It's Official: Chris Cornell Has Sold His Soul

Oh, Chris. How we've dug your voice, how we've revered your place in Seattle music history. We loved Euphoria Morning. We boarded the Audioslave bandwagon for you. Really, you had us at Screaming Life.

But now this. Wal-Mart Soundcheck? Seriously?

After all these years of commitment, of pure devotion—and this, this shameless stumping is what we get in return? AOL Sessions is one thing, but Wal-Mart? We don't even know you anymore. We don't care if Carry On's album sales were slow. Have some integrity. No, there's no excuse. You know what? Get out. Go!

What? No, you can't call us. Well... A Temple of the Dog reunion? Okay, chin up. You can call us if that's going to happen. Please.

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By Clint in Arts & Events on July 19, 2007 9:27 AM

Comments [rss]

Silverbitta

So... I guess by this logic anyone who has a CD that is sold in a Wal-Mart store must have also sold their soul?

No matter what you think of Wal-Mart, you can't deny Chris's talent and amazing voice. I just saw him live the other night and he was totally unbelievable. His singing is and always has been full of soul.

I don't particularly like Wal-Mart either, but it is a way to reach the masses. In some areas, it may be the only access someone has to purchasing CDs.

guest

I'm a long time fan of Chris and I have to say that it does seem like he has lost his way.

I'll always be a fan of the music - but marketing throught Walmart makes me gag. I don't buy the argument if you can't beat them - use em. At the very least - avoid them.

The sales of the album aren't great probably because it is one of his least inspired albums to date. But in these days of music devoid of any soul - he stills stands above most others.

Tosh

wow, so you haven't seen him live on this tour? Or caught any number of vids on youtube? What a crock....he's singing better than EVER!!!!!! Hitting all the notes right in front of our faces......there IS no disputing the fact that not only can he sing, but he sings wonderfully well and is pleasing the crowds just fine....... so, to whomever wrote this:

**I have a friend who's a sound engineer in LA that worked in a studio that this douchebag was recording at. well, turns out his voice isn't so great afterall. you know how was can ALL hit those notes when we sing obnoxiously quiet? well, apparently that's what cornell does. they have to turn the vocals WAY up and put effects on it, etc. people hate playing live with him too, cuz they can never hear him in their monitors.

a sell out AND a fraud? "grunge" is rolling in it's grave.**

you're simply talking out of your ass trying to stir us up........

guest

Um....don't make me laugh. Anyone who's ever sung (and I've been a singer for years) knows that it's easier to sing high notes when you sing loud. So your story doesn't even stand the slightest scrutiny. Do your research before you make up stories.

guest

I have a friend who's a sound engineer in LA that worked in a studio that this douchebag was recording at. well, turns out his voice isn't so great afterall. you know how was can ALL hit those notes when we sing obnoxiously quiet? well, apparently that's what cornell does. they have to turn the vocals WAY up and put effects on it, etc. people hate playing live with him too, cuz they can never hear him in their monitors.

a sell out AND a fraud? "grunge" is rolling in it's grave.

guest

Well, we know where you're coming from! Why don't you go kiss the silver lined butt cheek!

guest

Well, would you rather he preached to the choir?

I'd be the first to agree that companies Wal-Mart and Tesco are not good news in terms of their business practices, but whether the chattering classes like it or not, the majority of the population use places like this on a regular basis.

So....given that none of us are going to be able to put Wal-Mart out of business any time soon, why not subvert their power a little by using their marketing reach to disseminate some music which might just touch people's hearts and make them think? People will see this Soundcheck performance who might otherwise never have heard of Chris Cornell.

Dunno about you, but I think that's got to be a good thing.

Oh - and I remember a former bandmate of Chris's - Marxist Tom Morello - using a very similar argument as to why he signed RATM to a mega-corporation like Sony. I think he was right, too. If you can't beat 'em - use 'em.

guest

Well, would you rather he preached to the choir?

I'd be the first to agree that companies Wal-Mart and Tesco are not good news in terms of their business practices, but whether the chattering classes like it or not, the majority of the population use places like this on a regular basis.

So....given that none of us are going to be able to put Wal-Mart out of business any time soon, why not subvert their power a little by using their marketing reach to disseminate some music which might just touch people's hearts and make them think? People will see this Soundcheck performance who might otherwise never have heard of Chris Cornell.

Dunno about you, but I think that's got to be a good thing.

Oh - and I remember a former bandmate of Chris's - Marxist Tom Morello - using a very similar argument as to why he signed RATM to a mega-corporation like Sony. I think he was right, too. If you can't beat 'em - use 'em.