To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Soundgarden’s iconic 1991 album Badmotorfinger (A&M), they posted to social media to connect with the fans. In their post they explained the past confusion about the release date of the album. Apparently, the album was to have originally dropped the same date at Nirvana’s Nevermind (and RHCP’s Blood Sugar Sex Magic) but there was an issue with the artwork. The band gave the story behind the actual release date of October, 8th, 1991 and you can read it here. Read our retrospective on the album here.
Hey kids!
Soundgarden’s 4th album, Badmotorfinger, was released 30 years ago today on A&M records! This was the debut album for bassist Ben Shepherd which established Soundgarden’s classic and final recording lineup.
These recordings were co-produced with our friend, Terry Date. The band brought in horns, strings and things along with the instruments’ players as gifts for him to get on tape.
There has been some issue as to the actual release date for BMF. We often have to correct as well as learn from internet sources. Last year we mistakenly chose the wrong date. Oh Wikipedia, we learn to grow together! Originally, BMF was scheduled to be released on September 24th, the same day as Nirvana’s Nevermind. However, when the album jackets were printed, the band was super disappointed with the artwork. We’ve included the initial LP cover art here. (Pic #3 & #4) The pastel color selection resembled “sweet tarts” candy, chalk, or children’s chewable vitamins. The A&M president agreed and supported us by having the cover redone by their art dept. and overseen by Kim. The initial print run was sent to markets where fewer heavy rock records were sold. Congratulations to Brazil on possessing rare collectible versions! The album’s release date was subsequently pushed back to October 8th.
Btw, imagine the serendipitous
amazement and amusement when, while searching thru photo session contact sheets, Kim and the art director find a series of pics where Matt is wearing a purple shirt matching the front album cover!! (Ha! and Yeah Matt!!).
The jacket’s photography was by Michael Lavine and the cover’s art features the iconic Soundgarden logo and electric wheel of sparks designed by Mark Dancey.
The singles were “Jesus Christ Pose”, “Outshined” and “Rusty Cage”. An earlier version of “Room a Thousand Years Wide”, recorded by Stuart Hallerman, was released as a single the previous year on Sub Pop records.
Peace, love and health brothers and sisters! XOSG!
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