Ain't life grand? it sure is (Ain't Life Grand - Slash's Snakepit)

Member Name: Lakerfanster

Product:	Ain't Life Grand - Slash's Snakepit
Date:	07/06/09 (59 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great vocals, guitar

Disadvantages: None

**Introduction**

Slash has made his name as one of the greatest guitarists of all time Thanks mainly to his time as the lead guitarist of Guns and Roses. He's also worked with some of the greatest names in the music industry most notably with Michael Jackson on tracks such as Give in to me, Black or White and Morphine. Aswell as his time with Guns and Roses he has also recorded in a number of bands with Velvet Revolver and of course Slash's Snakepit being the two main ones that he has been a member of. Slash's Snakepit released their first album in 1995 and released Ain't Life Grand in 2000.

**Ain't Life Grand**

The line-up for this album was different than the previous albums line-up due to the breakup of the original line-up consisting of Fellow Guns N' Roses members Matt Sorum (drums), Gilby Clarke (rhythm guitar) also joined him. On bass was Mike Inez of Alice in Chains. Eric Dover (who had previously played guitar for Jellyfish) sang lead vocals.

The new line-up consisted of

Rod Jackson - lead vocals
Slash - lead guitar
Ryan Roxie - rhythm guitar
Johnny Griparic - bass guitar
Matt Laug - drums
Teddy Andreadis - keyboards

In 1998 Slash started to look for new members after the band had disbanded in 1996. The band was reformed with new members and during 1999 the band went on tour and then later started work on the new album which was released in 2000. The Band would then go on tour promoting the album, rhythm guitarist Ryan Roxie was then replaced by Kerri Kelli due to work commitments with Alice Cooper.

**The Album**

1.) Been There Lately

This is a really energetic track to open the album with, It has a wonderfully open jam session sound which showcases Rod Jackson's fine vocals which are strong and have a real rock feel. Although Izzy Stradlin is not on guitar there is still the same spark that Slash has developed with Ryan Roxie. There is some exceptional guitar work from Slash towards the end of the song.

2.) Just Like Anything

This is a fine rock out track which has a great fast pace like a lot of these tracks on the album, Slash's guitar work on this track is really something to listen out for. A very good track indeed which flows at great speed.

3.) Shine

This is a really great track which has elements of Slash Blues and the guitar work is exceptional as is the overall song. A phenomenal track which really shows how good a guitarist Slash is. One of the best rock out tracks.

4.) Mean Bone

This opens with a Hip Hop style spoken intro but then the drums and guitars kick in to create a flowing rock track. As the drums pound along you hear the catchy guitar melody alongside which works really well. Slash again shows why he is regarded so highly as a guitarist.

5.) Back to the Moment

This is an amazing Hard Rock Ballad which is one of the more Guns and Roses like tracks on this album, It opens with a gentle guitar effect and Jackson's vocals. The backing vocals then come in with the drums and the track is soon in full swing. This is an awesome track which features awesome guitar playing and all round instrumentation. Brilliant classic.

6. Life's Sweet Drug

This track is a great tester for your hi-fi's timing as the drums pound in everything should sound airy and not cluttered. Get this right and you will be rewarded with a fantastic sound. This is a full on rock out track which has a great chorus.

7.) Serial Killer

This track starts really gently but in a way that you know is going to soon change. What follows is a heavy rock sound which is as catchy as it is biting. The track also showcases the range of Rod Jackson's rock voice to good effect. the track slows down towards the end then the pace builds up with the roar of Jackson's voice alongside the incredible solo from Slash.

8.) Truth

This has some of the best use of the bass guitar on the album, The bass hook moves along all throughout this track and is a key feature of it's appeal. One of the best catchy tracks on the album. Very good indeed.

9.) Landslide

This is a catchy track which flows superbly, This fast paced track is a great example of the musicianship of the band especially from the guitarists. A very good song indeed which flows incredibly well throughout.

10.) Ain't Life Grand

This has a great bluesy feel to it, As soon as it opens you get the Blues feel and it soon leads to a very catchy Blues Rock Fest. One of the best tracks on the album and a great example of what they can do together. Fabulous guitar work.

11.) Speed Parade

As you may have guessed this is a track which has a very quick tempo indeed. It shows the guitar power and it is one of the best tracks on the album due to it's fine rock out nature. Brilliant.

12.) Alien

This has a similar sound to early Aerosmith but still holds onto that unmistakable Slash feel. Rather different to most of the album this is a very good track which has a very fast flow.

*Bonus Tracks*

13.) Something About Your Love [*]

You may know this one. This is a mid tempo ballad which works really well, This track was one of the first tracks I had heard from the album and it's one of the best tracks on the album too.

14.) Rusted Heroes [*]

This has a great feel about, This track sounds like a very free jam session due to the full on nature of the music. Not quite up there as their best work on the album but a decent bonus track all the same.

**Overall**

Slash is rightly regarded as a guitar legend due to his time in Guns and Roses but you'd be suprised at the number of people who did not know that he had even started a band called Slash's Snakepit, Well I have to say that his work with Slash's Snakepit further enhances his reputation as one of the finest guitarists the world has ever seen. The overall package is superb aswell not just Slash's guitar playing.

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