Post your own Contraband review here

[NickNasty]

For this review, we will use the Nick Nasty patented review system:
Scale of 1 to 5 N's, 1 being shit, 5 being Classic.

---Art: 2.5 N's: I've never liked the multi-cover gimmicks, but the shadow of the woman with the pistol is cool.

--- Lyrics: 3.5 N's: Good, Not great...obviously mostly about drug/rehab experiences.

---Music: 4 N's: It IS SO GOOD to hear a Slash solo again! The guitar work on "LTA" is reminscient of SCOM, "Illegal I" has some YCBM in it.

--- Best Songs: Big Machine, Illegal I, Loving the Alien

---Weakest Songs: Set Me Free ( already overplayed, couldve been left off, IMO), Headspace, Superhuman

Overall: 4 N's (Excellent)

I had low expectations coming into this album, largely due to my pro Axl bias ( I admit it!) But this album is certainly well done. It takes the strenghs of the players and magnifies them. It's not GNR, but it IS rock-n-roll, and we definetly need more of it in this teeny-bop world.

[Oddy]

I still don't have the album because i simply can't afford it. I've downloaded the album though and heard it a couple of times on my computer but i got no blanks to burn it either. So driving to uni i don't have much to listen to.

But then........Slither comes on the radio......and its full blast down the free way. Opened up all the windows, this was night time too in winter. I was rockin' out. I was wearing a jacket with a massive hood (like from horror movies or something). I put it over my head all my dreads in my face too. It woulda been funny for all the cars next to me. Full blast fuckin slither riff, a guy with a massive hood with dreadlocks coming out of it. I think i scared an old granny next to me at the lights.

To all those people that say they feel ashamed to pull up to the lights with the music pumping. Do you really give a flying fuck what the car next to you thinks?
Hell sometimes i blast terrible songs on purpose to see the reaction i get. Tonnes of Motley Crue and old 80's rock hell even the darkness wait those aren't terrible i love them.

Man i love this album more and more.

[D]

ive had the album for a week now so im gonna do a review cause my first one wasnt right cause the songs hadnt grown on me


suckertrain blues  excellent opening song, now i know what scott is saying i think its awesome  8.3 out of 10

do it for the kids  this song gets better with every listen 8.1 out of 10

big machine  i love this fucking song! my fav rocker 9.5 out of 10

illegal i song  has gotten better but still not one of my favs  7.5 out of 10

spectacle, still dont really see why everyone raves, its gotten better than b4, but its still my least fav song 7.2 out  of 10

fall to pieces, simple but powerful  8.5 out of 10

headspace, im figuring out the lyrics now and it makes this song awesome  8 out of 10

superhuman see headspace, i know what he is saying makes it awesome  7.8 out of 10

set me free blah im sick of it b4 i got the album but i guess its a 7.6 out of 10

you got no right amazing!!!!!!! should be next single in my opinion  9.5 out of 10

slither great song cant believe alot of us trashed this when it was announced as first single  9.5 out of 10

dirty little thing  7.8 out of 10

loving the alien if estranged is a 10 out of 10 then loving the alien is a 9.7 out of 10!

over all 109 divided by 13 is

rounded off 8.4   4.2 stars out of 5! great cd!

[Acquiesce]

Nice review, D. I think I agree with quite a few of your points!

OK, here is my own review. I wanted to wait until I had enough time to let everything sink in because I knew I would change my mind a bit if I posted the review right away.

Sucker Train Blues - Really nice opener to the cd. Catchy chorus, solid solo. 8/10

Do It For The Kids - Great song! I love Scott's intro to the song. I can't help but want to sing along with it. I love the chorus and the harmonies. Slash does a good job on this song.  8.5/10

Big Machine - I know some people bag on the lyrics, but this song is catchy as hell! The music is great, especially Slash's guitar work. I always have to turn up the volume everytime this song comes on.  9/10

Illegal i Song - I fell in love with it as soon as I heard it on the bootlegs. It has a nice little Zeppelin style groove going for it. Matt really shines on this song. I love the end when Scott is screaming and Slash is playing a killer riff. Has major single potential. 9/10

Spectacle - This song isn't bad as some made it out to be. I'm not a big fan of the way the verses sound, but I suppose it could grow on me. The chorus sounds excellent.  7/10

Fall To Pieces  - I love the song! I really think Scott shines on this song, especially on the verses. Slash's guitar melodies are excellent too, of course!  9/10

Headspace - This is another song I love! It has an extremely catchy chorus that I learned right off the bat. The vocal melodies of this song are really good. Slash has an outstanding solo in this song.  9/10

Superhuman - This song is the sleeper of the album, in my opinion. It just grows on me with every listen. Catchy riffs, catchy vocals, good lyrics. Scott's vocals on the second verse reminds me a bit of Michael Jackson. Not in a bad way, of course. 9/10

Set Me Free - I just love turning this tune up. I love the sound of the drums and Scott's vocals on the verses. Very catchy song.  8.5/10

You Got No Right -  This song is just perfect. It exceeded all expectations and then some! Scott does a superb job on this song, as does Slash. This song will easily be a classic. Should be a single.  10/10

Slither - Great song.  I turn it up everytime I hear it on the radio or when I am listening to the cd. 8.5/10

Dirty Little Thing - I can't say I see why some people favor this song so much. It's not bad by any means, but it doesn't really stand out to me either. Slash's solo is pretty good.  7/10

Loving The Alien - I was pleasantly surprised when I heard this song. It is incredibly beautiful. Another excellent job by Slash & Scott. This will be a classic as well as YGNR.  9.5/10

Overall 8.6/10 or 4.3 stars of 5.  

[halfday]

I usually don't like an album the first time I hear it. Same situation with Contraband. However, I have force fed myself the entire album and now give it two thumbs way up. I can't stop listening to it. My buddy at work has to hate me. I find myself singing along already. Kick ass rock. Anyone that says different should lighten up and enjoy what we do have instead of what we don't. (GNR) By the way I had a VIP pass for the Austin show and would be excused for being very pissed off, but it doesn't change the fact that this album is pretty damn good.

[Eazy E]

Big Machine - I always have to turn up the volume everytime this song comes on.  9/10

You know... I always do that too.  I think coming off the loud Do it for the Kids, the drums at the beginning are just too quiet.  Has anyone else noticed this?? If I want the full effect of Big Machine, I always have to crank it (not that it's a problem).

[Top-Hatted One]

It's was done intentionally...the drums slowly builds up then Boom!!! IT'S A BIG MACHINE, IT'S A BIG MACHINE!!!!!!

[moonlightdrive21]

A member complained about me posting in the wrong place, so I copied it here:

The guitars as well as the CD is as good as you're gonna get.  If anyone thinks this CD is less than at least good, then I have to wonder if they are biased.  For example, there is no doubt in my mind that Blabbermouth has some sort of biased against the band for whatever reason.

The riffs on this album are jaw dropping.  I like it from the beginning, but loved it after a few listens. Usually, the best CDs that have the most staying power are the ones that take a few listens to get into.

I'm really shocked when people say they dislike Big Machine, which easily is one of the very best rockers on the CD.  It has the most style and takes the most chances.  Since it does not have a hint of the classic Slash and GNR formula, I think some people are more closed minded about it.  It is closer to an STP style.  But the riff is fat and in your face and the vocals are catchy and the changes in the song make it great.

I also feel that Loving the Alien and Headspace are among the very best.  I do like Fall to Pieces, but it is an 80's like power ballad in some ways - not that I have a problem with that.  LTA is one of the best rock songs ever - talk about an epic song.

One of best things that Scott and the new producer brought to VR is a big fat sound on the riffs.  The riffs are big and meaty sounding.  This was always a complaint of mine for GNR (especailly on the UYI's), which was that the rockers would sound so much better if they beefed up the the riffs.  When I cranked up these rockers, I would feel like I want to lower the treble on my stereo because they often (not always) were bright sounding.  But just so ya know, I am huge GNR fan, especailly the UYI CD's, despite my complaints.

Speaking of mixes, I think Sucker Train Blues could have been a lot better if they mixed it better with the riff up front more.  The intro is fantastic because you get to hear that phenomenal train like riff up front.  But when the vocals kick in. it takes a back seat.  The riff is there in the chorus, but in the background.  But the riff is the best part of this song and needs to be up front more.  Right now the instruments sound muddy.  This is why I think that this song will be ten times better live.  I think it's a great song.

I think Scott Weiland is just an amazing singer.  Yes his voice is great, but his singing ability and judgment is what really makes him amzaing.  His singing can make a good song a great song.  Folks, if we don' have Axl, then we are so lucky to hace Scott.  

Wait until you hear these songs live.  They will shine even more.  If they do the MTV music awards, I am praying that they do a rocker (Headspace?) and not a ballad.  Great rockers always come off better on that show compared with ballads.  

This CD is one of the best guitar rock CD's ever.  So be happy for these guys and for us.  Let's hope Axl can also produce some great music soon with the Axl Rose band (I REFUSE TO REFER TO HIS BAND AS GUNS N' ROSES).

Dave

[Duffsgirl]

Everyone is entitled to their own oppinion....mine... contraband isnt like GNR but what do expect? Give it up for the guys for still wanting to rock.. They are introducing a new rock, to this time and the fucken cd rocks... I saw them in Phily and their new songs sound even better live, and I look forward to seeing them in Jersey... Duff, Scott, and Slash sound great and for all you that think that they are tring to make a lame come back and think the CD sucks.....why dont you just fuck off!?
        Duff you are soo fucken hott!!!

[Follysurfbum]

First of all I dont think anyone said this was Guns N Roses.  They split up a long time ago.  You need to move up to times and quit comparing.  Look if you want Guns N Roses go to your old CD's.  Heck I am an old ROCKER from way back and they have my thumbs up.  I am ready to rock because this band ROCKS!  They are a band that will leave a mark in history that is for sure. As for yourself you need to go get a life because it isnt all about SLASH.  This is a group of guys that is all talented and if you would have maybe seen Scott in Stone Temple Pilots you would know that Scott dont play.  I saw him in Mrytle Beach and Charleston SC.  The man rocks and is totally into his music.  So, this new band give'em a chance they will make a mark in ROCK N ROLL.  I will be there to see them and support them! Scott has just added the final touch to the band.  Oh by the way go see live then tell me they don't rock.  Maybe you need to ask Slash if he has some solo albums you can get.  :-)  Rock on, and Slash, Scott, and the rest of the band dont listen to a moran.  I think the band rocks, and consider the wording in his email.  He is wanting Guns N Roses back.  Obviously, he doesn't know good music when he hears it.    



uote author=Top-Hatted One link=board=15;threadid=12819;start=0#msg222863 date=1086123048]
looks like you were expecting another Snakepit record. Nothing wrong with that. Just keep in mind that it is possible to sound different but good at the same time. You don't like LTA ,but I think it's amazing and I usually like songs that are 8min+

[gypsy eyes]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE DUFF!                  
HE IS THE ULTIMATE SEX GOD!      
NUMBER ONE IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!      
He is just sooooooooo fit!
God have you seen his six-pack in the SLITHER video?
YOWZA!I mean how can he look so fine!
Keep kickboxing baby!  

Actually today i read an article in Classic Rock mag about Duff and my plan is to move to L.A. where Duff lives, and go to the same kickboxing school as him!   YAY!
I got the mag cos there was two pages on him!
Oh those two pages- ever so special!  

He's one in a million- he's a sex god!  

Ohhhhhhhh how fit?!?!?            
SeRiOuSlY!  

Duff- I just want to tell you- I love you!  

Velvet Revolver Rock!

okok I think everyone here knows you love him by now hun

and besides... I do kick boxing, I got a sixpack (ok not really, but it's damn close!!) and you never say I look hot *pout*
 


hey if you really wanna take on kick boxing (therefor not in LA but just in general   ) better start with something else first, something easier, cause trust me it's damn tough!!! it's not only physically but also mentally, don't forget that... I got a duff interview where he talks bout how disciplined you have to be to do that sport and all, remind me to give it to you next time you're online




and bout big machine: I think the fact it starts so soft and quiet is good, it has more power like that... also they know people are gonna turn the sound up so when you get the chorus it just explodes in your head!!!!

[gnrvrrule]

This is my second review of the album, after listening to it for about 3 weeks.  The best rockers are Sucker Train Blues, Do It For the Kids, Set Me Free, Slither, and Dirty Little Thing.  The chorus to the latter is tremendous.  As for the ballads, You Got No Right is good, not great, but Fall to Pieces is a masterpiece.  They should release this as their next single.  It is a great combination of UYI Gn'r and STP.  Loving the Alien is a great ballad as well, but I don't think they should've closed this "rocker" album with a ballad.  Illegal i Song is terrible, Spectacle is OK, Headspace is decent, Superhuman has some great parts in it, and Big Machine has a nice chorus but weak lyrics.  Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5.  The album has grown on me, but it isn't a masterpiece.  I'm happy but not blown away by it.

[Rebecca Duff Rose]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE DUFF!                  
HE IS THE ULTIMATE SEX GOD!      
NUMBER ONE IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!      
He is just sooooooooo fit!
God have you seen his six-pack in the SLITHER video?
YOWZA!I mean how can he look so fine!
Keep kickboxing baby!  

Actually today i read an article in Classic Rock mag about Duff and my plan is to move to L.A. where Duff lives, and go to the same kickboxing school as him!   YAY!
I got the mag cos there was two pages on him!
Oh those two pages- ever so special!  

He's one in a million- he's a sex god!  

Ohhhhhhhh how fit?!?!?            
SeRiOuSlY!  

Duff- I just want to tell you- I love you!  

Velvet Revolver Rock!

okok I think everyone here knows you love him by now hun

and besides... I do kick boxing, I got a sixpack (ok not really, but it's damn close!!) and you never say I look hot *pout*
 


hey if you really wanna take on kick boxing (therefor not in LA but just in general   ) better start with something else first, something easier, cause trust me it's damn tough!!! it's not only physically but also mentally, don't forget that... I got a duff interview where he talks bout how disciplined you have to be to do that sport and all, remind me to give it to you next time you're online




and bout big machine: I think the fact it starts so soft and quiet is good, it has more power like that... also they know people are gonna turn the sound up so when you get the chorus it just explodes in your head!!!!

Thanks for the interview babes!!!  
Duff Duff he's our man..... hee hee! You know what I mean Gypsy!  

I'm only taking kickboxing for DUFF!
Hee hee he'll show me the ropes, so i wont need to start off softly!!  

Ohhhhhhh Duff!!!!!! I'm Gunner cry when Duff comes to the UK with VR!!  

[Krispy Kreme]

It's an album that grows on you. The more you listen the more you like.

I think it is very solid album. Overall very good but maybe not up to the hype.

I love Big Machine--it is to true--Slither, Sucker Train blues (can't stop listening), do it for the kids, you got no right, SMF.

I think the 2nd album will be even better--where are the songs from Izzy?

[Layne420]

I haven't gotten contraband yet but tonight I went out to best buy to look around and they had about 8 to 9 spots for VR and there was not one single cd to buy. I even walk around those cd rasks that they put up in the front by the check out lines. I will have my own review soon.

Later

[metallex78]

Just looking at the Contraband survivor thread, and it kinda worries me about the songs getting voted off as least favourites...

Spectacle, which was voted off first, is probably my favourite song on there at the moment. How can you NOT like a kickass song like that?
Spectacle is just filled with so much GN'R fuck-you attitude. With lyrics like "motherfucker yeah!" and "incessant bitch" what's there not to like?
The song totally pumps me up full of energy and is a great outlet if you've had a shit day.

I agree with Big Machine getting voted off. I don't like the chorus all that much still, but the music and the "hope I teach my son" parts are pretty cool.

And now I see Illegal I Song is getting votes. Again, this is one of the best songs on Contraband, not the worst!
It shows these guys steering away from their "traditional rock" styles from the past, and sounding more like Jane's Addiction than GN'R. And the drumming in the song is just phenomenal!

Oh well, each to their own I guess.

[SlashFan]

This review comes from the website.As you can see it is more of a band review than and album review,but I think it's cool anyway and I thought I would share it with everyone http://www.ragegraphicsandwebdesign.com


By Jerry Simmons Jr.

Are you sick of music reviews being written by old bitter people that have nothing better to do than say bad things about the bands that you like? Well I am not an old person (well it depends on what you consider old) and I will be fair to the bands that I write about.

This week my review will be about a band that everyone is talking about these days, Velvet Revolver. The band is made up of former Guns N' Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and former Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland and guitar slinger Daver Kushner.

Their debut album Contraband has been a hit among music lovers all over the world. They have been compared to Guns N' Roses and STP. They have a sound that is all their own. They've been called a 'super group' but as guitarist Dave Kushner points out in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine." This can't be a 'super group' because I'm in it."

Their first single "Slither" hit the radio waves and became a hit for them. Some reviewers have said that this band doesn't have lasting power, but I think they are wrong. I will do a review of Contraband soon, so check back often and as Slash says "Guitar solos are back." Thanks for reading.

[mrlee]

I thought it rocked! i love track 12, the only thing i dont like is the singer because he is not very powerful like axl is.

[gypsy eyes]

Duff Duff he's our man..... hee hee! You know what I mean Gypsy!  

geez don't finnish that sentence here!!! you already have a twisted rep but im still "clean", at least give the others a chance to think im a little angel!

lol a friend of mine met him backstage and she was there with her sis and they got to talk to slash and duff ( !) and she said started that "poem" there: "of all the men that are hot stuff, the nicest one i think is..." and her sister shut her up (they were both kinda drunk) and she was like "what? i was gonna say slash!!" she said the guys laughed but i don't think they bought it

[gypsy eyes]

I got a Q for you guys... what do you think of the first song?
personally i think it's a bit weak for an opener  
so what do you think?