One of the most controversial bands in the music scene has done it again: Guns N' Roses, which last shot to the top with 1991's "Use Your Illusion I" and "II" albums, has topped those and surprised fans and critics alike with a compilation of "punk" and "classic" rock. "The Spaghetti Incident?" is a refreshing collection of remakes.
Punchy punk doozies from the 1970s and 1980s, such as "Down On the Farm" by the UK Subs, the New York Dolls' "Human Being" and the Dead Boys' "Ain't It Fun," stick loyally to the original versions - with an interesting effect: Although GN'R didn't change any lyric or arrangement, the songs have more impact on the listener today than the originals.This is especially true when lead vocalist W. Axl Rose spits out the chorus to Nazareth's 1975 hit "Hair of the Dog." The song's "don't mess with me" attitude takes on new life with Rose singing it.
Skeptical about Rose and the band remaking the Skyliners' 1958 hit "Since I Don't Have You"? Don't worry - GN'R take the song as seriously as they do their own originals. What's more, the song opens the album.
GN'R push the New York underground sound to the limit on Iggy (Pop) and the Stooges "Raw Power." The song is as precise as punk will allow, with guitarist Slash chucking out distorted guitar lines while Rose and GN'R's own authentic punk - bass player Duff McKagan - trade lead vocals.
McKagan shines when he impressivelly covers "You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory," a tune by Johnny Thunders, formerly of the New York Dolls. McKagan not only produced and sings lead on this cut, he also handles the drums and guitars on it.
Where would a punk rock collection be without one from the Misfits? GN'R tackles "Attitude," a choppy song written by Glenn Danzig. The band also takes on the Sex Pistols' masochistic "Black Leather."
As it turns out, the last listed cut, Fear's "I Don't Care About You," isn't really the last song. Here's where the standard GN'R controversy starts. Eleven seconds after the ending, the Latin-shuffle beat of "Look At Your Game Girl" begins. The song, for you who don't know the history, was originally written and recorded by Charles Manson (yes, the one and the same) and was originally produced by Beach Boy Brian Wilson. Now for the good news. Geffen Records executives, after finding out about the song, stress Manson is not receiving royalties.
If you like GN'R, this album is for you. If you don't, "The Spaghetti Incident?" might convert you. If you like the original songs, you'll find this to be an admirable tribute. GN'R adds a surprisingly humble gesture in the band's liner notes, where the band advises listeners, "A great song can be found anywhere. Do yourself a favor and go find the originals."
Cool.