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Live on I-5
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Live on I-5 Image
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. BBC Music
    Mar 22, 2011
    80
    This 17-track set is a worthy document of Soundgarden's glory days. There's certainly nothing here which hints at a group on the road to self-destruction.
  2. Consequence
    Mar 22, 2011
    70
    There's nothing too exceptional about Live on the I-5, but given that this is the first new release from the recent reincarnation of Soundgarden, it's worth a listen.
  3. AllMusic
    Mar 22, 2011
    60
    It is not quite prime Soundgarden; the band is pushing their OK 1996 effort Down on the Upside, and while there isn't much palpable tension in the performances, they're not quite inspired, either. The group is in full-fledged pro mode, hitting their marks with efficiency and occasional power if not much flair.
  4. Revolver
    Mar 28, 2011
    60
    Rather than pat themselves on the back for still being alive, the guys in Soundgarden went on a nostalgia trip, and honestly, it's for the best.
  5. Mojo
    May 6, 2011
    60
    Certainly, Live On I-5 proves Soundgarden weren't covered by grand stadium stages. [May 2011, p.125]
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  6. Paste Magazine
    Mar 22, 2011
    55
    It's pretty much a greatest hits album, which conceptually blows an opportunity right off the bat.
  7. Pitchfork
    Mar 31, 2011
    26
    The problem is that this was, at best, a 1997 cash-grab that probably would've worked in that economic climate, and now you just get to debate whether it's a cynical move on Soundgarden's part or, more likely, something they had absolutely nothing to do with at all.

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. santoni05
    Mar 28, 2011
    9
    If you weren't around during their glory days . . . this is the album for you! With minimal audience interference, you can easily listen toIf you weren't around during their glory days . . . this is the album for you! With minimal audience interference, you can easily listen to the rawness of each song. There are two special covers and a stripped down, solo version of "Black Hole Sun" with Chris Cornell.

    You really have to give it to the band for mixing the album in such a way that you can listen to it from start to finish and not even realize that each song was recorded from different shows. Sure can't wait to see what kind of material Soundgarden releases in the near future!    … Collapse
  2. black_dice94
    May 26, 2015
    8
    Good live songs but a little unsatisfacted with the list of songs. There are so many songs from Soundgarden that are great live. I wasGood live songs but a little unsatisfacted with the list of songs. There are so many songs from Soundgarden that are great live. I was surprised that Pretty Noose wasn't added on Live on I-5. That was a good hit in '96! The only songs that I would remove are Helter Skelter and the short version of Black Hole Sun. I expected a full great live version of Black Hole Sun. Black Hole Sun was a anthem song for the band and they disappointed many fans. The only song that saved the album is Jesus Christ Pose. A lot of attitude and energy since the band was about to end in the previous year of their Down on the Upside tour. But I'm glad these guys are still together and satisfying their fans. I hope they release another live album and let the fans choose the songs. That would be cool!… Expand