Casey’s DJ Pick of the Week sees Brandi Carlile and Soundgarden working together. On “Searching With My Good Eye Closed,” a re-recording of Soundgarden’s classic, Carlile fills in for the late Chris Cornell. Her trademark rasp proves more than capable of filling such big shoes, and the results are thrilling.
The collaboration came from Carlile’s work as the 2020 Record Store Day Ambassador. “Searching,” along with a “Black Hole Sun” re-recording, first came out as an RSD exclusive. A few months later, the double single is finally available for streaming. And we are so happy to report that it was worth the wait.
Taking Chris Cornell’s place was always going to be daunting, but Carlile succeeds tremendously. A trademark component of Cornell’s vocal performances was the raw emotion he routinely brought to every song. Although Carlile may not be coming from the same place—this is essentially a cover, after all—she still gives a performance from the heart. “Searching” sounds just as fresh and exciting as it did when it first dropped thirty (!) years ago.
According to the band, the song was Carlile’s choice, a more underrated track when compared with behemoths like “Black Hole Sun.” In the months since the cover first dropped, members of Soundgarden have constantly praised the singer’s work on the project. Take a listen to it below, and make a decision for yourself. We totally agree with the band on this one.
Be sure to tune into 100.1 FM or lightning100.com to hear “Searching With My Good Eye Closed” by Brandi Carlile & Soundgarden featured as Casey’s DJ Pick of the Week. Be sure to let us know your thoughts! Tweet at us with #L100DJPick and share your take on the track.
