Soundgarden Reunion not in the Works…and Something About Audioslave

A friend recently noted, in response to Rage Against the Machine’s reunion show at Coachella, something along the lines of “as long as it means no more Audioslave, I’m all for it.” Well, dreams can come true. Last week Chris Cornell announced the release date for his upcoming solo record, and mentioned a little something about irreconcilable differences with his band mates in Audioslave.

What came next, however, was some truly damning news:

“I seriously doubt it. If that (a Soundgarden reunion) were ever going to happen, someone would have to rally behind it. We ended on a great note. There is no unfinished business and no record to make and no more tours to play. I think that’s a great thing. At the end of the day it’s the fans who make you who you are. We can all be proud that a Soundgarden fan can always put on a Soundgarden record and not have to try and get some uncomfortable memory of a bad show or a new record in their mind.”

These words, of course, come from one Chris Cornell: former Audioslaver, present day boner-killer.

I will be the first to say that I really enjoyed Audioslave’s first album, enjoyed the group’s second to some degree, but honestly felt cheated after taking the time to listen to group’s last which was simply horrible. From that point on, whether or not Audioslave recorded a single note after after Revelations really wouldn’t matter because it was clear that the idea that once seemed bright was far past its prime. But with Rage Against the Machine looking to possible cater to a whole new era of angry, rap-rock seeking youth, a Soundgarden reunion looked plausible. But as much as fans may want it, Cornell is right, just as with some groups who have gone back to work – there is simply no need for a reunion. Still sour about Cornell sucking these days? Let’s all take a look at a time when his amazing vocals blew our minds and when he rolled with a pack of musicians unlike no other, Soundgarden.

Soundgarden “Flower” (1988)

Soundgarden “Hands All Over” (1989)

Soundgarden “Jesus Christ Pose” (1991)

Soundgarden “Outshined” (1991)

Soundgarden “Rusty Cage” (1991)

Soundgarden “Black Hole Sun” (1994)

Soundgarden “The Day I Tried To Live” (1994)

Soundgarden “Fell on Black Days” (1995)

Soundgarden “Pretty Noose” (1996)

Soundgarden “Burden in My Hand” (1996)

Soundgarden “Blow Up The Outside World” (1996)