He stepped to the microphone and sang the song and I couldn’t believe it. It didn’t just sound good. It didn’t sound great. It sounded transcendent. And … when there is an irreplaceable chemistry from the first moment, you can’t deny it. — Tom Morello, about the first time Chris jammed with the band
My final share in the A-B category is Audioslave. First, a mini-bio about them from wikipedia:
Audioslave was an American rock supergroup formed in Glendale, California, in 2001. The four-piece band consisted of Soundgarden’s lead singer and rhythm guitarist Chris Cornell with Rage Against the Machine members Tom Morello (lead guitar), Tim Commerford (bass/backing vocals), and Brad Wilk (drums). Critics first described Audioslave as a combination of Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine, but by the band’s second album, Out of Exile, it was noted that they had established a separate identity. Their unique sound was created by blending 1970s hard rock and 1990s alternative rock, with musical influences that included 1960s funk, soul and R&B. As with Rage Against the Machine, the band prided themselves on the fact that all sounds on their albums were produced using only guitars, bass, drums, and vocals, with emphasis on Cornell’s wide vocal range and Morello’s unconventional guitar solos.
In their six years together, Audioslave released three albums, received three Grammy nominations, sold more than eight million records worldwide and became the first American rock band to perform an open-air concert in Cuba. They disbanded in February 2007 after Cornell issued a statement announcing that he was leaving the band. Later that year, Cornell and Morello released solo albums, and Morello, Commerford, and Wilk reunited with Zack de la Rocha for the Rage Against the Machine Reunion Tour.
I came to Audioslave via Chris Cornell, who was the lead singer of Soundgarden from 1984-1997. It was only later that Audioslave became the members of Rage Against the Machine (RAM) with Chris replacing Zach de la Rocha on lead vocals. I didn’t know much about RAM other than hearing a few songs of theirs on the radio. Listening to Audioslave, I started noticing the guitar work of Tommy Morello and have since learned to love his style of playing.
Unfortunately, I never got beyond Audioslave’s first eponymous album, released in 2002. (Too much music and too little time!) I love this album! It went triple platinum and had 5 singles released from it.
On May 18, 2017, Chris, after a concert in Detroit, when his bodyguard — who had been instructed never to leave Chris alone, but did — decided to end his life in a hotel bathroom. At the time my mind was screaming for answers. Knowing how Chris used his music to speak for him, as many musicians and other creatives use their art to do, my mind immediately went to the song, “What You Are.” I listened to this song over and over again at the time to help process my grief. At the time I imagined Chris was singing this to his wife, Vicky. Now I wonder if it was to the record industry? The demands of the audiences? His Muse??
And when you wanted me, I came to you
And when you wanted someone else, I withdrew
And when you asked for light, I set myself on fire
And if I go far away I know, you’ll find another slave
Now I’m free from what you want
Now I’m free from what you need
Now I’m free from what you are
And when you wanted blood, I cut my veins
And when you wanted love, I bled myself again
Now that I’ve had my fill of you, I’ll give you up forever
And here I go, far, the way, I know you
You’ll find another slave
Now I’m free from what you want
Now I’m free from what you need
Now I’m free from what you are, hey
Then a vision came to me
When you came along
I gave you everything
But then you wanted more
Now I’m free from what you want
Now I’m free from what you need
Now I’m free from what you are, hey
Now I’m free from what you want
Now I’m free from what you need
Now I’m free from what you are
Written by: Tom Morello, Timothy Commerford, Christopher Cornell, Brad J Wilk
Album: Audioslave
Released: 2002
One more song from them because I love the music and the video, which I think takes clips from a movie that I forgot the name of but I know Max knows it.
Chris, REST IN PEACE ♥
Glyn is the host of Mixed Music Bag. Glyn says:
The last Tuesday in January means it’s the final part of MMB regarding bands or solo singers that start with A or B.
Tao Talk 
It’s a classic and no mistake. How many singers can say they were in three different classic bands? Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog and Audioslave. And he had a decent solo career. What a legend
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<3 yes. When I see him talking in the Pearl Jam doc about Temple of the Dog it tears me up. Who do you think he was singing about in that song?
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Wasn’t it Andrew?
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I don’t know? Maybe?
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Sorry I was thinking Temple. You mean the Audioslave song. I don’t know.
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I just went out to songmeanings and another possibility was brought up: to his drug addiction :(
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That may be it. Did you ever read the book about him? Total F**King Godhead
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No I didn’t. Is that the name of the book?
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Yes. It’s by Corbin Reiff. All taken from interviews with Chris. It’s very good.
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Just ordered it.
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I never got into these guys but my youngest sister recommended it so I have Chris Cornell’s album No One Sings Like You Anymore, Vol. 1. Incredible vocalist to be sure.
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Randy, does he sing, “Nothing Compares to U” on that album? I’ve watched the YouTube of him singing it many times. He pours everything he has into his singing and it reaches the depths of my soul.
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Yes it’s remarkable
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How can you miss with Tom Morello and Chris Cornell? (K)
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K, you can’t.
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and yes, RIP…
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Other than their name, I didn’t know anything about Audioslave. I like both of your song picks.
The second clip reminds me of another movie (totally blanking on the details) where it’s only one guy who is chased by an army of police and who eventually choses to run his car (a think a Dodge Charger) at full at full speed into a roadblock rather than surrender.
Sadly, it looks like the demons of depression and substance abuse eventually overwhelmed Chris Cornell, and he saw no other way out but to end his life.
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It may be called Gone in 60 Seconds but not sure. When Max sees it he will know. How many brilliant people have been stolen by substance abuse, particularly doctor-prescribed substances? We need to stop the madness.
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I like the tone of the guitar in What You Are. I love mid-tempo songs like that…it’s very edgy without showing off.
The last video…so cool they used Vanishing Point!
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Love the way you describe the first song. Ah! I knew you would know and I know we’ve talked about that movie more than once. It’s an iconic masterpiece!
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I love those kinda songs…
and yea…Vanishing Point….such a great movie. Thats right…I picked it on a movie draft…speaking of draft…I’m moving closer to doing one soon.
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YAY on the movie draft!
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I’m not sure music or movies… I just think it’s time for another draft…
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Oh, ok. Either one works for me.
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I’m thinking about 10-12 people…going 10-12 straight days and then have a 2 day break built in this time…and then going again for 10 times. That would give people a little more time.
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Oh thanks for this. Someone asked me recently what was the song I’ve played the most in my life… it was his Nothing Compares to You. What a voice!
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<3 <3 <3 I just ordered a Chris Cornell biography that someone recommended. Can't wait to read it!
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When Chris died, it was one of those times when I had to stop for a minute and ask if I’d heard that report correctly. Shocking but not surprising, as is sadly so often the case. I was listening to “No One Compares….” yesterday and got chills again. Never fails. Really good choice today, Lisa.
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Now that Prince, Sinead, and Chris have passed, who will be left to sing the song :(
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I’d forgotten I have that album in my CD collection. I’ve not played in a while but I’ll soon change that.
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Voices in Vinyl.
Thank goodness we’ll always have that!
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<3
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some fantastic music Lisa! Really good! Love it! :D <3
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You’ve got good taste, Carol Anne ;)
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