Slash returned in 2000 with the latest incarnation of the band known as Slash's Snakepit and the album "Ain't Life Grand". Following from the great "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" - A side project that Slash undertook whilst unsure of his Guns N' Roses career - "Ain't Life Grand" develops the late 80's rock sound with a modern twist. Slash has completely changed the linup of the Snakepit band. Rather than create a band that solely showcases Slash's incredible talent for playing the guitar the band is an assembly of good musicians - Each member as much a part of the group as Slash.
---------------- The band: ---------------- -------- Slash - Guitar -------- An incredibly talented guitarist, probably one of the most influential rock-musicians of the past decade
-------- Rod Jackson - Vocals -------- Rods vocals are sound great on the album, and are outstanding live - They are powerful and make a welcome change from the whine of Axl Rose (not that he is a bad vocalist), that we are so used to hearing with Slash. Rod has been compared to the likes of David Lee Roth (ex. Van Halen) and Brian Johnson (AC/DC).
-------- Ryan Roxie/Keri Kelli - Guitars -------- Ryan Roxie is the guitarist that appears on the album, providing a great alternative accompanyment to the lead of Slash. Keri Kelli is the excellent guitarist that has taken Ryans place on the world tour - Ryan leaving for other commitments.
-------- Johnny G - Bass -------- Neat bass work on the album - Great stage prescence live
-------- Matt Laug - Drums -------- Matt provides a steady, and often fast beat for the band, faultless drumming.
---------------- Album Details ----------------
1. Been There Lately - A blues-based corker to open 2. Just Like Anything - Great rocking sound, wonderful vocals 3. Shine - Piercing, stabbing, an interesting and innovative track 4. Mean Bone - Chunky guitar, plain, simple, pure rock - an ode to guys who have gals who take their money 5. Back to the Moment - A well constructed ballad 6. Life's Sweet Drug - A feel good track, fast paces, action packed. 7. Serial Killer - A choral, acoustic-opened track - A tribute to artists such as Alice Cooper 8. The Truth - Another slower song, well composed 9. Landslide - Another consistant rock track, great to listen to 10. Ain't Life Grand - Wow. This is really bluesy, fantastic to listen to - Sets a great atmosphere. 11. Speed Parade - Heavy, fast. 12. The Alien - A great finish, heavy, great chorus.
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The album is a great, pure rock album. The combination of different tracks on the album is great, from the powerful "Been There Lately", the cutting "Shine", the calm "Back to the Moment" to the head-banging "Speed Parade". I would certainly recommend this album to anyone who wants a refreshing rock album to lighten their life...life is grand after all...
Cheers, Jamie
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