Izzy Stradlin was part of Guns N' Roses, one of the most notorious rock bands of the late eighties and early nineties. Quitting Guns N' Roses maybe wasn't one of the easiest things to do - Who would want to leave one of the most successful groups ever? It did Izzy good though. "Izzy Stradlin and the Ju Ju Hounds" was formed. Their self-titled album is a focus in on the solid rock vibes that Izzy Stradlin brought to Guns, modelling the album on the music of classic bands like the Stones. The result is a pleasing album from a great group.
The album is a mix of traditional American rock music, a hint of county-western rock, and slice of reggae at the end of the fast-paced "Pressure Drop". "Bucket O' Trouble" is another quick track - These songs aren't as aggressive as the Guns N' Roses tracks that you may be expecting Izzy to be repeating in his own work - However, they give the album a good hard edge without destroying the overall atmosphere of calm and relaxation. The acoustic "Time Gone By" and the bassy "Shuffle it All" give the album a heartfelt dimension - Which is mirrored through the rest of the album. - Leaving a run of pleasant tracks with a relaxed feel-good rhythm, and the wonderful "Come On Now Inside" to finish the album.
Those expecting a Guns N' Roses album may be disappointed - Those who are expecting a good rock album will not be. The guitar solos are not as flashy as the work of Slash, the vocals solid, but not as spectacular as Axl's, the feeling - great, relaxing, laid-back.
I would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys good rock music, however for those looking for more music in the heavier Guns N' Roses style I would suggest taking a look at "Slash's Snakepit" - The albums Slash recorded after his GnR career finished. Other albums to look out for by Izzy Stradlin are "117 Degrees" - upbeat and blues orientated, and his latest "Ride On" - A calm and rhythmic selection of tracks.
Jamie
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Very good opinion. I'd never been very confident that this would be any good, but 5 stars!? I'm going to go and have a listen to this album and see just how wrong I've been for ignoring these guys.
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