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  • Total F*cking Godhead

  • The Biography of Chris Cornell
  • Written by: Corbin Reiff
  • Narrated by: Michael Butler Murray
  • Length: 12 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (67 ratings)

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Total F*cking Godhead cover art

Total F*cking Godhead

Written by: Corbin Reiff
Narrated by: Michael Butler Murray
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Publisher's Summary

The first comprehensive biography of iconic singer-songwriter Chris Cornell.

Total F*cking Godhead is the complete story of the complex and enigmatic artist, Chris Cornell. It's the riveting account of a blue collar, high-school dropout emerging from Seattle, Washington, to become one of the greatest singer-songwriters and voices of his generation. With input from people who knew and worked with him - together with Cornell's own words - the book recounts in great detail the rise of his immortal band Soundgarden as they emerged from the 1980s post-punk underground to dominate popular culture in the '90s alongside other Seattle bands like Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, and Nirvana.

Long-time Seattle resident and rock writer Corbin Reiff examines Cornell's dynamic solo career as well as his time in Audioslave. He delves into his hard-fought battle with addiction, as well as the supercharged reunion with the band that made him famous before everything ended tragically.

This is the story of an artist who channeled his own inner turmoil into songs that touched the hearts of millions around the world and turned Chris Cornell into one of music's greatest icons.

©2020 Corbin Reiff (P)2020 Tantor

What listeners say about Total F*cking Godhead

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

informative and engaging

I was particularly affected by the death of Chris. This book acted as excellent closure and eye-opening knowledge on the life of Chris Cornell. As I listened I would frequently put on the next album as they were produced in the books timeline, knowing the context of each song lent a special intimacy and insight into what Chris and the guys put into them.
Gone too soon. RIP.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

just fantastic

One of my favorite rock bios so far. I highly recommend the listen if you loved the 90s.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good story of a creative genius.

Very much worth the listen if you're a Cornell or Soundgarden fan. I loved the backstory of the songs. Gained even more appreciation for his talent.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great look back

A great look back at one of the best voices and lead singers in the history of rock. Miss his music, love what he left us.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Inspiring

Sad but very inspiring story. Made me consider all kinds of things. A great read or listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Chris Cornell

Great story, filled with such detailed accounts of Chris’s entire musical career
Completely enjoyed it

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

This book makes me happy

Finally a look into the life of one of our generations best vocalist and front man. From his days with Soundgarden to Audioslave to Temple the author goes into great detail with his struggles and triumphs. A look into the mind of a truly great songwriter.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A legend amongst humankind

Soundgarden was my music, I felt a connection to them the first Tim I heard them in my teens. I followed the band and everything Chris had done in his life. They were my go to for everything. My heart faded the day he died. This was a nice walk down memory lane for me. Great job on this story and tribute to the Total F**king Godhead.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Straightforward Biography

Rock Music Journalist Corbin Reiff presents a solid chronological review of Chris Cornell's performing career. The book is very well-researched, and Reiff's fanboy opinion of the man's artistry is seconded generously by excerpts of interviews (with bandmates, music industry stalwarts, friends, etc).
The book is exceedingly well-written and meticulously accurate.. but lacks in the psychology/struggles aspects of Cornell's personality. There is a ton of information but not enough insight in this book (simply knowing that Chris went into rehab for two months and exited sober in 2004 doesn't really tell me who the guy was, does it?)

As to production quality: Michael Butler Murray delivers an imperfect but praiseworthy reading performance. His diction, timbre, cadence, and tone are beyond reproach - and backed up by exemplary technical support from Tantor Audio engineers - but his voice-acting repertoire includes a couple of relatively weak accents.

Altogether, 'Total F*cking Godhead' merits 7.5 stars out of 10. It was a fine listen documenting the unsurpassed talent and career of a rock & roll icon as a 'Plus' selection - possibly even worth a Credit for those seeking an "industry retrospective". There are doubtless better (more perceptive) options, however.

[Incidentally: How cool was this guy? Playing a Canadian concert sponsored by Molson and making sure he recommends Labatt's beer to the crowd]


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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A tribute to the one of the greatest voices of all time.

Absolutely brilliant. Took me from my teen years to the day Chris passed. Brought me to tears.

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