It’s been a harrowing year, to say the least, for the remaining members of Alice In Chains. Even though Layne Staley’s death was certainly no surprise, although he’d survived quite a long time for someone with such a severe habit. Even before this tragedy, former AIC guitarist Jerry Cantrell was dealing with demons of his own musical and otherwise, as demonstrated on his new 14 song CD Degradation Trip (Roadrunner).
Fans of Jerry’s previous solo effort Boggy Depot, take note – Degradation Trip is more akin to Alice In Chains former than the southern oriented classic rock of Boggy. The baleful tones and themes of AIC are intact on cuts like Hellbound and Psychotic Break The gloom (and the particularly cogent and striking lyrics) starts with track one and rarely abates. From the break with Sony, and the AIC , bleeding in the studio, this is one CD that is aptly named. With former Ozzy/Suicidal Tendencies band member Robert Trujillo on bass and drummer Mike Bordin (Faith No More), the Seattle ties are broken, but the sound remains. She Was My Girl, which appeared on the Spider-man soundtrack, one of the few songs on Degradation that doesn’t tread on drugs, hell and redemption storyline.
Double – or longer than usual - albums are always a tough proposition; no matter how well intentioned or sterling the musicianship quality and energy are scattered unevenly. That’s the case on some of the tunes here. Chemical Tribe clocks in at 6 minutes 35 seconds, and although it has ominous blues-rock rhythm of many of Jerry’s AIC compositions, the listener’s attention wavers halfway through the song. At times, Degradation Trip proves to be too much of a good thing.
Roadrunner Records http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com
To order CD: http://www.amazon.com
Monster Magnet – Troubador/L.A.-June 18th
Monster Magnet , another band with major record company woes, recently played a jampacked show at the L.A.’s Troubador last week.
After their last CD God Says No met with meager sales and airplay after breakthrough Powertrip, Monster Magnet parted ways with A & M Records. None the worse for wear, the band embarked on a U.S. tour in May, alternating between headlining clubs and opening for Kid Rock.
Playing a few songs from the compact “Powertrip” as well as the stoner rock favorites like Spine of God Former Marilyn Manson guitarist Twiggy Ramierez joined to play bass. and penned in the band’s druggier days, the non-stop power from Ed Mundell’s fretwork and well, vocalist Dave Wyndorf has the leather pants clad hard rock patter down, it hasn’t changed much through the years, up to and including smashing the burning guitar to bits routine mid-show. It’s comforting to know some things never change.
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