Search - Scott Weiland :: 12 Bar Blues

Weiland's oddest (and, yet, beautifully spacey) album!!!

Michael A. White | 08/03/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Scott Weiland (in my 'personal' opinion) is one of the most prolific artists today. I've been an admirer of his talent since STP first appeared in the early 90's amidst all the negative criticism afforded towards the band. Something I always found odd considering STP were more melodic than Pearl Jam and Nirvana. (Both bands I'm also a fan of.) But STP were the under-dogs of "Alt-rock", even though I thought they were just as good (if not better) than the previous two.

But, as with all bands plagued by sudden mainstream success, Scott & co. succumbed to drug use, eventually driving the band apart to other projects. "12 Bar Blues" is Weiland's first solo effort. And, although, it's not his most respected effort...for some reason, I still like listening to it, even now. I guess the reason I like this album is the fact that it's soooooo unique. He incorporates sounds of psychedelic ambience that nearly resemble a jazz/funk techno-fest. Bowie-esque, even. (I recommend reading Burroughs "Naked Lunch" with this album playing in the background.)

You have to also take in consideration at the time this album was created, Scott was battling his Heroin addiction at the time. Which, again in my opinion, seems to add to the disjointed feel this album gives off...most likely very intentional. I believe this is his most personal album that only Scott can translate personally for us. "Barbarella", in fact, strikes me as Scott's own personal ode of going through withdrawal at a rehab clinic. (In the rec room, smoking a cigarette, watching "Barbarella" on TV with a blank stare and blood-shot eyes.)

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