5/6/2008 - Video Influence/Pick of the Week - "Jesus Christ Pose" by Soundgarden

Picked By: Chito (drums)

Song: Jesus Christ Pose
Artist: Soundgarden
Album: Badmotorfinger (1991)





So I decided to kinda step out of the box on this one and instead of picking a traditional video in the likes of MTV, I decided to go with live footage (thank you fellow YouTube member for posting this). Anyway, I selected Soundgarden's Jesus Christ Pose (Live). The first time I heard of them, was the first time I saw them, live in Jones Beach, during the 1st Lollpalooza Tour. They had such a great sound, and let's face it, Matt Cameron was just incredible on drums. I first started learning drums during a time when double-bass drummers were the craze, and everything was about who can play louder, harder and faster. Unfortunately, double bass drumming was common in thrash/deaath/speed metal, which I never really got into. After a while, everything was just loud, fast and noisy. So, I listened to a lot of single bass drummers who delivered powerful performances using only a single kick and hand/foot combinations, including Cameron, Bonham (Led Zep) and Mike Bordin (Faith No More).

Back to the video: Jesus Christ Pose I believe was banned on MTV, to no surprise either. It's a shame that networks such as these help define what it good music in today's society. Yeah, they can make or break a band, and to a point that can be problematic.

Anyway, if you're into the sound and into drums especially, Soundgarden's BadMotorFinger album, has such a clean recording on the drums. The snare has a beautiful warm, pop to it and Cameron's use of odd-time signatures and hi-hat/ride variations are definitely something to pay attention to.

Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

-Chito