DOG GONE IT!
Those familiar with the sub-pop scene of Seattle in the late 80s or with SOUNDGARDEN who toured here last year to promote their forceful album Louder Than Love they'll be pleased to hear vocalist Chris Cornell fronting the one-and-only album to be recorded by TEMPLE OF THE DOG. Born as a one-off splinter project to pay tribute to the late Andrew Wood "The Dog", it evolved, rather than formed, during the latter part of 1990. Andrew Wood had been the vocalist of MOTHER LOVE BONE another Seattle outfit which contained former members of the city's old favourites GREEN RIVER. Andy and Chris were long time friends, and, at the time of Andrew's passing, were sharing a flat together. His sudden departure spawned Chris into writing two songs about him, "Say Hello to Heaven" and "Reach Down." When he finally decided to record them, he called in Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament from Mother Love Bone and used Soundgarden sticksman Matt Cameron.
The rehearsals that followed created further inspiration, and quite soon a few songs had developed into a full set. The 'Dog' project did however have to take second place, as Soundgarden were busy working, putting together material for a new album, while Stone and Jeff had signed a fresh contract with the then newly formed PEARL JAM. With so much going on, one couldn't expect too much, but there are plenty of surprises and the project has an overall mature quality. I put this to Stone Gossard when I hooked up with him recently.
"Well, the album's turned out better than I expected. There was a really healthy atmosphere about the whole thing, and I guess that relaxed feel comes through in the playing."How long did you spend recording?
"I don't know. It was an odd day here, an odd day there, and just a few weekends, little more than 10 days. I guess that's why it worked. There was no pressure, no heads on the block, this wasn't a career move. It was just four guys playing. It all came easy because no one was worrying. It was really a collaboration of two bands."
The album is far removed from anything I've heard by Soundgarden, having a more mellow, bluesy feel. Was this deliberate or did it just work out that way?
"You're right, but I co-wrote three of the songs, and half the band is basically Pearl Jam, so it's bound to have a different bearing. In any case, Chris wouldn't want another project to end up like Soundgarden. I don't think there was a deliberate, or any particular, sound we looked for, as it was really left to find its own course. Part of the fun was finding new things, and it all took off so quick there's no way it could sound contrived."
How did you find working with Chris.
"What can I say, he's just amazing."
Do you feel that the album is a fitting memorial to Andrew?
"Well, Chris started with that idea, but the other songs came from different directions, so I wouldn't call it a memorial. Andrew was always on our minds, and I like to think he would have enjoyed the album."
Well I'm sure he would. The overall feel is intense and dramatic, and sometimes, in the groove, one can catch remnants of FREE or CREAM. There are occasional laboured lapses when things meander on a bit, but the general picture is good. The main point is Cornell's voice, which always grips your attention. There's nothing new to be found, but it's a high quality, well structured record worth picking up for a place in your collection.
As Stone says:
"We did it cheap, we did it quick, and, when all is considered, we got a great result."
I'll go with that
Mike Harris
Riff Raff
July 1991
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