Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 03/17/1998
Run Time: 58:51
Scott Weiland's addictions were well documented and were often blamed for the disintegration of
Stone Temple Pilots. Frustrated with his constant relapses, the remaining
Pilots formed
Talk Show, whose debut album rocked hard but lacked the style and melody of prime
STP. Instead of reviving
the Magnificent Bastards,
Weiland decided to record a solo album with producer
Daniel Lanois. The teaming was unexpected but inspired --
12 Bar Blues is an unpredictable, carnivalesque record confirming that
Weiland was the visionary behind
STP's sound. He's fascinated by sound, piling on layers of shredded guitars, drum loops, and keyboards, making sure that each song sounds drastically different from its predecessor. Throughout it all, a few things remain the same -- the music is rooted in
glam rock, filtered through
psychedelia and
trip-hop, and dressed in immediate, catchy hooks and melodies. At its best,
12 Bar Blues makes a case for
Weiland's talents as a songwriter and musician. At times his lyrics can be awkward, and occasionally the music collapses under its own weight, but the very best moments -- the swirling
"Desperation #5," the glitter-crunch of
"About Nothing," the mock-
Tom Waits march
"Lady, Your Roof Brings Me Down," the hook-laden
"Mockingbird Girl," the stomping
"Jimmy Was a Stimulator" -- are exciting modern
hard rock songs propelled by hooks, attitude, and style.
~Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
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