Sound Bites
After five years of laying
low since his 1992 solo debut, former Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist Izzy
Stradlin has finally returned to the spotlight. On 117¡, only his second
recording since his 1991 departure from GNR, Stradlin makes a sharp
departure from the larger-than-life hard rock of his previous band. Here,
Stradlin instead favors solid, no-frills rock with hints of blues thrown in
for good measure.Breathy, relaxed vocals and
laid-back music give this record a casual feel, but that doesn't mean that
Stradlin has forgotten how to play heavier material, as on the driving
"Grunt" and the raging "Parasite." However, those tracks are not entirely
indicative of the rest of the disc, for a wide variety of musical styles
are included overall. From the Wilbury-esque "Gotta Say" to the very
Mellencamp "Old Hat" to a cover of Chuck Berry's "Memphis," Stradlin shows
that his musical diversity could perhaps be his greatest asset.Though Stradlin himself is
now running the show, one cannot overlook the other fine musicians on this
album. Stradlin is capably backed by bassist Duff McKagen, his former GNR
bandmate, as well as drummer Taz Bentley, formerly of the Rev. Horton Heat.
Meanwhile, the impressive Rick Richards (ex-Georgia Satellites) supplies
the lead guitars, and the two-guitar attack gives this album a cohesive
sound as well as a great deal of depth. Still, as a vocalist, musician and
songwriter, Stradlin is undoubtedly the star of this disc, and he shines
very brightly. --Clay Marshall / Staff Writer<+>
Get It Together
(Forecast/Verve)
Many great jazz artists
have recorded for Verve, including Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Getz, Ornette
Coleman and Oscar Peterson. You would expect that a label with such a
pedigree would feel obligated to produce good music. The unfortunate truth
is Verve sold its soul to the "smooth" jazz devil and in the transaction
received Pete Belasco and Get It Together. The whole album reeks of
sonic Spam. Songs such as "I'll Never Tell" shoot for lounge music cool but
hit Barry Manilow, while sweet concoctions like "Love Train" attempt to
merge an already tasty dish with electronica and pop sensibilities. At times Belasco attempts
funkiness, such as on the tune "All I Want." You're almost fooled into
thinking it's good, but the hallucination wears off and suddenly his soul
is see-through. Faux attitude and cool are worn like cheap sunglasses and
are about as effective at convincing us that this guy is for real. All this comes from someone
who looks like he could be alternative music's next fetish. The result is
music that would suit either a game show or a car commercial.If this sounds tasty, then
come ‡ vontade. Just look out for the aftertaste. --Andrew Plewe / Staff
Writer