The Burning Question 12/08/2008

Sounding like a Lumberjack

I've seen Chris Cornell twice!

At the Astoria N' Roundhouse In London was awesome!

His awesome!

www.myspace.com/Subpopculture87

Crap, that Timbalands a nob, he goes "ey" a few times in every song and gets half the royalties.

I think Chris Cornell made a mistake using timbaland as his producer.

sellout

Its just wrong. Dont ever put him in the K! magazine again!

It isn't absolutely awesome but i suppose if you don't change the way you are every now and again your work becomes less fun.

It isn't absolutely awesome but i suppose if you don't change the way you are every now and again your work becomes less fun.

It isn't absolutely awesome but i suppose if you don't change the way you are every now and again your work becomes less fun.

i think that as he whas a 21st century (ROCK) icon , his new POP album was maby not the best of ideres, mainly because people who loke pop normaly dont like rock so the will imediatly asociate chris with roch were as people who like rock normaly dont loke pop so, in the end, he is one very unPOPular man.
TWAT!!

i think that as he whas a 21st century (ROCK) icon , his new POP album was maby not the best of ideres, mainly because people who loke pop normaly dont like rock so the will imediatly asociate chris with roch were as people who like rock normaly dont loke pop so, in the end, he is one very unPOPular man.
TWAT!!

i think that as he whas a 21st century (ROCK) icon , his new POP album was maby not the best of ideres, mainly because people who loke pop normaly dont like rock so the will imediatly asociate chris with roch were as people who like rock normaly dont loke pop so, in the end, he is one very unPOPular man.
TWAT!!

i think this move is going to seriously damage his music career entirely. basically he became a sellout and now timbaland has his claws in this project i doubt chris will get much of the recognition anyway. this was a bad move for chris!

To be honest, he hasn't had much coverage recently. So I think that this album being produced by Timbaland is just a way of getting some attention again.

I think I'm the only person so far who actually likes where this is going. Sure, I'm not a pop-music-lover but I think that if he wants to go in that direction then let him! Every band or artist who makes every song sound virtually the same will fade into the distance eventually. To be honest I prefer bands who change their sound every now and then because it makes you look forward to what they'll do next. David Bowie changed somehow on nearly every album he released and he's still going great! To be honest I'm going to stick up for Chris and say - Whatever music he does it'll still be the same absolutely excellent singing voice just to a different style. Keep up the good work Mr. Cornell!
From
Jon

Cochise eats, digests and shits this Timbaland pish.

THEIR RUBBISH =]

Listening back to the tracks, and being a long time fan of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog etc, it seems to me that Cornell has gotten alot of his major angst and anger out through his past projects.

He isn't the same enraged 20 something he once was and it's possible that this is the reason his sound has evolved/changed.

Looking back on his career tho, Temple of the Dog was the epitome of grunge, with soulful singing and classic licks and riffs. Soundgarden was much more in touch with the angry street vibe that was the line through of alot of his peers - Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam.

In fact it seems to me that his Audioslave days were the stepping stone between the old and this new sound. I hear alot of the background atmospherics in this new stuff that I heard on the Audioslave records(samples/loops). Yes, it's toned down and a bit more mainstream, but the same basic style is there.

And we shouldn't forget that Cornell's two previous solo records were far more accessible than anything that went before.

I'm not sure if I like the tracks straight off the bat. They're alright. Very rock-lite. But I can hear the potential in the work thats there. The remainder of the stuff that will appear on the record may be more rock and roll, or it may not.

The album will more than likely show a different side to Cornell. But ultimately, all musicians do what THEY want to do.

That's why Metallica's last record sounded like step backwards. That band evolved into mature full musicians with Load, Reload and S&M, and then devolved into mid-life crisis metal heads.

The same might happen with Cornell. He may have peaked with his first 2 records, and his work may take a nose dive with this one.

His voice is still brilliant. Soulful, pure and completely effortless. The break beats in the back of the song, I'm not a fan of. I like good old fashion live 5 piece drum kits. Those kind of mixed beats on these new songs appeal to the more mainstream radio listeners.

There is guitar on there and it does remind me of his second record "Carry On". But I don't hear enough of it.

And the use of Timbaland is very distinct. You can spot one of "his" tracks immediately. That may be a good thing for those who like that kind of stuff, or it may not for those who dont.

Like I said, the music doesn't grab me, yet. But it might. It's clear he hasn't lost his roots, but it does seem like he's trying to push to far too soon.

In black and white, it's not horrible, but it's certainly not great.

All I can say is, this had better be one of the most elaborate hoaxes of recent times. It's goddawful. Listen to anything by Soundgarden. Listen to Temple of the Dog. How can you then do this garbage? How can you 'feel' music like this with a pedigree of rock like Mr Cornell has? Dunno about Jesus Christ Pose, but whoever came up with this idea should be crucified.

I say fair play to him. Sure it's different, and it's not going to conform to the fans' thoughts of what his music should sound like...but Timbaland and Cornell are both extremely talented guys and their music, in my opinion, is pretty damn good!

This could be his way to cash in on a genre, but instead of it seeming more sellout, this could be him possibly pushing the "pop" world into more rock territory and helping stop the large amount of overproduced and unnecessary trash you hear today.
It could pay off.

I'm all for bands, musicians, and artists experimenting with their sound, and trying new things, and Chris Cornell has an awesome voice and has produced some astounding work. However, the new tracks I've listened to i find rather boring. Nothing stands out to me, it doesn't seem to stand out from anything else you might hear on the radio from less talented artists. Its all together too samey. I hope he carries on trying new things and branching into different avenues, but from the evidence from these songs, this 'pop' sound just doesn't suit.

I'm all for bands, musicians, and artists experimenting with their sound, and trying new things, and Chris Cornell has an awesome voice and has produced some astounding work. However, the new tracks I've listened to i find rather boring. Nothing stands out to me, it doesn't seem to stand out from anything else you might hear on the radio from less talented artists. Its all together too samey. I hope he carries on trying new things and branching into different avenues, but from the evidence from these songs, this 'pop' sound just doesn't suit.

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that Timbaland is trying to make heavy computerised basslines a component of modern rock music?
Fall Out Boy and the Hives have already worked with him on his album. Fair play, Timbaland's a good producer but why not stick to hip-hop and R& B, what he knows?
I think that Timbaland's going to get more recognition for this than Chris. Think of OneRepublic, their song Apologise quickly became one of Timbaland's songs simply because he made the beat heavier and went "eh" a few times.
Bad move Chris.

I can't say i'm timberlands hugest fan, but this will put Chris Cornell straight into the mainstream.

I can't say i'm timberlands hugest fan, but this will put Chris Cornell straight into the mainstream.

There's no such thing as integrity or being sellout. Making money from your career is an inevitable thing for everyone, and those who target those people making money are just jealous because they make less than them.
being an artist is about self expression and evolving as a person. if this is where he feels his music should go, then fair play to him. he has the guts to do what he wants, and thats admirable.

www.myspace.com/erm_____

How do we have to take a question like this?
Is it like "do you have to stop rock if you cut your hair?"
Come on, luckily we're not still stucked in the '80's!!!
I think a true artist has to put evolution even over his coherence. This is what i do in my life. This is what I hope this Cornell (I confess I never loved him...) is doing now.
Still we have seen and heard many and many musicians doing things like that in the past. Cornell's not the first and will not be the last...
Music's born for evoution not for the conformists!
Ciao.
LK

One of the main reasons Audioslave and Soundgarden captivated so many was of course Cornell's vocals; his range, emotion and passion can be heard in all their songs. It came as a huge disappointment to me when I heard the latest from him. I think it's great that so many rockstars are trying to publicize themselves and their bands by stepping up into the limelight and trying to cross over into the 'pop' world, reaching out to the masses. However, I can't help but feel a little annoyed when countless singers and bands, such as Cornell, appear to be selling out. The boy band harmonies lacking any substance which could make the most heartrending lyrics sound about as shallow as a puddle and the need to include Timbaland who is the latest "It" producer of the moment seem like a pathetic attempt to fit in with the "popular kids" rather than remaining true to themselves. I just hope that Cornell jumps off the bandwagon and gets back to producing the passion fueled music he's well known for.

Being a Musician myself I can see that Chris Cornell is moving with the times.He has through his previous acts been constantly at the boundaries , pushing and blurring the edges of genres,be it Grunge or Heavy Rock.
Rock & Hip Hop are Musical Cousins, both stemming from and devolping ideas taken from Rhythm & Blues.
Some people may argue that Rap glamourises violence and commercialism but genuine artists of that genre such as Dilated Peoples, Everlast & Tupac Shakur release 'Urban Poetry' something which Rock has done also with tracks such as 'Under The Bridge' by The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, taking life experiences and devolipng them from there.In a literal sense Chris Cornell, in my opinion, is doing exactly the same,some things work for a time , somethings do not.
I am in no way condoning his supposed actions that ended AudioSlave nor am I saying that that it was a bad idea, Music has to move with the times , otherwise it becomes stagnant and backward looking.
After the passing of Kurt Cobain Rock music entered a Black Hole for a time not knowing which direction to turn, that was until Nu-metal / Post grunge acts such Limp Bizkit brought in the use of of the Turn Table into popular Heavy Rock Music.Isn't the Turntable meant to be a mainstay of Pop & Rap? i can remeber the uproar in the Music press with people writing in saying the sound of a DJ was like the Death rattle for Guitar based Music, but now the use of Turn Tables has been used so elequently in acts such as Slipknot that they can actually compliment the the Guitar, Rap/Pop & Rock working in unison once again.
Chris Cornell is working with one of THE visionary producers of the past 20 years, the songs that are on the internet proves yet again that Rock & Pop Music can work in harmony.I myself can not wait to get my hands on the Album.

Every musician who woks with Timbaland gets a one way ticket into the mainstream charts and ends up sounding like everyone else. So Chris Cornell knows what he is doing having Timbaland produce his ne album.

It sounds like the two work well together, and you can always expect good things from Chris Cornell. Although, his older stuff has more passion to it: stick to what you know!

hes ruining himself hes going for the money and just leaving all the fans who followed him in soundgarden and audioslave fans behind!

gay.

i dont think its that great i like his old work betterbut hes still got a great voice and timberlands kool too but it is his choice

but it not only shows good musicianship but that he is also broad minded, which is one thing that us rockers, metalheads and goths all slate chavs for not being.
I think, personally, it's quite good even though I'm not into it. I have more respect for him making this move and "selling out",apparently, than him sticking to something that is the same. die-hard fans of chris cornell will still worship the man for what he has and is doing now and should not decide to go off of him and his work just because he's made a few songs that some people don't like.
Horned Salutes to you, Chris, from a metalhead from birth til the grave

i would love 30 seconds to mars back on the kerrang mags coz i miss them so much

i would love 30 seconds to mars back on the kerrang mags coz i miss them so much

i would love 30 seconds to mars back on the kerrang mags coz i miss them so much

i would love 30 seconds to mars back on the kerrang mags coz i miss them so much

Oh god. No. Make him stop. I'm a huge Soundgarden fan, and this pisses all over his legacy...

Somebody get Kim Thayil to go and talk some sense into him!

what the fuck was mister christopher thinkin when he even began thinking about working with timbaland

sounds like a plan for disaster, mixing two genres, but just think about jay z and linkin park, and run dmc and aerosmith

sounds like a plan for disaster, mixing two genres, but just think about jay z and linkin park, and run dmc and aerosmith

Wow, it does sound pretty good. I can only imagine Cornell's gravelly voice against Timbaland's work (cause my computer is being a bitch and won't work for me). Timbo's a good producer whatever people say.

Everyone deserves to go in a new direction, Chris is just branching out to reach a wider audience. Let's just hope it turns out like Run DMC + Aerosmith. You know, successful.

oh dear. it sounds like an oompa loompa got traped in the microphone whilst the tracks were being recorded

Gah, despite the fact Justin's a prat, it should be alright on Chris's behalf.

It seems that a lot of people who hate the new songs hated them as soon as they heard the name Timbaland - before even hearing the songs. He's a polarizing figure, as anyone who becomes sort of a megastar is, there's always a big backlash against people like that. Then combine that with the fact that Chris Cornell is the last person anyone expected to be working with Timbaland, and you've got quite a risk that Cornell is taking. I'm sure he knew that going into it, yet did it anyway because he is following his own musical path, as he always has.

As for the new songs, I really like what I've heard so far. I'm anxious to hear the entire album. The thing that really stands out for me, as always, is his amazing voice. I love the way he is using it (for lack of a better term) on these tracks. He tries different things and I give him a lot of credit for that. Its really the only way to grow and evolve as an artist. I love the fact that even though I've been a fan of his for half of my life, I really have no idea what he may do next.

I'm liking it! It's different, sure. I'll always be a fan of Chris' talented voice.
I love Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog and Audioslave. I also love the solo albums. I am also liking Timbaland. It works for me.
Give it a chance

Sorry these songs SUCK! I don't know what Chris was thinking because he is extraordinarily talented - but these songs are so bland, boring, and repetitive. Nothing new - a total waste of this man's talent. Chris - next time I hope you produce yourself. Do your thing and the audience will come. To me this seems like a clear attempt to try and seem relevant in today's market and it is comes off kind of SAD!

If Chris feels good with the new direction, then I´m with it. I like the new songs of him, he IS a really unique artist and I love all of his work from the past until now. His songwriting skills are incredibly brilliant, this did not change. His voice sounds like velvet it doesnt matter what he sings. And you can hear it at the Leno performance as well, his voice is full of emotion. Chris rocks in any way and I wish him most of luck on his new way. I have seen him once in concert last year and I am burning to see him the second, third and fourth time....HE ROCKS!!!

3 words

FAIL FAIL FAIL!!!

Loads of people seem to be changing to pop lately and it might be good in a way that he will get more fans but he will lose fans.

I have to agree with a lot of the people here who say that it's not so much the idea of Chris doing an R&B or pop album that bothers so many, as much as it seems to be Chris's collaboration with Timbaland. Not knowing any of the guy's (Timbaland's) previous work, I have nothing to compare what I've heard to - and so far (I've heard 5 songs), I really like it - A LOT!! I guess being a fan for so long, it's Chris's voice that ALWAYS jumps out at me first, and these songs are no different in that respect, IMO. Also, I just saw him perform "Long Gone' & "Watch Out" live with his band (on the Projekt Revolution tour), and they were awesome!! Regardless, I think people are REALLY overreacting to all of this - if it works (I'm absolutely going to buy the album; c'mon, how can you really tell from just a couple of songs??), fine; if not, Chris will be moving on to something new, anyway, as he always does,...but THAT VOICE just keeps getting better!!!
One final point to consider - there's definitely an 'age' thing going on here, I think; it seems like longtime fans are having a harder time accepting this move (more resistant to change??), while younger folks, esp. those who aren't 'as familiar' with Chris's prior work (older teens, 20 & some 30-somethings), the ones I'VE talked to, at least, seem to LOVE this new music right off the bat - maybe because they have no preconceptions of "what Chris should sound like", so that just might be the best way to approach Chris's new album - without any preconceived ideas of what it will be: just TRY to listen to it with an open mind ( & ears - yeah, it sounds kind of corny, but really, let's be fair here) ...just something else to think about?

Timbaland???the best way for a career suicide...What's next duete with justin and madonna ?

to be honest, i dont like it
simple as!!

Funny how sometimes the “Superunknown” is not nearly as scary as the super “hits” with which pop culture bathes our brainwashed minds. If you are seeking a soundtrack to go with your Lonely Holidays youtube nostalgia videos, the new ChrisCornellmas classic “Long Gone,” is the perfect prescription, although officially the song’s title is merely foreshadowing its own fate in the world of all things pop. Perhaps this song is the consequence (punishment?) for the Black Hole Sun that never came to wash away the...

Either way, not even the biggest bark in all of TimbaLand could help disguise the new “Ground Zero.” The problem here is not the blunt and buzz-killing lyrics (“where in the world you gonna go/who in the world you gonna hold”) so much as the fact that our society today needs such lyrics in order to understand any kind of meanings or messages. And the salt in the wound is the hip-hop-potamisters that are needed to say it for us. For Chris’ sake- what ever happened to subtlety?!

Chris Cornell has the most angelically grungy pipes that can blow… anyone away in his garden of sounds. While I will always love him no matter how much water he adds to his bug juice, I hope he remembers that asking his loyal rock fans to hold his hand while he goes Down On the Upside that [c]rap-rock is just “Like Suicide,” and maybe this time the answer can-and-should only be found after slipping back “Into the Void.”

Love and Bruises,
Barbie Boop

timbaland?????Poor...... What's next duete with maddona?

Oh no... And only yesterday I was listening to Soundgarden's "A-Sides" and thinking how awesome it would be for those guys to reunite. Soundgarden were fucking awesome to put it bluntly. Go back to how it used to be Mr. Cornell!

The songs that he's unveiled (Long Gone and Ground Zero ) sound awesome. It's definetely a change in direction, but I'm not gonna dislike it just because it's not Chris Cornell's usual sound.

id say im fuckingg scaredd :||||||||||||

id say im fuckingg scaredd :||||||||||||

fuck this how the fuck can he do anything like that with timberland?
seriously what the fuck is he on?
what's next a fuckin rave or summthing?
he needs to sort it out...

fuck this how the fuck can he do anything like that with timberland?
seriously what the fuck is he on?
what's next a fuckin rave or summthing?
he needs to sort it out...

I think that Chris working with Timbaland was one of the worst things he could ever do! His old stuff rocked my socks off and Timbaland can get half the credits of the song if he says a couple words!! You'll hear a song made by Timbaland ft. Chris Cornell when Chris done all the singing!

oh no, thats it, the world is over.
we might as well crown timberland king of the universe now!x

oh no, thats it, the world is over.
we might as well crown timberland king of the universe now!x

I actually think it's much better, he's ditched the post grunge style. And it's much better.

I think it's great to see Chris extending himself and trying something different. He has always chaged it up and will continue to do so. I'm sure the follow up to Scream will be something new again. His voice is sounding better than ever (just check out the vocals on Long Gone) though and live he is going off! Can't wait for the album in September!

This is not what I want to here from Sir Cornell. Timbaland will get the majority of the credit for this, and everyone will forget Chris. I don't mind experimenting, but completely changing your style (like PATD) is just silly. Reform Soundgarden, so we can all be happy.

If it's what he wants to do good luck to him. . . HOWEVER I won't be buying his stuff anymore!!!!!

I miss Soundgarden :(

I am digging the direction Chris is taking things. The theing about his recorded stuff is it is like an appetizer. You ahven't heard anything until you hear him do a song live. If you go to a Cornell concert you know that you can actually tell a difference from song to song because of his years of changing things up and experimenting. Kudos for not sounding like every other artist out there where you can't tell the difference between one album to another, or even one song from another because they never change anything up. I love Chirs' fearlessness in doing his own thing. To me, that is the complete opposite of a "sellout"

I agree! I like the new music and if you don't change things up now and again, it gets boring and starts sounding the same. Also, don't judge the album just based on who is producing it, it doesn't mean it's going to be a hip hop album. I can't wait to hear the rest of the album! I really like what I've heard so far and it does sound really good live too!

I have loved Chris Cornell throughout the stages of his career and I stand by the fact that he is still amazing. If he wants to try something new then nthats cool with me, it will be interesting to hear what sort of songs he can write in this genre.

Well I Linkin Park with Jay-Z was tolerable, so I'd give this stuff a chance.

Chris Cornell's new music is very different! But it still has some great tunes and very interesting to listen to.

Chris Cornell's new music is very different! But it still has some great tunes and very interesting to listen to.

Chris Cornell's new music is very different! But it still has some great tunes and very interesting to listen to.

I don't think it's very good, it sounds a lot like pretty much everything in most of the charts right now. Can we now say Timbaland can and soon will own the universe?!

Cornell lost the plot years ago.

I have followed Cornell's career for a long time and even though this type of music is not really what I listen to, I actually like the songs. They are very well written. My only gripe is that they do seem to have Timberland's influence all over them. Otherwise they are great songs.

I must say I have a great deal of respect for Cornell having the guts to do something like this. Especially knowing how the rock purists would react. I love the fact he's out there trying new things instead of just staying in his comfort zone.

I just listened to the latest Offspring song and it sounds like the same old stuff they did 10 years ago. Good on Cornell for not being dull and boring and for not being as weak as piss!

i think Chris working with Timberland is probobly one of the worst mistakes he has ever and ever will make. I know he is Trying to be different, but why Timberland?! Only one thing i can say....good luck Chris.

i thought his old music was bad i cant do any better but now you cant even call it music is like the jamacins have got to his hesd

i thought his old music was bad i cant do any better but now you cant even call it music is like the jamacins have got to his hesd

i thought his old music was bad i cant do any better but now you cant even call it music is like the jamacins have got to his hesd

regardless of how you feel about chris as an artist, he is one of the leaders of the grunge rock movement. the sure passion he puts behind his music is enough for anyone to know, even if you like him or not, that he is a poster child for true talent. so what if he takes a kick back to a new style. it may not be what you like, but he can do it! and do it well. besides isn't making it in the business all about reaching all the people you can to promote yourself? new sound, means new fans, which means new people introduced to new types of music. if you ask me all his change means is that he knows how to make it in this business. god forbid someone be subjected to a new sound, it might open their minds or something. the world is changing everyday, only the ones who can change with it survive.

I really think his voice sounded better with Audioslave because of the rock element to their music. Although his new stuff does have a similar sound, it's become more like country music. My Dad likes his new stuff. My Dad also likes Amy Winehouse. Enough said.

Well I guess that everybody's got to change their style at some point...

Well I guess that everybody's got to change their style at some point...

Just went to the Projekt Revolution concert here in Denver, Colorado. The only reason I went to the concert was because of Chris Cornell. He broke out in old Soundgarden tunes, his previous solo album songs, and two new songs from his new album. The audience seem to really enjoy and sing along with his new sounds. Chris has an amazing voice and has a unique sound no matter which direction he goes. Ultimately he tries something different as an artist. As long as he keeps singing I will keep listening.
Peace, Natalie

I couldn't give two fucks :)

far as im concerd the only thing he has done is the james bond song and that was crap this has to be the worst buring question ever !

Whoever agreed to sign him up with Timbaland, deserves to be sponged to death :)

peace :)

Maybe he's just been listening to Weezers song 'Pork and Beans' too much...
'Timbaland knows the way
To reach the top of the charts
Maybe if I work with him
I can perfect the art'
So he may have an obsession with Pork and Beans :P
But its his choice.
Even if everyone dosesnt like it....

Yea I listened to it and no, just no.
It's not good Chris, not good at all.
Go back to Audioslave, maybe do another James Bond song, but dont work with Timberland and stop listening to Pork and Beans.
Timberland may know how to reach the top of the charts, but every one has bad days and this is crap.

I think it is AWESOME that Chris is taking this new direction with his music. In doing so, it will increase the likelihood that his music will reach new audiences and he will gain new fans.

I don't see anything wrong with Timbaland being the producer, either. In fact, I think that it is a GREAT IDEA for him to use hip-hop beats and r&b sounds with Cornell's voice. I am a LONG-TIME Cornell fan and I absolutely LOVE the new songs . . . especially the song "Never Far Away."

So wait until you actually hear the ALBUM to pass judgment. All you have to base your opinion on here are some small sound samples. Not much to go on guys, sorry.

SCREAM!!!!

Sincerely,

"E-Dogg"
myspace.com/upontheshelf

Personally, I think that change is a good thing and I see nothing wrong with CC wanting to take his music in a new direction. The Projekt Revolution tour has already given exposure to a whole new generation of nu metal rapper fans, Why not reach out to the hip hop and R&B crowd as well? It's true that I am into to rock and roll and I prefer that genre. But the cool thing about Chris is that he always knows how to mix things up and incorporates a taste of all of former albums when he performs live. And from what I've seen on you tube so far, the new tunes have a rocking flavor that seems to compliment the rest of the setlist. So if the new album isn't quite your cup of tea it doesn't matter. Just go see CC live on the upcoming tour and it will be a mind blowing experience. I have heard many people say that seeing Chris play in concert was the best show they have ever seen and for me that is definitely the case. There is nothing better than to be in the first row and up against the barricades with Chris just a few feet away while I stand in amazment of his ability to totally mezmerize the audience with his God given talent. He is truly one of the most gifted musicians of all time and I willl continue to be a fan of Chris Cornell's music for many years to come.