Why Soundgarden is Bothering to Release a New Album
Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 11:18AM
More than two years into the reunion, we still haven't seen the promised new Soundgarden album. Meanwhile, there have been tours, both Soundgarden as a whole and Chris Cornell solo. What's the hold-up?
I'd say it's because there just isn't any money in a new album. All of the big revenues have come (and will continue to come) from tours where Soundgarden plays their biggest hits. That's what people are paying to see. How many of them are going to buy a new album full on unfamiliar songs? I'd reckon not a lot--at least compared with the glory days of the 1990s.
So why bother at all? Two reasons.
(1) A new album gives Soundgarden another reason to tour. I'm going to guess that they made more money on the road in the last two years than they did the entire time they were together in the 80s and 90s. Yes, the crowds have been that big.
(2) It'll get them on modern rock radio a little more, keeping their profile as high as possible--so they can sell more concert tickets.
And case you haven't noticed, we're in the midst of a full-blown 90s revival era--nostalgia for the George H. Bush years, especially.
So a Soundgarden album is coming. Circle November 13th. There's no title yet, but it shouldn't be long.
Reader Comments (5)
You're also forgetting to mentiion Soundgarden is a 'side project' for Matt Cameron now. He has stated that Pearl Jam is his main band now. Given that PJ toured last summer/fall and this summer hasn't left Matt much time for Soundgarden. The first Soundgarden tour finished and he went straight on the road with PJ.
On top of which PJ is also working on a new album. So Matt Cameron is the reason for the wait on both ends.
The PJ/Matt Cameron reason is a good argument, but also how 'bout the fact that perhaps they enjoy playing together again and have jammed on and worked up some new material that they'd like to play live and release to their "new and improved" much larger audience? Or am I just not cynical enough?
A new album gives Soundgarden another reason to tour. I'm going to guess that they made more money on the road in the last two years than they did the entire time they were together in the 80s and 90s. Yes, the crowds have been that big.
They haven't mislead anyone. From the very beginning, they said they were going to take their time with this project, be free to do other things. The touring is due in part to demand. Fans all over the world have been waiting a long time to be a part of the reunion. There is nothing wrong in wanting the final product of their labor to be satisfying. Some of their peers have heard songs off the new album, and by their accounts, it will not disappoint.
Thumbs up to Soundgarden FOR doing a new album. They could have just rested on their past laurels!! Instead we get NEW music and more touring. Exactly what true Soundgarden fans crave! I truly believe the guys thoroughly enjoy making music together. They have something to say and their music crosses generations. I introduced my 21 year old son to Soundgarden and Chris Cornell. In turn, he's turned on several of his friends to the music. We made a memory when I took him to see Soundgarden live last year. Priceless!!!! So don't be dissin' the SG!!! :)