by Erica Anderson Minneapolis, MN Reviewed on January 14th, 2005
Back in the late '80s, I was a big fan of Guns 'n Roses. I felt that they truly epitomized the heavy metal genre. In the '90s, I was a big detractor of the Stone Temple Pilots. I felt that they had jumped on the 'alternative' bandwagon. Who would have thought that former members of GNR and the ex-lead singer for STP would come together in 2004 to give music fans a supergroup no one expected to happen? Ex-GNR members Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, and Slash joins forces with Dave Kushner, and former STP singer Scott Weiland to form Velvet Revolver. The results is a potent, heady mix of classic hard rock music. There may nothing groundbreaking about "Contraband" but it is sure one heck of an album. It is a 56 minute opus of meaty guitar riffs mixed with the snarling sounds of Scott Weiland. The music is melodic yet heavy. The album kicks off with the bluesy "Sucker Train Blues". Great way to open up the album. Slash's trademark searing guitar riffs is all there especially on "Big Machine". I have to admit I primarily bought the cd because I love the first two singles "Slither" and "Fall to Pieces", especially the latter song. I just love the way Scott Weiland snarls through "Slither". Great guitar riffs from Slash. Other than the singles, the infecious "Do It For the Kids", "Big Machine", and "Set Me Free" are the songs that really stood out for me. I love a good melody and these three songs in particular each have an irresistable hook that makes me want to keep listening to over and over again. Don't get me wrong though, I love the entire album. Velvet Revolver is a lean, mean rocking machine. I thought they put out a solid rock album. I just hope that they develop a much more raw sound that "Contraband" seems to lack in having. I just felt that the album is a bit muddled and certainly could have been better. Otherwise love the album.
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