Superunknown

This is a CD I had back in the 90's but had somehow lost. Had to buy it again so that I can listen to it in my truck.

I won't say too much here, cause if you aren't already familiar with at least a couple of songs from this album there probably isn't any hope for you. Anyway, Soundgarden were easily the best of the rather arbitrarily lumped together grunge bands, and this is their best album. (Well, of their last 3. I don't have their early sludge stuff, can't get too interested in it.) It breaks the cardinal rule for me when it comes to hard rock/metal albums: It has more than 10 tracks. Hell, it's got 15 of em. 'Superunknown' is the exception that proves the rule, I believe, as it actually doesn't have anything that I would call filler, nothing mediocre, but it still kinda feels like it could stand to be cut down slightly. 15 songs and 70 minutes is just a helluva lotta music. Nevertheless, you can't argue with what's here.Again, none of the tracks are bad. This album is quite a bit more varied and melodic than 'Badmotorfinger', though they certainly aren't afraid to sludge it up now and then. The biggest difference is that Chris Cornell has now really come into his own as a vocalist. He was always good, but now he's got the screeching and the melodies down pat. One of the best singers in rock of all-time, period. Also, though his lyrics don't necessarily add up too much in particular all the time, they do tend to be interesting, at least.The biggest standout track comes in the very middle, 'Spoonman'. Best song Soundgarden ever wrote, with a great stomping-groove main riff like no other. This is one of those tracks that is, as far as I'm concerned, perfect. Not saying it's the greatest song ever, though it's on the big list, if I had one, but it accomplishes it's apparent intentions flawlessly. Other stand outs include the crushing dirge 'Mailman' and the monstrously slow and doomy '4th of July'. 'Black Hole Sun' was horrendously overplayed, yes, but it's still a fun, hypnotic track, and one of the more immediately memorable things here. (Great Vox too.) I also particularly like the relatively energetic title track and the dense, moody 'Head Down' which has great interplay between electric and acoustic guitars. Beyond this you've got the two openers, 'Let Me Drown' and 'My Wave', two of their faster, catchier songs. The album does have a few pacing problems, in that it's only got a few (relatively) up tempo songs, and they're placed too close to the front. (Personally, I think either 'My Wave' or 'Let Me Drown' should be placed towards the very end of the album to balance things out a bit more.) But when you get done to discussing the track order on the album, you know you've only got some really piddling complaints. Again, all those tracks that I didn't mention are still very good.Brilliant album, this.

This review is for the Super Deluxe MP3 version and specifically about the demos and extras. I have no opinion about the re-master as the original album sounds fantastic and there was no need for a re-master as is the case for most releases after 1990. The album itself of course is an all time classic and easily five star material. I have mixed feelings on the 5 disc version and the price which is very high. Out of curiosity that was killing me I finally broke down and bought the Super Deluxe Mp3 and I have to say I feel like at least half of the songs or more were not worth of releasing. There are about 4-5 gems including the Like Suicide acoustic version (my personal favorite) and great live versions of Fell On Black Days and Beyond The Wheel. Solid version of Jesus Christ Pose as well. Black Days III is also interesting and a bit hard and unpolished unlike the finished version. I guess my favorites are the live stuff but I can do without the 16 different versions of Spoonman. I feel like this collection should have been two discs max and about $12.49 not $28.49. If anyone has some other recommendations from the demos that I am missing out on let me know and I'll give them a re-listen? What I really want to hear is more "great sounding" live Soundgarden material but apparently not that much exists. I will update my review once I listen to the vinyl pressing.Vinyl Update: Do not hesitate to purchase this vinyl as it sounds fantastic!!! I have a nice system and very nice speakers and was extremely pleased with the sound. Personally, I think it blows the original CD away. The bass is prominent in the mix but I prefer that when listening to rock/metal music. I think the "audiophile" negative reviews are not the same vinyl that I am hearing. Additionally, dead quiet and perfectly flat (as we know this is not always the case with new vinyl these days). Highly recommended and my only regret is waiting so long to pick it up!!