Chris Cornell just released his album Scream and it sold a dismal 20k-25k. The man has sold millions of records with Soundgarden and Audioslave and was just able to muster 20k fans to buy his album.

I haven't heard it, but I HATED the single Scream. I am tired of every rock artist trying to do a hip hop cross over like One Republic or something. U2 just attempted it on their latest album No Line on the Horizon (review here).

I do trust Trent Reznor's opinion and he had this to say on his Twitter account (here) about the new Cornell album:

 "You know that feeling you get when somebody embarrasses themselves so badly YOU feel uncomfortable? Heard Chris Cornell's record? Jesus."

So what is the problem with Cornell's album? I'll guess it is a two fold problem. People expect a certain sound out of him and if he doesn't deliver it, they are not happy. Give the people what they want, Chris! We want to hear you have a great rock guitar ripping it up while you wail over top of it with your awesome voice.

The second thing is a problem with his distribution. The single Scream was released in the Fall, I think back in October, of 08. Now in March the album is finally coming out. People can't remember that far back. You need about a two months for the single to do something on the radio and then put the damn album out.

Papa Roach's new single, Lifeline is ripping radio apart because it is catchy and their best material to date. The single hit radio stations around Feb 20 and on March 24, their album Metamorphosis will "drop." This is how you do it folks. I bet the record does well because the single Lifeline is doing well.

Oh well, Cornell's millions of dollars and Parisian wife will comfort him. As for Trent, he is the Nickelback kryptonite - a talented, musical innovator that sells millions of records while maintaining his artistic integrity and continuing to be a great performer all the while managing to be an all around bad ass.