With so many rumors out there, how do we weed out the truth?
Many of you may know that Chris Cornell (formerly of Soundgarden) was working with members of Rage Against the Machine. That was until recently, when he quit the project band citing differences within the group. The project - rumored to be called Eclectic Shoe - has been completed and will be released later this year under the name "Civilian." This much we know as truth.
The rumored reason why he left the group came out last Friday when it was supposedly confirmed that he had joined the Pixies, taking the place of Black Francis' (also going by the stage name Frank Black). The Pixies' rumored reunion tour has supposedly been confirmed to hit these five cities: Boston, Miami, Detroit, New York and Cleveland.
Anyone who remembers the Pixies - who broke up in 1993 - remembers the distinctive vocal style Frank Black added to the band. It will be hard to imagine the likes of Chris Cornell even coming close to replacing that sound. It'll be even harder to imagine the Pixies having a reunion tour without Kim Deal, who - in truth - is currently recording the new Breeders album, with plans for a supporting tour this summer.
Another rumor circulating concerning Chris Cornell is that Soundgarden is getting back together without Matt Cameron (who joined Pearl Jam when Soundgarden broke up in 1997). The rumor has them going into the studio this summer to record a new album.
Soundgarden has also been rumored to replace Rage Against the Machine on this year's Ozzfest concert tour. Rage Against the Machine had to drop out of Ozzfest after not being able to find a suitable frontman.
I can only say that if Soundgarden was to get back together, I would hope the members would not continue their former trend. They started out as a metal band that made a place for themselves during a grunge era. As they progressed from album to album, their music became less and less that of a metal act and more and more of a hard rock act.
If the trend continues (assuming the rumor to be true about a reunion), they will release something similar to Incubus' latest album, which can be heard in elevators and K-Marts across the country.
One final rumor about Cornell is that he will join Pavement during its summer reunion tour, replacing Stephen Malkmus. Pavement is considered to be one of the most influential bands in the lo-fi indie rock movement that swept the United States in the early '90s. Although strictly an underground band, they came close to having a mainstream hit with the song "Cut Your Hair."
They finally disbanded in 1999 leaving behind several unfinished projects. Members of the band went on to start solo projects and indie labels. Here's a strange side note: Pavement's key musical influence was none other than the Pixies.
The latest rumor in regard to Rage Against the Machine is that the band has finally found a frontman. Supposedly Rey Oropeza will join the band and begin rehearsing for an upcoming tour and album.
It was also rumored that Cypress Hill's very own B-Real was to join Rage as the frontman. His distinctive nasal vocal styling would be an interesting addition to Rage Against the Machine. Here's another interesting side note: Rogelio "Roy" Lozano, a guitarist for Downset, is also the touring guitarist for Cypress Hill.
So, what will happen with Chris Cornell and Rage Against the Machine in coming months is uncertain. Whatever they do, there is sure to be a lot of rumors and a lot of press surrounding it.
As for believing in rumors as truths, it is something you probably shouldn't invest time in. But proving rumors to be truths (or strictly rumors) could be a worthwhile investment.
Write to Aaron at rantinrex@hotmail.com
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