Several years ago a man called Chris Cornell (Soundgarden) met a band called Rage Against the Machine (minus their lead singer). They started jamming and then thought, 'Woah, we're actually amazing at this, lets make a band, tour the world and create amazing music'. And so they did...
I came across Audioslave when I saw the video for 'Cochise', their first release. I was almost oblivious to the bands the members had been in before so I purchased the music solely on its merit.
The opener 'Cochise' is a proper rock track. With a one minute build up of drums and guitars, when it explodes its all so very tempting to take the air guitar of its stand and to play along. For those concerned Cochise is the name of a warrior of an African or Native American tribe (or something similar).
'Show Me How To Live' follows the explosive 'Cochise', in a similar manner, with the Chris Cornell asking a higher being for guidance: 'you gave me life, now show me how to live'. If you feel angry, feel like putting the pedal to the metal when you're driving or just want to rock out, then these first 2 songs are ideal.
The 3rd track, 'Gasoline', does not do much for me, its a bit bland in my opinion. However when in a shouty mood, the song would be fantastic.
'What You Are' and 'Like A Stone' are 2 of my favourite songs on the album. The latter stripping down the sound to a more acousitc feel, with a fantastic guitar solo from Tom Morello. 'What You Are' has the quiet verse, loud chorus feel to it and fits the lyrics perfectly, which are about breaking the shackles of a relationship.
'Set It Off' is the most political song on the album and is a real power song. By that I mean it seems as if it was designed to be loud, fun and rebellious.
Now for my favourite song on the cd, 'Shadow On The Sun'. It is definitely a grower and when you fully appreciate it, it is mind-blowing. It is played in the moive Collateral and when I heard it in the film, it made my spine chill.
'I Am The Highway' is the ballad of the cd, where Cornell sings about guiding someone but not sppon-feeding them, its very powerful and is one of the most radio-friendly on the album.
Tracks 'Hypnotize' and 'Light My Way' are my least favourite songs over the 2 of Audioslave's albums. In them the band sound more like they are finding their feet as opposed to the natural flow of the other songs.
'Bring Em Back Alive' is a bit of a crazy song in my opinion. It was the first time I heard Morello shred away at his guitar and originally disliked it, however his style has grown on me and this song is great.
One of my other favourite songs is 'Getaway Car'. This is a song that no stereotypical rock band would create. It has a very bluesy/jazzy feel to it and is the kinda music you would want to listen to if you're out late, driving.
All in all this is one of the best cd's in my collection and I must have played it hundreds of times. This is a lot darker and more aggressive than the second album but is just as good.
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this is an excellent heavy rock LP and for me Cornell is the finest singer in the genre today.....mind you Cochise's riff is taken straight off of Zepp's "The Ocean"
The debut of thundering supergroup Audioslave--featuring members of Rage Against the ... more
Machine post-Zack de la Rocha with ex-Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell--is as much curio as fascinating blend of visions. Cornell might be outnumbered, but his unmista...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
The debut of thundering supergroup Audioslave--featuring members of Rage Against the ... more
Machine post-Zack de la Rocha with ex-Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell--is as much curio as fascinating blend of visions. Cornell might be outnumbered, but his unmista...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Feb 28th, 2006
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