Contraband (Velvet Revolver album)
Occupation
- Vocals: Scott Weiland
- Lead Guitar: Slash
- Rhythm Guitar: Dave Kushner
- Bass: Duff McKagan
- Drums: Matt Sorum
Contraband is the title of the published in June 2004 debut album by the American hard rock supergroup Velvet Revolver. It was in the week of its release, with more than 250,000 units sold, the fastest-selling debut album in the history of American rock music.
Background
After various solo activities of the former members of Guns N 'Roses guitarist Slash, bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum in 2002 had come together for a joint appearance at a benefit concert again. After the positive experience for them, they decided that they wanted to make music together again and asked for Izzy Stradlin, who was also a member of Guns N 'Roses, whether he was interested in a collaboration. After Stradlin had declined, obliged the three in October 2002, Dave Kushner as a second guitarist. As a singer Scott Weiland was won in 2003, was the lead singer of the time -resolved band Stone Temple Pilots. Then the group Velvet Revolver was called. The first release of the band was the song Set Me Free, which was released as part of the soundtrack for the movie Hulk. A little later appeared Money, a cover of Pink Floyd song on the soundtrack to the film The Italian Job.
The album
Contraband was included in the NRG Studios and Pulse Recording Studios. First, the single Slither was published in May 2004 and gave the band first attention, on June 8, followed by the album, which took the top spot on the Billboard 200 within three weeks. The album was dedicated to Randy Castillo. The dedication read: In Dedication to Randy Castillo (1950 - 2002). " We miss you brother"
Reception
The album was successful: It came in the week of its release, with more than 250,000 units sold at number one on the Billboard 200, and there occupied the same space in Canada. In Germany, the top ten was seventh place also achieved in the UK after all, still number 11 in the album charts. Contraband was awarded in the United States on 12 July 2004 with a gold record, on July 26, 2004, it had reached double platinum status after the successful launch. On 4 August 2004, the album was another platinum award.
The singles released were able to establish itself in the international charts. Fall to Pieces and Slither were also awarded in the U.S. with gold.
The media reaction was overwhelmingly positive. The German magazine Rock Hard wrote to Contraband:
" Velvet Revolver have actually managed to leave the flamboyant notice are true to combine the best of both worlds yet to create something original. Several songs on " Contraband " leave the troubled past of the musicians involved flashed, thanks goodness but what never ends in desperate Reanimierungsversuchen their own legend. The album is a timeless, brilliant piece of rock music become that enables the participants loose to emerge from the long shadow of his own past. And one should be sure that if Axl Rose hears this record, he can not eat as much as he will puke with rage ... "
Music journalist Michael Rensen hit the same line:
"From the pathos of Guns -N' -Roses - era little remains, guitar Poodle Slash rages anno 2004, aware indigenous, absolutely timeless produced riffs and licks, and its by people supporting the crisp Geschrubbe with an enormously groovy rhythm foundation. Without commercial ulterior motive is given pleasurable full throttle and Weiland's empathetic vocal lines make up the majority of the 13 songs original Heavy hits, as at such a high level is not more likely to get to the chain a certain Axl Rose with the best intentions ... "