soundgarden

Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil was asked by PremiumGuitar.com how the recording of the band's new album, King Animal, was different from the way the band cut its earlier records. Thayil explained, "Well, we didn't have predetermined deadlines set by the record company -- that was great."

Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell and his wife Vicky have been sued by their former housekeeper, who claims she was overworked and underpaid. According to TMZ, Elia Mora worked for the Cornells from 2006 to the end of 2011. She alleges that on the day after Christmas (December 26th), she finished her work and left the Cornells' house, but declined to return to do some additional cleaning. At that point, she claims that Vicky screamed a barrage of insults at her and ended up firing her.

Drummer Matt Cameron has shot down rumors that Soundgarden and Pearl Jam will tour together in 2013, according to Blabbermouth. Speculation about a joint tour -- based around the fact that Cameron plays drums for both bands -- started with an Australian radio station, which theorized that the trek could take place after Pearl Jam issues a new album next year.

"Been Away Too Long," the first official single from Soundgarden's new album, arrives on Thursday (September 27th) at radio stations, iTunes and other digital retailers. The song leaked briefly on Wednesday (September 26th), with some stations and websites streaming it until the band's label sent out cease-and-desist orders. But it got around enough to fire up fans on Twitter and message boards, with most proclaiming the hard-rocking track a return to form for Seattle's pioneering grunge act.

An Australian radio station has theorized that Soundgarden and Pearl Jam could be planning a joint tour together in 2013, according to Classic Rock magazine. Australia's "Radar Music" has suggested that with Soundgarden's new album coming out this November, and Pearl Jam expected to deliver its next set in 2013, the only way for both bands -- who share drummer Matt Cameron -- to promote their new music is to tour together, with Cameron doing double duty every night.