Contraband (Contraband - Velvet Revolver)

Member Name: Lakerfanster

Product:	Contraband - Velvet Revolver
Date:	03/10/08 (82 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great music,

Disadvantages: Could be one of only two albums

**Introduction**

As a fan of Guns and Roses I was very pleased to hear a couple of years ago about a new group consisting of key members from the group. Slash and Duff are joined by one time Guns and Roses drummer Matt Sorum and Stone Temple Pilots lead singer Scott Weiland and not forgetting Dave Kushner taking the role of the band's Izzy Stradlin. The band of course are called Velvet Revolver and released this album in 2004.

After just two albums together things took an unexpected or expected turn whichever way you look at it when lead singer Scott Weiland was kicked out of the group after a huge falling out whilst on tour, I saw the band at Brixton Academy and then they Booted out Weiland a few days later. They have since started to look for a new lead singer and have started working on new material. Here is their debut album Contraband.

**Contraband**

1.) Suckertrain blues

This opens with sirens and cracking guitar riffs from Slash and Kushner. Weiland's vocals are put through a magaphone effect. This is a fast paced track which has a brilliant solo from Slash and some great backing from Dave Kushner. All musicians working so well together.

2.) Do it for the kids

This is another fast paced track and is very melodic. The guitar parts from Slash and Kushner work exceptionally well together and the drumming of Sorum is a big reason for the way this song works so well as it just links everything together.

3.) Big Machine

If there is a weakest track on the album then I would have to say that Big Machine is that one. A fine track overall but I am not keen on the drumming during the opening piece of the track which although the rest of the track works well doesnt redeem the bad start.

4.) Illegal i song

This is a very catchy metal track which has some amazing guitar parts from both Slash and Dave Kushner. Each instrument works so well as part of the whole musical piece. Scott Weiland also does a very good job on lead vocals.

5.) Spectacle

I love the drumming which opens the track, This is a great live rockout track which has such a catchy feel that makes you bod your head. The integration between the guitars is exceptional in this track as it is on most of the other tracks.

6.) Fall to Pieces

The only real ballad on the album and this is a gem. The opening is taken from Sweet Child O' Mine and Fall to pieces features one of the best solos from Slash on this type of song. A breathtakingly great track. Showing the band can do the love songs.

7.) Headspace

Back to the full on rock tracks now and this is a fast paced gem of a track. As you hear the guitar parts of Slash and Kushner aswell as the thump of Sorum's drum and Duff's bass you get a great feel of the amazing ability to make great melodies that they have. An incredible solo follows.

8.) Superhuman

This has high pitched guitar licks, a great bass hook from Duff McKagan and the distinctive vocal from Weiland. Not quite as instant as the other tracks but a great track nonetheless, This is a great live track.

9.) Set me free

This was recorded in 2003 and was the first song to be recorded by Velvet Revolver and features on the soundtrack to The Hulk. This track showcases the intricate drumming and guitar playing o the group aswell as a great vocal from Weiland which shows how he uses his voice to best effect.

10.) You got no right

This starts off with an acoustic guitar and then Scott Weiland's laidback vocals come in, This is a change to the majority of the album and works very well indeed. A great track which is well worth listening to. This shows the variety of the group.

11.) Slither

This is the best known track on the album and it's clear to see why, This is quite possibly the best all out rock song of all-time. Amazingly melody and breathtaking guitar parts not to mention the cracking solos. Pure Metal Perfection.

12.) Dirty Little Thing

This track was co written by Slash, Matt Sorum and Duff with Keith Nelson of Buckcherry and is the only track on Contraband which wasnt written by all of the band. The track starts with lo-fi guitars and then Weiland starts singing, the guitars then become centre stage with a catchy melody. Not bad at all.

13.) Loving the alien

This is a great track that has a laidback feel and there are some great guitar parts from Kushner and a great solo from Slash. This track is a great ending to Contraband and a great song on it's own merit.

**Overall**

Velvet Revolver's future remains uncertain but one thing is clear, If they only make two albums as Velvet Revolver then people should look back on this album in years to come and marvel in it's quality as they should with Libertad too. If they get a quality replacement for Weiland then they could be the biggest band around today. Whether that happens remains to be seen.

Summary: Great album.