrast w/ Pearl Jam, who have always seemed to exude a great deal of warmth and solidarity with their audience. However, I didn't see PJ in concert until 2000, so I didn't see them at their most 'intense'.
Yeah Soundgarden never seemed very fond of their fans in the same was a PJ -not to say that they didn't apreciate them. I don't really think that they gave a shit about what people thought which I think was always part of the attraction with them. From all reports (I have never seen them live) their performances were aimed at 'kicking you in the guts' rather than 'sharing the love'
Vedder is the best frontman.
Mcready is the best lead guitarist. You could argue Cantrell.
Gossard is the best rhythm guitarist.
Ament for bass.
Cammeron on drums.
So Pearl Jam has all the better talent in my opinion, excluding Cammeron on drums. But, he's on PJ's side now! Also, they are by far superior in songwriting to soundgarden.
Pretty interesting conversation this is turning into. It's kind of like the Rolling Stone top XXX of YYY. It's so subjective it just starts arguments.
I love all the bands mentioned and all the musicians mentioned.
For the record, I think Cantrell's talents lie as a writer rather than as a guitarist, I find some of his soloing to be very "obvious" or something, not quite sure what word I'm looking for. I also think Alice In Chains are dating faster than the others. It could be a production issue.
On the SoundGarden issue, from a muso band point of view, I pretty much think they are unsurpassed. The interplay between the musicians on a rhythmic level is wonderful. I'm sure soemone could pull a long forgotten name out of their ass from the 70's or something that do something similar, but Soundgarden maintained credibility while doing it which I think is the hardest bit.
Comments
Thayil seemed to believe that an artist shouldnt compromise their art...essentially he didn't believe he should 'SELL OUT'.
Plus the ever increasing demands of touring and Shepherd's increasing temper tantrums basicaly pushed them to break up.
In terms of albums, whilst PJ are a fav band of mine, Superunknown blows their body of work out of the water. PJ are pretty straight forward to be honest. Soundgarden weren't afraid to do the unexpected.
In terms of musicians....
Cornell is a tad overrated, but there's no doubting his legacy. Its weird how good he actually was at songwriting. Don't know what the hell happened to make him lose the plot! Stayley was probly the most unique singer, Eddie the best Lyricist.
Thayil, whilst not the best, was unconvential enough to make his mark. He learnt the art of subtlety towards the end and was awesome to listen to. In terms of the best guitarist i'd say Cantrell. He was less flashy but had more substance.
Shepherd was by far the best bassist. He was an amazing songwriter and had interesting ideas that the other bassists didn't have. He was a 'dangerous' player...not convential at all.
Sorry to say it but Cameron is by FAARRR the best Seattle drummer. He was subtle, complex and innovative. Grohls just a hard hiter, Peters is a bit sloppy, Abruzzeze was too cymbal happy, Kinney never really stood out. Cameron is streets ahead of all of them.
Oh and no other band could have wrote 'Head Down'.
Chris Cornell doesn't like Michael Jackson.
However, having seen them in concert in 94, I can understand how Cornell can be described as annoying. Thayil and Cameron were pretty awesome. If I remember correctly, Cornell and Shepherd came across as assholes. The only think that I really remember fondly from that concert was Cornell singing Mind Riot, without the band.
This is in contrast w/ Pearl Jam, who have always seemed to exude a great deal of warmth and solidarity with their audience. However, I didn't see PJ in concert until 2000, so I didn't see them at their most 'intense'.
dreamer in my dream
we got the guns
i love you,but im..............callin out.........callin out
Yeah Soundgarden never seemed very fond of their fans in the same was a PJ -not to say that they didn't apreciate them. I don't really think that they gave a shit about what people thought which I think was always part of the attraction with them. From all reports (I have never seen them live) their performances were aimed at 'kicking you in the guts' rather than 'sharing the love'
Vedder is the best frontman.
Mcready is the best lead guitarist. You could argue Cantrell.
Gossard is the best rhythm guitarist.
Ament for bass.
Cammeron on drums.
So Pearl Jam has all the better talent in my opinion, excluding Cammeron on drums. But, he's on PJ's side now! Also, they are by far superior in songwriting to soundgarden.
I love all the bands mentioned and all the musicians mentioned.
For the record, I think Cantrell's talents lie as a writer rather than as a guitarist, I find some of his soloing to be very "obvious" or something, not quite sure what word I'm looking for. I also think Alice In Chains are dating faster than the others. It could be a production issue.
On the SoundGarden issue, from a muso band point of view, I pretty much think they are unsurpassed. The interplay between the musicians on a rhythmic level is wonderful. I'm sure soemone could pull a long forgotten name out of their ass from the 70's or something that do something similar, but Soundgarden maintained credibility while doing it which I think is the hardest bit.