Temple of the Dog
“Temple of the Dog” (A&M Records, 1991)

 

And we are it again, I reckon. I have always wanted to take on the task of providing my personal view to 2 specific Seattle records: “Temple of the Dog” and “Above”. Quite different, but both extremely important releases in the history of Rock n’ Roll music in general, and the Seattle scene in specific. Let’s get the Grunge out of the equation for starters. Labelling can, sometimes, extract the essence of music, so let us ignore that and focus on the important: the Music.

No need to give information on the lineup, I guess. This was a bloody super-group before super-groups became a thing, and before one of the best records of all time came out; well, the band was non-existent at that time, but let us recognize that TOTD “gave birth” to Pearl Jam, ok? Just to contextualize, this record is pre “Badmotorfinger” and pre “Ten”! Not just two Rock n’ Roll albums, but these two Rock n’ Roll albums. Class. The album is an homage to the late Andy Wood from Mother Love Bone, developed by Chris Cornell, where he surrounds himself of former MLB musicians and mutual friends. This is the first time we have Eddie Vedder on tape, and what a debut it is!

In 1991 I was not aware of where Seattle was. The only thing I knew was the Supersonics and Kemp & Payton, but as soon as “Nevermind” came out, we all knew where it was, and it became a Mecca to some of us. TOTD did not have the reach other Seattle bands had, but this is one of those records that has such a deep feeling, such an intense and heavy weight. “Hunger Strike” broke, and many followed. I recall seeing that videoclip on MTV, plus the faces looked familiar, you know? That duet is such a strong moment, and it is not even the best song on the record! I do not feel that set of songs the same way the people who lived that moment in time, I believe that is obvious. All we can do is absorb it in today’s light. It hit hard in the 90ies, and it hits hard today.

Overall, this is a very sentimental record; all the tracks have this heavy feeling, this whole spectrum of emotions. We can also blame that on Mr. Cornell and Andy: one sings, one provided the (unwanted) inspiration. “Your Savior”, for instance, has an amazing guitar work. In my understanding, it falls more into the Soundgarden side, than the Pearl Jam. Well, as mentioned, Pearl Jam were non-existent at that moment, however you had Cameron behind the drum kit, and he rules wherever he is, so… “Four Walled World” sees Chris go his way and provide an amazing showcase of his vocal abilities. Man, this release is the perfect storm, the most brilliant mix, creative musicians aligned in absolute harmony.

Some of the reasons this album worked so well - even if not initially - is the fact that it came out when the Seattle scene was starting to blow, and we need to add the reason these songs were put together in the first place. Andy was one of a kind in the Seattle scene, and this is an amazing homage. Funny thing about the Seattle scene is that it gave way to several bands, mostly different, but all with an enormous sense of connectivity, and you knew who was from Seattle, and that area. Years later the World would sound like Seattle, and most of them while wearing flannel shirts and Chuck Taylors.

In conclusion, this album will always be up there with the best that came out of the rainy city, and one of the deepest and most emotional that I have ever had the opportunity to listen to. From this point on, no one could stop them, and the rest is history.