Soundgarden, Down on the Upside

It's likely more people will like the Down on the Upside album from Soundgarden than their earlier stuff (see my SuperUnknown review). This album has a cleaner production sound, is definitely (slightly) more commercial and, with Burden in my Hand, Blow Up the Outside World and Rhinosaur, had quality radio air-time pretty much guaranteed.

But there's shades of the old grungers in there too, No Attention and Ty Cobb pretty much race along at 120mph, fuelled by Cameron's manic drum work and Cornell's ferocious wailing, just as earlier albums did.

But for me the diversity is key, and everything from folk to prog-rock to punk to thrash is on display here. As are the curious chord progressions, a thumping back-line, and Thayill's very unique style of guitar playing.

It's a fascinating ride and well worth taking.