Velvet Revolver - Contraband

Year of Release: 2004
Label: RCA
Catalog Number: 59794
Format: CD
Total Time: 00:00:00

The critics must be crazy. Anybody would have to be insane to disapprove of this album. In my opinion, it's awesome.

Contraband might not be the next release from Audioslave, but it's got to be better than Supernova. Their leader can sing and these cats can play. Its members include Stone Temple Pilot's Scott Weiland along with Slash, Duff McKagan, and Matt Sorum of Guns N' Roses fame. Dave Kushner comes aboard as ships mate in order to provide rhythm guitars.

To my ears, it sounds as if it's a combination of Platypus, Rob Zombie, and Saga. It's no wonder why they're stuck on Michael Sadler's playlist. Shame you on you if don't know this singer. He's the amazing voice of Saga.

Speaking of which, Sadler said Velvet Revolver was his favorite mainstream act. Then again, there are progressive elements in there, too. Additionally, the song-writing and musicianship is trickier than usual for something that's mainly geared towards the radio.

All the best tracks occur at a factor of four. Well, that's not exactly true as the song that screwed into socket nine is actually darn good, too. That particular tune called "Set Me Free" is Foo Fighters, on what else, steroids. Honestly, the best songs include that one and four. In the latter, "Illegal i Song," the drums are wickedly devilish and hop-skipping quick. Between that pair, there's enough to make you salivate, but more or less, all the contenders are great.

As you'll find, the last five accelerate to an unexpected highlight. At the summit, the final track embodies one of the best power ballads ever discovered. Unlike the typical fare, this song, "Loving The Alien," suggests moving on. Wait till you experience the impressive panorama from this ridge.

I don't know where the hype is hiding. This is a phenomenal album and it contains more than one wonderful hit. If you're lost on the island, do what's wise and find yourself a great big cache of Contraband.

Tracklisting:
Sucker Train Blues / Do It For The Kids / Big Machine / Illegal i Song / Spectacle / Fall To Pieces / Headspace / Superhuman / Set Me Free / You Got No Right / Slither / Dirty Little Thing / Loving The Alien

Musicians:
Duff 'Rose' McKagan - bass, background vocals
Slash - guitar, background vocals
Matt Sorum - drums, background vocals
Scott Weiland - vocals
Douglas Grean - keyboards
Dave Kushner - guitar

Discography:
Contraband (2004)

Genre: Rock

Origin US

Added: September 26th 2006
Reviewer: Joshua "Prawg Dawg" Turner
Score:
Artist website: www.velvetrevolver.com
Hits: 2701
Language: english