For my money, Badmotorfinger was Soundgarden's pinnacle as a band, and one of my top hard rock/metal records of all time. I picked up the Super Deluxe Edition upon Chris' passing (I had intended to do it anyway), and man, what a trip. Such an amazing box set (I fully recommend it, despite the cost -- it cost me 180 total, but you can get it slight cheaper on Amazon).
I did the exact same thing. I meant to and meant to... and then just hit "Buy It Now" (but I paid less than $180; shop around, if you're in the States).
Jammindude is a big proponent of the early Soundgarden, and I usually start with Badmotorfinger and move more current. But I was stranded in an airport last night and listened to Screaming Life (their first EP), FOPP, Louder Than Love, and a collection of later b-sides I have, and man, did they hit the spot. His voice was so strong and so versatile... I think without question, he's the best singer AND best frontman to come out of Seattle (well, grunge; I think Ann Wilson is a better singer).
I saw it on Amazon cheaper after I had already bought it. The impulse hit me, and I couldn't cancel as it had processed and shipped before I thought about it.
It's OK, I don't mind giving those guys another $30.
Yeah, I went back and listened to Ultramega OK, and Louder Than Love last week (and I bought the expanded Ultramega that is completely remixed). Different, but really good stuff. Badmotorfinger will always be tops, but man, Soundgarden was a force.
And I'm with you on Ann Wilson. From the "known" voices that came from Seattle, for me personally:
1. Geoff Tate (in his prime) - not quite as versatile as others, but such legendary range and power, along with that great presence he had on stage to draw you in from 1981-1992.
2. Ann Wilson - I don't even need to explain this.
3. Chris Cornell - for reasons stated above
4. Layne Staley - Layne just...he was just a beast. When healthy, he arguably had the best control over his instrument out of everyone on this list, and that is saying something. Not quite the range of the others, obviously, but man. Just...intense.
5. Ted Pilot - Ok, this is a bit of a fanboy pick. But if you were in Seattle in the early 1980s, you knew Ted Pilot's name. The tone of Don Dokken with the range and power of Tate. He only recorded two records (Fifth Angel's self-titled debut, and follow-up, Time Will Tell), but his ability was amazing. And yes, I know, I know, totally a fanboy pick. But if you heard him, you could have easily made the argument...
Topic: Chris Cornell dead at age 52... (Read 21422 times)
