Ultramega OK [2017 Reissue]

by Soundgarden

Overview

The best expression of Soundgarden's early, Stooges/MC5-meets-Zeppelin/Sabbath sound, Ultramega OK is a dark, murky, buzzing record that simultaneously subverts and pays tribute to heavy metal. At times, the band and its recasting of over-the-top '70s hard rock seem smirky (Hiro Yamamoto's ridiculous vocal on "Circle of Power"; a "cover" of John Lennon's "One Minute of Silence"); a few, like the cover of "Smokestack Lightning," really do sink into turgid metal silliness. But the best moments are startling fusions of classic metal, punk rock, and psychedelia of the fuzz guitar variety, plus the local flavor of Green River and the Melvins. The difference was, Soundgarden were better songwriters, and their feel for memorable riffs and hooks lends greater power to both the rockers and the creepy, dirge-like slow numbers. It's a shame the album as a whole isn't more fully realized, because when separated out from the filler, the numerous highlights show why Soundgarden had such an enormous impact on the development of grunge. It may not be quite as complex or consistent as some of Soundgarden's later albums, but Ultramega OK is easily the best document of grunge's early, pre-Nirvana days. [A 2017 CD reissue added six bonus tracks.] ~ Steve Huey

Product Details

Release Date:	03/10/2017
Label:	Sub Pop
UPC:	0098787117226
Rank:	20634

Tracks

1. Flower
2. All Your Lies
3. 665
4. Beyond the Wheel
5. 667
6. Mood for Trouble
7. Circle of Power
8. He Didn't
9. Smokestack Lightning
10. Nazi Driver
11. Head Injury
12. Incessant Mace
13. One Minute of Silence
14. Head Injury [Early Version]
15. Beyond the Wheel [Early Version]
16. Incessant Mace [Early Version]
17. He Didn't [Early Version]
18. All Your Lies [Early Version]
19. Incessant Mace [Long] [Early Version]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Soundgarden   Primary Artist
Matt Cameron   Drums
Kim Thayil   Guitar
Chris Cornell   Vocals
Hiro Yamamoto   Bass

Technical Credits

Ted Jensen   Mastering
Jack Endino   Remixing,Mixing,Engineer
Chester Burnett   Composer
Drew Canulette   Producer
John Lennon   Composer
Howlin' Wolf   Composer
Matt Cameron   Composer,Group Member
Kim Thayil   Composer,Supervisor,Group Member
Chris Cornell   Composer,Group Member
Lance Mercer   Sleeve Photo
Hiro Yamamoto   Composer,Group Member
Chris Hanzsek   Engineer
Sydney Taylor   Sleeve Photo
Charles Peterson   Photography
Josh Graham   Design,Art Direction
Soundgarden   Producer