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Temple of the Dog's self-titled debut (and only) album is more than just a footnote in grunge history; it's a profoundly moving tribute to a fallen friend and a stunning example of collaborative creativity. Hearing it on vinyl elevates the listening experience, enriching the already potent emotions and allowing the nuances of the performance to truly shine.
The Music:
This album is a unique blend of Chris Cornell's soaring vocals and poetic lyrics with the emerging sound of Pearl Jam, then known as Mookie Blaylock. The tracks are steeped in grief and reflection, exploring themes of loss, friendship, and the preciousness of life.
Songs like "Say Hello 2 Heaven" and "Reach Down" are powerful anthems, filled with Cornell's signature soaring vocals that ache with raw emotion. "Hunger Strike," featuring a haunting duet between Cornell and Eddie Vedder, remains a timeless classic, its lyrics resonating even more deeply on vinyl. The album isn't all sorrow, though. Tracks like "Pushin Forward Back" offer a more upbeat, energetic edge, showcasing the band's musical prowess and hinting at the future success of Pearl Jam.
The Vinyl Experience:
This is where the magic truly happens. Listening to Temple of the Dog on vinyl brings a warmth and depth that's often lost in digital formats.
Sound Quality: The analog warmth of vinyl lends itself perfectly to the album's somber and introspective mood. The individual instruments are separated beautifully, allowing you to appreciate the interplay between Mike McCready and Stone Gossard's guitars, Jeff Ament's steady bass lines, and Matt Cameron's powerful drumming. Cornell's vocals, especially his higher register, are rendered with a clarity and richness that adds to the emotional impact.
Physicality: Holding the artwork, reading the lyrics, and carefully placing the needle on the record ceremony adds to the overall connection with the music. The gatefold artwork often features striking images that enhance the themes explored within the album.
Pacing: The act of flipping the record forces you to take a break, to reflect on what you've just heard, and to prepare yourself for the next chapter. This intentionality adds to the album's weight and significance.
Potential Drawbacks (depending on the pressing):
Pressing Quality: As with any vinyl record, the quality of the pressing can vary. Look for reputable pressings (e.g., Music on Vinyl, or original pressings in good condition) to ensure optimal sound quality and minimize surface noise.
Price: Original pressings of Temple of the Dog on vinyl can be quite expensive, especially if they are in excellent condition. Repressings are generally more affordable, but it's important to do your research and read reviews to ensure you're getting a quality product.
Overall:
Temple of the Dog on vinyl is a must-have for any serious grunge fan or anyone who appreciates emotionally resonant music. It's a deeply moving and powerful album that's best experienced in its analog form. The warmth, depth, and physicality of the vinyl format elevate the listening experience, allowing you to truly connect with the band's heartfelt tribute and the raw emotions that permeate every track. While the price and pressing quality can be considerations, finding a good quality vinyl copy of this album is well worth the investment. Just be prepared to be moved.
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Temple of the Dog Vinyl: A Grunge Supergroup's Soulful Lament, Best Heard on Wax
Temple of the Dog's self-titled debut (and only) album is more than just a footnote in grunge history; it's a profoundly moving tribute to a fallen friend and a stunning example of collaborative creativity. Hearing it on vinyl elevates the listening experience, enriching the already potent emotions and allowing the nuances of the performance to truly shine. The Music: This album is a unique blend of Chris Cornell's soaring vocals and poetic lyrics with the emerging sound of Pearl Jam, then known as Mookie Blaylock. The tracks are steeped in grief and reflection, exploring themes of loss, friendship, and the preciousness of life. Songs like "Say Hello 2 Heaven" and "Reach Down" are powerful anthems, filled with Cornell's signature soaring vocals that ache with raw emotion. "Hunger Strike," featuring a haunting duet between Cornell and Eddie Vedder, remains a timeless classic, its lyrics resonating even more deeply on vinyl. The album isn't all sorrow, though. Tracks like "Pushin Forward Back" offer a more upbeat, energetic edge, showcasing the band's musical prowess and hinting at the future success of Pearl Jam. The Vinyl Experience: This is where the magic truly happens. Listening to Temple of the Dog on vinyl brings a warmth and depth that's often lost in digital formats. Sound Quality: The analog warmth of vinyl lends itself perfectly to the album's somber and introspective mood. The individual instruments are separated beautifully, allowing you to appreciate the interplay between Mike McCready and Stone Gossard's guitars, Jeff Ament's steady bass lines, and Matt Cameron's powerful drumming. Cornell's vocals, especially his higher register, are rendered with a clarity and richness that adds to the emotional impact. Physicality: Holding the artwork, reading the lyrics, and carefully placing the needle on the record ceremony adds to the overall connection with the music. The gatefold artwork often features striking images that enhance the themes explored within the album. Pacing: The act of flipping the record forces you to take a break, to reflect on what you've just heard, and to prepare yourself for the next chapter. This intentionality adds to the album's weight and significance. Potential Drawbacks (depending on the pressing): Pressing Quality: As with any vinyl record, the quality of the pressing can vary. Look for reputable pressings (e.g., Music on Vinyl, or original pressings in good condition) to ensure optimal sound quality and minimize surface noise. Price: Original pressings of Temple of the Dog on vinyl can be quite expensive, especially if they are in excellent condition. Repressings are generally more affordable, but it's important to do your research and read reviews to ensure you're getting a quality product. Overall: Temple of the Dog on vinyl is a must-have for any serious grunge fan or anyone who appreciates emotionally resonant music. It's a deeply moving and powerful album that's best experienced in its analog form. The warmth, depth, and physicality of the vinyl format elevate the listening experience, allowing you to truly connect with the band's heartfelt tribute and the raw emotions that permeate every track. While the price and pressing quality can be considerations, finding a good quality vinyl copy of this album is well worth the investment. Just be prepared to be moved.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2025
Temple of the Dog's self-titled debut (and only) album is more than just a footnote in grunge history; it's a profoundly moving tribute to a fallen friend and a stunning example of collaborative creativity. Hearing it on vinyl elevates the listening experience, enriching the already potent emotions and allowing the nuances of the performance to truly shine.
Temple of the Dog Vinyl: A Grunge Supergroup's Soulful Lament, Best Heard on Wax
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2025
The Music:
This album is a unique blend of Chris Cornell's soaring vocals and poetic lyrics with the emerging sound of Pearl Jam, then known as Mookie Blaylock. The tracks are steeped in grief and reflection, exploring themes of loss, friendship, and the preciousness of life.
Songs like "Say Hello 2 Heaven" and "Reach Down" are powerful anthems, filled with Cornell's signature soaring vocals that ache with raw emotion. "Hunger Strike," featuring a haunting duet between Cornell and Eddie Vedder, remains a timeless classic, its lyrics resonating even more deeply on vinyl. The album isn't all sorrow, though. Tracks like "Pushin Forward Back" offer a more upbeat, energetic edge, showcasing the band's musical prowess and hinting at the future success of Pearl Jam.
The Vinyl Experience:
This is where the magic truly happens. Listening to Temple of the Dog on vinyl brings a warmth and depth that's often lost in digital formats.
Sound Quality: The analog warmth of vinyl lends itself perfectly to the album's somber and introspective mood. The individual instruments are separated beautifully, allowing you to appreciate the interplay between Mike McCready and Stone Gossard's guitars, Jeff Ament's steady bass lines, and Matt Cameron's powerful drumming. Cornell's vocals, especially his higher register, are rendered with a clarity and richness that adds to the emotional impact.
Physicality: Holding the artwork, reading the lyrics, and carefully placing the needle on the record ceremony adds to the overall connection with the music. The gatefold artwork often features striking images that enhance the themes explored within the album.
Pacing: The act of flipping the record forces you to take a break, to reflect on what you've just heard, and to prepare yourself for the next chapter. This intentionality adds to the album's weight and significance.
Potential Drawbacks (depending on the pressing):
Pressing Quality: As with any vinyl record, the quality of the pressing can vary. Look for reputable pressings (e.g., Music on Vinyl, or original pressings in good condition) to ensure optimal sound quality and minimize surface noise.
Price: Original pressings of Temple of the Dog on vinyl can be quite expensive, especially if they are in excellent condition. Repressings are generally more affordable, but it's important to do your research and read reviews to ensure you're getting a quality product.
Overall:
Temple of the Dog on vinyl is a must-have for any serious grunge fan or anyone who appreciates emotionally resonant music. It's a deeply moving and powerful album that's best experienced in its analog form. The warmth, depth, and physicality of the vinyl format elevate the listening experience, allowing you to truly connect with the band's heartfelt tribute and the raw emotions that permeate every track. While the price and pressing quality can be considerations, finding a good quality vinyl copy of this album is well worth the investment. Just be prepared to be moved.
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2025
Great pressing. No warping or skips. The sound is fantastic
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2024
- Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2016
RIP Magazine - August 1991
4 Daggers Turns To 5 Amazon Stars Over a Quarter Century's Time - 1991 RIP Magazine review by Michael Browning
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2016
1990: Seattle's Music Scene Distorts As 80's Glam Goes 90's Grunge
TEMPLE OF THE DOG: Temple of the Dog
(A&M)
γγγγ Four Daggers
γγγγγ Lethal!
γγγγ Call the Paramedics
γγγ Heart Flutters
γγ Mild Abrasion
γ No Damage
The first time I heard Temple Of The Dog on record (having witnessed incendiary live shows long before), I actually wasn't terribly impressed. With each successive listen, tho, it began to grow on me. It's now at the point that it gets four daggers. Next week and several more spins from now, who knows?
What began as an outlet for the pain of a close friend's death (Andrew Wood of Mother Love Bone) comes to you now as a musical offering from a non-band with no touring plans. It's a collaborative effort featuring Matt Cameron and Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard (moving on after Mother Love Bone) with Mike McCready sharing guitar duties both here and in their project Mookie Blaylock.
A while back, when they were considered Seattle's two most charismatic frontmen, Chris Cornell and Andrew Wood were roommates. In the days following Wood's overdose, Cornell put down his observations and feelings in the songs, Say Hello To Heaven and Reach Down. Altho these are the specific tunes written for Andy, references to him and his addiction permeate the record. The guys have a lot on their minds, like prison life (Four Walled World), organized religion (Wooden Jesus) and conspicuous consumption (Hunger Strike).
Side one, with the strongest cut of all (Hunger Strike) following the two songs about Wood, and the records hardest tune (Pushin' Forward Back) following that, is reason enough to own it. Also Cornell's vocals on the piano driven ballad, Call Me A Dog, and the slow groovin' All Night Thing display a style and range much different from those on his Soundgarden efforts.
As you might expect from two thirds of the axemen who cut the mighty Apple, TOTD does have its Bone-esque passages but the record still stands on its' own. Things get a little pretentious at times but, with perhaps a more accessible vibe? than the members' other projects, Temple reveals a side of these musicians you may not hear again for a while.
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Top reviews from other countries
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Michael WitteReviewed in Germany on December 8, 2016
Großartige Songs und wertige Aufmachung!
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