Duff McKagan never gets enough credit for the success of Guns N' Roses. Yes, Axl and Slash were the most prominent members, but Duff and Izzy really glued things together.
Now after the demise of Velvet Revolver, Duff has resurfaced with the new album Sick from his band Duff McKagan's Loaded.
While the album is being flogged as McKagan's punk record, it's far too simplistic to use that label. Yes, McKagan is probably the most "punk" of any of the Gunners, he even slings his bass in Sid Vicious style, the album reflects more than that.
There are tracks that can definitely be described as punk, like "I See Through You" and the title cut. However, most of what we get is balls-out party rock. The hard rockers "Sleaze Factory" and "Flatline", along with the glam metal "Translucent" kick things into high gear.
McKagan also shows some artistic growth. The gritty pub rocker "Blind Date Girl" features a horn section while "Wasted Heart" has a twangy Western mood. Pushing things further is the stylish romp "No More".
On the downside, McKagan's vocals are slightly above unlistenable. Yet that's still a vast improvement over his debut solo record Believe In Me.
The lyrics and songwriting can by no means be described as genius, it is a ton of fun. Anyone who expects wanking arty flourishes and deep poetic thoughts shouldn't be listening to Duff McKagan in the first place.
Best tracks: "Flatline", "Blind Date Girl"
Track listing for Sick:
- Sick
- Sleaze Factory
- Flatline
- IOU
- The Stride
- Translucent
- Mothers Day
- I See Through You
- Forgive Me
- No Shame
- Blind Date Girl
- Wasted Heart
- No More
5.5/10
0 praise/complaints:
Post a Comment