Albums that Changed My Life- “Year of the Tiger” by Myles Kennedy

Still feeling (or reeling from) the pain of Eddie’s sudden passing and when I am sullen, I usually seek hope in darkness through music that mesmerizes, while at the same time is therapeutic. And for me, the mood of the music is often somber, which may not work for others, but a thematic body of work that is personal while bleeding out with a passion, which ultimately gives way to rays of sunshine, is the healing I always pursue. In March 2018, nearly 14 years after my mother passed away, Myles Kennedy releases his first solo album that staggered me from the instant I put on the headphones and though this journey depicts the pain of losing his father as a child before he truly could get to know him, the experience of this voyage, in my opinion, can assist anyone who has suffered a loss. By the ending of this spectacular debut, there is hope that shines through and if I may take some liberties, I believe that ultimately it is the passage of time that facilitated both Myles and I to feel the essence of each of our parents’ beauty by realizing they are a part of our heart and soul. It took me a long time to comprehend the loss of my mother and when I heard the following lyrics – “…Though it’s so hard to wait… for changes to come… they’re only a heartbeat away…” from the last song “One Fine Day” it was an awakening that polarized me and let that light shine through.

Back in April, I had written a piece on Myles as I found myself seeking out his music from Alter Bridge, Slash & The Conspirators and this album to navigate through the first six weeks of this pandemic. Believe it or not, this album was up next for the current phase of this blog since the summer and after Mr. Van Halen’s unfortunate death, this solidified it for me. Folks, if you are unfamiliar with Myles Kennedy, please start with this solo album; let it soak into your blood stream while recognizing the absolute splendor to each offering and you will hear why this album has forever changed my life. He put a lot of time and effort to depict a different side to him from the normal “rock star” expectations that is thrust upon all in his position, including Chris Cornell, which he reminds me of because of the ingrained great vocal prowess while also going down a personal path, as Chris did with “Higher Truth.”

The album starts off with the title track and his father passed away in 1974; according to the Chinese calendar that is the year of the Tiger, which if you were born in this year you are defined as brave, confident and competitive. Myles was born in 1969, as a rooster he is observant, hardworking and courageous and his lyrical journey with this track (as well as the rest of the album) depicts that valor as he exclaims-“… In the year of the tiger, into an ocean grave…threw his ashes to the wind then walked away… in the year of the tiger, I got no time to waste… a resolution to keep fighting and remain…” The picture painted here is so vivid it makes me feel I am standing right next to him at that ocean. The musicianship starts off at a very high level and is maintained throughout; I can recall seeing Myles at the Highline Ballroom in May 2018 and when he played this “upbeat” song there were two people dancing around in a circle like there was nobody else in the room. It is a scene that I repeat in my head every time I hear this song, it is what music is supposed to do; not only will the lyrics will take you to another world but the addictive melody assists just like a flotation device that helps a youngster float in the deep end of a pool.

“The Great Beyond” begins majestically with a grandeur feel and for some reason I can picture a scene of a loved one being celebrated at a mass with so many people in the aisles who then migrate to the grounds where we say goodbye while saying- “see you on the other side.” Myles’ vocal dexterity could be the best on this track and as we await his entrance, the anticipation grips you like none other. When he begins to sing there is such a beauty that fulfills the air, I actually feel like I am being lifted off the ground and no one since Mr. Cornell, has ever made me feel like that. I believe that Mr. Kennedy is “not too religious” after growing up with a step-dad who was a minister and he may have not wanted this song to be interpreted like the way I have done, but again I believe it is all in the ear of the beholder. The composition of this track, the beginning, bridge and ending is absolutely stunning with the ending lyrics reminding me of when we said goodbye to my mother- “… As the pyre burns on, the pale rider won’t be long… to push open the gates into the great beyond… the great beyond.”

“Blind Faith” continues the pouring out of emotions that will grip you like that blanket the nurse in the delivery room wraps around a newborn. “… There will be no last goodbye… like a whisper in the night… you slipped away… oh, blind faith…Blind faith…”—powerful image that applies to all who have lost a loved one without getting that chance to say goodbye. Over time I realized that those who left us know what is inside our hearts, so my advice is to let go of the “guilt” because they know that you loved them. “Devil on the Wall” picks up the pace again (musically) as this may be the reason to why his belief was shattered as he asks – “If there is a God, why did he take my Father’s soul?” How many of us have asked that question?  It is so weird, but the musicianship gives me this warm feeling as he seemingly lays the blame for his father’s demise at his feet. Who knows, maybe I am reading it wrong? It is so hard to not bounce around in your seat or get up and dance around the room like no one is there. “Ghost of Shangri La” could be my most favorite song on the album as the melody is pleasing to the ear along with his vocal competence, which exhibits range by stretching the limit, especially at the 2:21 mark where the innocence of just holding a note, is jaw dropping.

“Turning Stones” will remind one of sitting around a campfire as one of your friends takes out the acoustic guitar and starts playing softly as the beauty of the stars of the skies will bounce along your eyes as you follow each beat to try to connect the dots. Being in the midst of the midpoint of the album the glimmers of hope reverberate through the lyrics as maybe the healing begins as evidenced by the following: “…Though, I haven’t found a glimmer or a reason… to believe we’ll be alright… even in the darkest season there’s a ray of hope where shadows cannot shine…where shadows only die…” And just like I did- “I’m turning stones to leave the past behind.”

“Haunted by Design” is definitely one of the highlights of this incredible debut as the infectious melody will have you in a trance as the heart-breaking lyrics present the troubles that I believe everyone at some point in their life, will have left at their door step. My favorite song on the album is “Mother” as Myles depicts the strength and fearless protection that is put on automatic pilot, in my opinion, for every Mother that is thrust into a situation where comforting their children is the only thing that matters. The lyrics which begin verse three is so personal for me and I immediately begin to cry when I hear them, as I thought of my mother- “…Mother, you may never know… the debt I owe to you alone… I hope I can repay in time… for never letting go…” I believe when someone says or writes something that strikes a chord within your heart it can change your life for the better and it can be as inconspicuous as a few sentences. This is how this song affected my life… forever.

“Nothing but a Name” is so phenomenal that I do not even know what to say. Folks, please listen to this song and tell me if you do not get goose bumps up and down your arm? I think everyone in the recording studio must have taken the rest of the day off after this track was completed because he poured every ounce of pain and hurt into this masterpiece and really, what else was there to do that day but pack up and go home because I know if I were there, I would have run out the door so no one could see the tears flowing down my cheeks. “… All the things you left unsaid… my whole life, I’ve tried to guess… who you were and why you left…”

“Love Can Only Heal” is the most mesmerizing song where one can feel all the rays of sunshine blasting through the shades in the bedroom as your eyes are affected by the brightness. This could be the most uplifting song that has ever been recorded. When Myles breaks into the “La-lala-lala” I feel like I am floating high above the clouds and seeing my Mother, Aunt, Grandparents, Great Aunt, Rebecca, Lisa, Danny, Liz, Bob, Mr. Fagan and Uncle Lenny waving at me telling me that they are all okay, as love can only heal.  This is a work of genius, there is nothing more to add.

“…If I died today, would you carry on…” are the opening lyrics to “Songbird” and I often wonder if my Mother had stated that to my Father before she passed, I could see my Mom telling him it was okay to move on with his life because later on the lyrics fit appropriately- “…I hope you remember… love eternal never dies… it will go on forever…” These lyrics are stunning in how they can be applied to millions of people around the world and he wrote them to tell his story- this is how music transforms lives with an absolute connection that is timeless. No matter how many more solo albums Myles releases, songs like this are momentous, in my opinion. The final song (as mentioned above) is “One Fine Day” and the beginning starts off like a Beatle or Led Zeppelin tune, with that familiar acoustic guitar and in my opinion matches the significance of those two legendary bands with the powerful message about being able to move on with hope and a radiant love. The line that deeply impacts me the most is-“…through our tragedies, we found out who we are…” because I look to my youngest son as the evidence of how one can navigate through the darkest moment of his early life with grace, dignity and especially love for his dearest friend and I believe she has told him to move forward without trepidation, just like my Mom informed my Dad.

I want to thank Mr. Myles Kennedy for creating this “Magnum Opus.” I thought all the albums that would change my life would have been recorded during my teenage and early 20’s age timeframe but am glad that I was wrong because (I know I say this “all-the-time”) this album could be the most life changing as it alleviated some of the pain that stays within me since the day my Mother passed away by letting me know that I am not alone with the suffering of someone who loses a parent. I believe the lyrics are a bridge to contacting someone you may have lost whether it be a parent, sibling, brother, sister or friend. The musicianship is spectacular with mesmerizing, sometimes haunting melodies that in the end will lift you up with your arms open wide as you look to the skies to see your loved ones. Myles, if you never record any other album with Alter Bridge or Slash (which I know is not going to happen), “Year of The Tiger” is something that I can take to the other side and when I hug my Mom I will know “that a radiant love is only a heartbeat away.” I bow to you. Speechless.

Shock and Awe: A Tribute to Eddie Van Halen

One of my good friends, Chris, sent me a text message around 3:45 p.m. EST with a link to a L.A. Times article where the headline read “Eddie Van Halen, grinning guitar god for a rock generation, dies at 65.” As I sat there looking at my phone in complete shock, the tears just started to flow and my immediate thoughts went to his son, his wife and his brother. My prayers are with you all as well as the extended family, friends, former bandmates and the endless number of fans across the entire universe. As I read Wolfie’s dedication to his dad on Twitter, the pain was almost too much to take as I can recall when my mother passed away in 2004. And to his brother and best friend, Alex, I wish the entire fan base could give you a giant hug to try and ease the pain. When I think back to all the photos and videos that I have ever come across in my lifetime of Eddie, he did always have that grin. And that smile beamed with extra pride when he was able to play with his son back in 2007 for the first time in public with the national reunion tour with Diamond Dave. As I read the endless quotes and dedications, the one constant theme that resonated was that it was Jimi Hendrix and Eddie who changed the world of rock as the premier guitarists’ who have ever graced this planet. Then I realized that for one of the few times in my life, I can say that I witnessed the prominence of this multi-talented extraordinaire at Madison Square Garden during the 1980’s and then again in the decade of 2000. As I have always maintained on this site, there was no one that even came close to creating the magic on stage that Van Halen did during their formative years and Eddie left each and every audience in total awe with his massive talent.

Where were you the first time you heard “Eruption?” Or when you heard that guitar solo on Michael Jackson’s infamous “Beat It?” (which by the way was apparently done in one take). I can recall the first time as a 16 year-old sophomore in high school putting on side one of “Fair Warning” during the spring of 1981 and hearing this unbelievable sound coming out of his guitar from the vinyl with the greatest introduction to a song ever, “Mean Street.” It lasts for about 40 seconds but it is sheer brilliance and when his brother pounds on the skins one second later, the song takes me to another stratosphere. I can remember “Little Guitars” (both the intro and the song) being performed live at Madison Square Garden and believing I was at the pearly gates, as he would leave you breathless. The list of songs are endless and as I lamented to my oldest son about the loss, he pointed out (because he is an unbelievable guitar player) the technical proficiency that Eddie invented that I knew with my ears but he showed me endless videos of folks who worshiped him depicting him “tapping” while highlighting a fact to his old man that Eddie would do his guitar solos many times with his back turned so others could not replicate what he was spearheading. My youngest son sent me a text from work, asking me if I was doing okay as he heard the news and thanked me for taking both of them to see Van Halen in 2012 when they were teenagers, one of the highlights of my life.

My oldest spoke in admiration for his timing, rhythm and furious guitar solos as well as stating that his ability to play the blues, which is not apparently as easy as his old man thinks, were so immanent in many of their offerings. He underscored one of my favorites, “Beautiful Girls” from Van Halen II and of course “Ice Cream Man” from their undeniable debut album as evidence. And if I am getting this correct, I would point to “Push Comes to Shove” on Fair Warning and “The Full Bug” on Diver Down as some of the best blues songs one can ever hear. I know there are songs that I am missing but we all know that we can talk about this for the rest of our lives as we counter with what the ultimate songs that Van Halen ever created. And I would be remiss if I did not mention the phenomenal “Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)” where Eddie played with his dad, Jan, who starred with the clarinet on this recording. Now we know why he had that grin all the time, being able to play with his brother, his father and then his son? Who would not be smiling?

After graduating high school, Van Halen releases arguably their “most popular” album- “1984” and despite the popularity I have to admit that there are some of the most paramount recordings they ever crafted, including the unreal “Hot for Teacher.” And of course, “Jump!” I remember thinking who is playing the keyboards/synthesizer? Did Van Halen add another member to the group? Nope, it was Eddie and despite my youthful misguidance of retreating when a band would go “pop” there was no denying how great this song is and remains their most popular song. Most point to the keyboards but remember there is a sizzling guitar solo as well.

The crafting of songs with the piano became prominent as Van Halen went in a different direction with Sammy Hagar but also recognizing that his guitar work was phenomenal during the Hagar years. There is no denying “When It’s Love?” or “Right Now” as majestic tunes which again features Eddie’s unbelievable talent. I loved both the Van Halen and Van “Hagar” years and owned every album they ever recorded. I was also a huge fan of Gary Cherone but admittedly did not board the VH III train.

Folks, seeing Van Halen live at Madison Square Garden during the 1980’s at the height of their career, in my opinion, was life altering in so many ways and Eddie was a huge reason for this as his guitar playing during the songs were blistering, a vibe that could not be replicated. His guitar solos, at least for 20 – 25 minutes at every show, would leave the brethren speechless, as 18,000 freaks were air-guitaring along with the god knowing that they were in rarified air while thanking their lucky stars that they were able to score a ticket. I knew I was so grateful to be in his presence as his guitar sermons had me worshipping the ground that he walked on and did not realize that something so special could go away for decades.

Then it happened, 2007 Van Halen announces a reunion tour with Diamond Dave and nearly a quarter of a century later I was able to have my dream come true by jumping at the chance to see them live again. This time I brought along a whole bunch of friends who had never seen them in their heyday and after the opening tune I was no longer worried if they were going to have a great time. It was like “TV Land” as I went back in time to currently enjoy the blissful return of the conquering heroes. To see Eddie with his brother and son on the mega stage at MSG in November 2007 was something so special it is hard to put into words.

Then the ultimate serving for me was taking my boys on March 1, 2012 when they were 17 and 15, to The Garden on a school night as I informed my bride that no matter what we were going even if we spent the entire night out celebrating and I would drive them right to school that Friday morning. The night was magical as Wolfie had picked many of the setlists for the shows from 2007 onwards with some stone-cold classics that I had not heard in decades. As we exited Oz, both of my boys were impressed so much so that they both said- “when are we going back to see them again?” Can you imagine taking your offspring to see a band that you first saw live when you were their age? The entire audience was left in shock and awe.

Eddie, please rest in peace and know that you are universally loved by millions. Thank you for changing my life forever and I am eternally grateful for your library of music. And to his family, our hearts are with you, we only know Eddie from afar and based on Wolfgang’s twitter message – “He was the best father I could ever ask for”- it appears that he was a better person. And as a father myself, there are no other words or accolades that I would ever ask for than what his son stated today for the whole world to see. My heart is broken. Godspeed.

Albums that Changed My Life- “Superunknown” by Soundgarden

A few weeks ago, Rolling Stone magazine updated its list of the “The 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time” to include albums that were made over the last 15 years or so, as the list was originally created in 2003 with a slight update in 2012. There are now 86 that are from the current century as well as 154 new additions that were not on either list in 2003 or 2012. I have no issues with expansion as I have always maintained that the discovery of music can alter a life forever and despite some genres which I am not that familiar with, I am not living under a rock just yet to not acknowledge much publicized critical acclaimed bodies of work.

The confusion that now resides within me is how a masterpiece like “Superunknown” by Soundgarden has completely disappeared from this list falling more than 164 spots, as it formerly occupied place holder number 336, while the debut album by Pearl Jam (“Ten”) received an upgrade of 47 levels and now inhabits the 160^th position. With no disrespect to Pearl Jam, as I am a fan, this is now the second slap in the face for the members of Soundgarden as another body of “experts” have, in my opinion, ignored their enormous impact on the world of music with not even an explanation behind this atrocity. The first punch in the gut, which painfully continues, is the mind-boggling exclusion from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

For those of us who lived through the “grunge” genre taking over the world in 1991 when Nirvana basically wiped out the “hair-bands” in one fell swoop, we all know they had help with ensuring those bands would be celebrated only by the die-hards (through annual summer tours and cruises) and not with the general public. Pearl Jam is obviously one of those artists who assisted Nirvana by “taking the wheel” through most of the 1990’s decade, along with Alice-In-Chains (“AIC”) and Soundgarden. And yet, for some unknown reasons, the last two mentioned seemingly receive the table all the way in the back next to the malodorous rest room while the aforementioned are seated prominently near the front window, just like the beautiful holiday displays at Saks on 5^th avenue in NYC for all to gawk with appreciation.

As I continue to ponder the reasons why Soundgarden has apparently fallen out of flavor, I know it cannot be for their music, which is admittedly dark, mysterious and somewhat depressing in its lyrics. Wait, did I just describe Nirvana, Pearl Jam or AIC? Do I acknowledge that “Superunknown” could be interpreted as gloomy? Of course, but cannot the same be said for “Ten?” (which also deals with suicide, loneliness and murder). One of the reasons my bride did not follow the masses (as I did) in 1991 is because she said the music was too depressing to her and in her opinion she longed for the carefree days of bands like Def Leppard and Poison. I will freely admit that I resisted in the beginning, especially with the flannel shirt look while no longer washing your hair for days or weeks, I also yearned for the days of Winger or Tora Tora. But then in 1994, I was forever transformed into the grunge world with the release of “Superunknown.”

Now as previously mentioned when I first bought this CD at a record store in Ringwood N.J. in March 1994, I tossed it the side after listening to it for only one time. As a “Boomer” (my kids label for me) I was used to albums being 30-35 minutes in length, so the first thing that annoyed me was that the album was more than 70 minutes long. In addition, it was dark and gloomy while absolutely not being a dinner party disc that you would put on with your neighbors- this is definitely an “acquired taste,” akin to that first sip of whiskey or any other strong version of alcohol that may have put you off in the beginning but eventually might end up being your first choice at a social gathering.

I remember driving to the Fairlawn NJ train station and heard “Spoonman” on WDHA while being absolutely blown away, then quickly realizing that I owned the CD for which this song was included- I went back to the album, gave it another chance and never looked back. I still maintain that this body of work was the best album of the entire decade of the 1990’s and that includes the “Black” album by Metallica, which also forever changed my life. As with Metallica, I went back through Soundgarden’s library and schooled myself to the level where all the original brethren were waiting for me to arrive at the top of the mountain- the band became an obsession and for those who have “OCD” like myself, it soaked into my bloodstream with endless listening to this album so much so that one analogy I would equate it to is if one spends too much time in the water at the beach or pool, the tips of your fingers become wrinkled.

This classic starts off with a knockout of an opener- “Let Me Drown”- mysterious is the first word that comes to mind when I hear this song. It has all the ingredients that I love: crashing drums, heavy guitar riffs, excellent vocals with a pulsating bass but it really is unlike any rock song (or album) that I usually love. This was so different but once I “felt it” I was immediately polarized while intrigued with a thirst for more and I then took this approach with each song on the entire album. Where have we heard the expression: “dark and heavy?” First band that I think of is Black Sabbath and their first album was released while the members of Soundgarden were in grammar school, if not pre-school. So, yes this track starts off the darkness but if you get past that and listen to the brilliance of the musicianship, it is astounding with a crushing groove that grabs you by the throat and stares right in your face- we are hear to tear it up. I love the “bridge” part when Cornell at the 2:12 mark changes the direction a little with “I see you turn around and burning down…the feeling starts to sink” and then when Cameron (drummer for Pearl Jam as well, ironic is it not?) pounds the skins as Chris laments-“So heal my wounds without a trace”- I am completely out of my mind on how great this track is and this is a three pitch strikeout at the beginning of a game or if you like offense, a homerun on the first pitch of the game.

Track 2- “My Wave”- starts off with an air-guitar moment that takes me on a magic carpet ride (Go Steppenwolf!) and I am literally swept off me feet on to a rug riding the wave of progressive grunge (yes a term I just made up). C’mon this must get you out of your seat and make you run up and down your furniture with uncontrollable urges to surf dive the crowd. Kim Thayil helped Cornell write the music to this song and it is so addictive that you will not be able to keep your head and neck still as the psychedelic “Zeppelin-ish” touch is mixed with the head-banging riff, a la AC/DC like—what is not to like about this track? “Fell on Black Days” is one of the classic cuts on this album that smashed its way through the classic rock radio format and forced its way on the menu while remaining there, sort of like bacon and eggs for breakfast. The cool, low riff beginning grabs your attention and when Cornell breaks in with his vocals, everyone knew this was destined to be a classic. My favorite part of the song comes at the 1:11 mark when Chris exclaims- “…And whomsoever I’ve cured, I’ve sickened now… And whomsoever I’ve cradled, I’ve put you down… I’m a search light soul they say… but I can’t see it in the night.” Lots to think about in those lyrics, no? I will leave it to you to decipher but the more you listen to this song and the entire album you will feel the rays of sunshine break through the clouds. There is a certain edge that Soundgarden has that none of the others mentioned in this article exhibits and that is what I believe sets them apart. They took a chance on creating something so different from anything that was out in 1994 and to this day still sounds different from anything that I listen to.

I remember listening to “Mailman” for the first time and it was like trying gefilte fish, I immediately spit it out and wondered what I was tasting but then like I said, I approached each and every song as the only song on the album. There is a reason that gefilte fish is loved by many because it is an acquired taste and once I gave this song another chance, the aroma lifted me off the ground and now when I listen it takes me to another world. Chris vocal range sets me into a trance just like when parents sing a lullaby to their infant to get them to sleep. As you feel like you are falling asleep the lyrics are there to remind that person to sleep with one eye open- “… for all the times when you made me disappear… this time I’m sure you will know that I’m here..” This has become one of my top ten songs by Soundgarden out of their entire catalog.  The title track is a fastball under your chin as the laziness of Mailman is replaced by this blazing guitar riff that sends me into outer space. And when Matt hits the bass drum and then the snare at the six second mark I feel like I can climb up the wall like Bo Jackson did back in the 1980’s when he caught a flyball, ran up the outfield wall on one side and stepped down just as fast on the other side of the wall. Thayil’s playing is so off the charts great on this song (and album) and I feel he often is underrated but his presence is felt so prominently that this album would have never been able to be made without him. Love when Cornell at the 3:15 mark screams “SOUL… OHHH… get yourself afraid… get yourself alone… get yourself contained… get yourself control, control” and when Matt accentuates the word “control” with his smashing emphasis I really just lose my mind as the guitar solo is phenomenal, it is complete chaos but so tightly controlled; everyone in the studio probably had to take a break after the completion of this track and stare out in complete amazement on how phenomenal it was crafted.

“Head Down” is the Beatles on acid, a 1990’s version of what most likely would have appeared on “The White Album” and this song was completely written by Ben Shepherd (music and lyrics). As a side note, I love this song so much that when we had our second child, we struggled to come up with a name and then I remembered that Shepherd had written this song so I said to my bride- “How about Ben?” It is so hard to come up with the best track on this album, but I will say if this is not my most favorite, it is in the top three. So psychedelically fun it seems as if the members of Soundgarden had taken the trip with the Beatles to India to also study with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as this has all the flavorings of Harrison’s sitar that he received from the master Ravi Shankar. By the end of the song I feel like I am in a kaleidoscope falling into a “Black Hole Sun.” How phenomenal is this song- from the opening guitar lick you are lifted off the ground while you try to prepare to sing like Chris but you quickly realize that you are ruining it so you just stop singing and let Mr. Cornell take you to that black hole. This song transcends generations as almost everyone I know, from every generation, will admit to singing- “Won’t you come? Won’t you cooommmeee.” I can recall working with the first bunch of folks at S&P and on Saturday mornings we would come in to catch up on things and of course since it was the weekend I would put on the TV to MTV. The first time I saw everyone staring at the screen with their jaws dropped (and these guys were all at least eight years older than me) when they saw the video to this song, I sat there with blushing pride as I finally gained their respect for my taste in music. The production of the video is pure perfection because it captures the essence of the song and I cannot help but be transfixed on Chris as he is completely surrounded by chaos but he just stands there (guitar in hand) belting out this tune like no other person can, it literally brings tears to my eyes (on so many different levels because he is no longer with us).

“Spoonman”- what else can be said about this song? Yes, it was over played but as I have always asserted- there is a reason why it was played incessantly on the radio and MTV (C’mon who doesn’t love to see the actual Spoonman in the video?). I knew this song had reached epic proportions as one day a few years ago I was watching “Kelly and Ryan” and there was a question that an audience member had to answer. They did all this “propaganda” before the person was asked the question and the tune, they were blasting was “Spoonman”- I was absolutely flabbergasted as Kelly gushed that she loved the song. Are you kidding me? Mrs. Ripa and Soundgarden? And this album is now off the 500 greatest album list?

“Limo Wreck” creeps back to the dark side but it is a song that I cannot get enough of as I wonder what is wrong with me? The slow trudging pace of the track may turn some away but like I said, keep with it because Cornell’s vocal prowess along with Thayil’s and Shepherd’s creepy rhythm section will swallow you up in no time. “Under the red… break of the lights… heroes in the stretches…inch to the site… blowing the pieces”- I do not know why but the entire vibe of the song drags me in and keeps me there with a wanting for more. The eeriness continues with “The Day I Tried to Live” which I believe Cornell wrote to try and step out of being closed off and reclusive, so apropos today, no? I absolutely love how the bass and drums are in lock step every inch of the song and you know Chris’ screeches will send chills down your spine in more ways than one could imagine. There is a seductive feel to this track which is enhanced by a hammering sensation accentuated by Cornell’s bellows, which could the best ever on any song he had ever recorded.

“Kickstand” is a quick hit and run song that is a perfect exercise song that get the juices flowing but before you know it, it ends, leaving you thirsting for more- was this intentional? “Fresh Tendrils” is a song that I would direct people who are not familiar with Soundgarden to listen to because it slowly creeps up on you and before you know it, all the talents of this phenomenal band come crashing through as the musicianship is stupendous as the whole team is working at such a high level, it will leave you breathless.

“4^th of July”- okay this is my most favorite track on the album- yes the first time I listened to it, I immediately hit the skip because I felt that I needed to move on but once I let it breathe into my system I was completely transposed and was willing to follow any orders from the band. The “double” vocal recording of Cornell’s voice is absolutely stunning and takes this album to the “Masterpiece” altitude that I referenced at the top of this article. This could be their most eminent recording in their history. “Half” is another song written by Ben and the psychedelic feel is so intriguing that one cannot turn away from. Can I understand what he is singing? No, but I love it anyway- it fits in perfectly with the entire vibe of the album.

“Just Like Suicide”- how can I say that I love a song with a title like this? It scares me a bit and I was a little apprehensive in writing the review of this album because I always am “self-aware” and am loathed to disappoint anyone that is involved in my life. However, as we may have all experienced sometimes there is beauty in sullen times and for me it was Chris Cornell’s writing & vocals that lured me into this world. It is said that he wrote this song after a bird flew into his house and was suffering as it laid on the floor, so Chris helped it reach another world. The lyrics are agonizing but there is also that light that blinks through as he exclaims- “… I feel for you… I feel for you… I feel for you…” Too much to take and when Kim’s fury of a guitar solo kicks in at the 5:10 mark I am completely wiped out while trying to gain my composure as the tears flow as I cannot believe the absolute mastery of their musicianship. The song ends with the screams of pain from Cornell, as the brilliance comes to an end. Remember when I thought this album was too long? It leaves me wanting more.

I want to thank the members of Soundgarden for making this unmovable work of artistry, it should be revered and respected as one of the most astounding recordings in the history of music. Of course, I had seen them in concert more than a few times and became so engulfed with this band that when they broke up on April 7, 1997, I was so grief stricken that my life was honestly never the same as I thought they would rule the world. I absolutely loved “Down on the Upside” but acknowledge that it was very “similar” to Superunknown and maybe the pressure of following up on a masterpiece (see Guns & Roses) was too much for the band to handle. And then when Mr. Cornell passed away in 2017, I was so stunned that I think I am still in denial. To the voting members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and The Rolling Stone magazine “500 greatest albums”- “shame on you!” I usually am always positive on this site but there is absolutely no excuse to leave this legendary band out in the cold. And I am so upset about them not being in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that now I do not want these so called “experts” to vote them in. I am so pained by this huge error and to now have Superunknown come off the 500 greatest album list just adds salt to the wound. The Soundgarden brethren will always gawk at this band as if they were in the front window at Saks on Fifth Avenue. I will always bow in your presence!!