Customer Reviews

It's Five O'clock Somewhere [Japan Import]

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(31)

 

 

4. 5 Stars

Slash...a guitarist that needs no introduction. In the late 80s, while rock was up to its waist in Eddie Van Halen clones, Slash brought the classic sound of Joe Perry and Jeff Beck back in style. His playing thrilled and captivated a generation of fans. His signature top-hat and dangling cigarette became synonymous with cool. As the lead guitarist for Guns N' Roses ('85-'93) he was more than just a guitar hero, he was a pop-cultural icon.

Fast-forward to 2004. Almost a full decade after the demise of the original Guns N' Roses, Slash makes a huge comeback with his new band Velvet Revolver. But what about the ten years between Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver?

When (then) Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash went into the studio to record "It's Five O' Clock Somewhere," (1995) it was not initially supposed to be a solo project or a new band. Anxious to get back on the road with a new album, Slash recorded a batch of new songs and presented them to Axl Rose as the follow-up to the "Use Your Illusion" (1991) albums. Much to Slash's disappointment, Slash claims the material was shot down by Rose as sounding "too retro." (NOTE: In Rose's defense, he claims he would have worked with the material, as it had potential.) Not wanting to waste the songs, Slash formed a new band to finish the material and release an album. Slash retained (then) Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum and rhythm guitarist Gilby Clarke, who had just recently left GN'R. Alice In Chains bassist Mike Inez and the unknown vocalist Eric Dover rounded out the band.

In the early days of post-grunge, when old-school guitar AOR was all but left-for-dead, "It's Five O' Clock Somewhere" was a complete throwback to 70s/80s arena style rock. Lyrically, however, the album's themes; death, nihilism, defeatism, completely fit the cynical 1990s. In short, it was an old-school sounding rock album updated for the times. Released in early '95, Slash called "It's Five O' Clock Somewhere," (paraphrasing) "the alternative to alternative."

Eric Dover, with his whiskey-stained raspy vocals, is a good, if not great singer. While some have criticized him as a "second rate-Axl Rose," this critique isn't really fair. While Dover is no Rose, he gets the job done. The underrated Gilby Clarke proved to be an able gunner as Izzy Stradlin's replacement on the "Use Your Illusion" tour and "The Spaghetti Incident" (1993) covers album. Clarke also proved to be a gifted songwriter with his excellent debut "Pawnshop Guitars" (1994). While it's a shame Clarke was never afforded the opportunity to write with GN'R, his contributions to the Snakepit album was the next best thing. While Slash is no doubt the star of "It's Five O' Clock Somewhere," Clarke thickens the sound and is a more-than-able player. Sorum and Inez proved to be a first rate rhythm section.

Like any great band, Guns N' Roses was the sum-total of all its parts. Izzy brought in a Stones/Faces classic rock element, Duff brought in a tad of punk, and Axl provided a grand artistic vision. With Slash, it was all about the blues-based, kick-ass screeching guitars. So while Slash's Snakepit was band on paper, it was really just a showcase to let Slash do his thing.

While Slash is undoubtedly a great guitarist, he is in all honesty, not the greatest songwriter in the world. Slash needs a foil like Axl Rose or Scott Weiland to help channel and craft his songs. Minus a Rose or a Weiland, "It's Five O' Clock Somewhere" doesn't quite have songs as memorable or well-crafted as Guns N' Roses or Velvet Revolver. Be that as it may, "It's Five O' Clock Somewhere" does have killer riffs and solos. In fact, "It's Five O' Clock Somewhere" features some of Slash's best riffs and solos he's ever recorded. The Slash element, so prevalent and essential to the sound of classic Guns N' Roses, is in full-front-and-center throughout this album.

Slash is a great player because, unlike so many guitar heroes, he's not just another self-indulgent wannabe Eddie Van Halen. A blues-based player, he plays straight from the heart. If you're a fan of Slash's work with Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver, you don't want to miss out on this album, as it contains some of Slash's best work.

Slash is a one-of-a-kind guitar player, and any fan can pick out a new song from one of Slash's bands (the latest being Velvet Revolver) just on his unique bluesy guitar style. After seeing the direction Axl wanted to take GNR with electronic music, it was a relief to see Slash get back to his roots, to the blues music he loved, and release this outstanding album with the very talented Eric Dover on vocals.

This is an album for hard rock fans who thought Appetite was the best thing to come out of GNR. If over-the-top stuff like Novemeber Rain is your favorite, you might not appreciate Slash's Snakepit as much. This is Slash truly playing the music he wanted to do with GNR.

There are some great blues rock songs on here, especially Be the Ball and Neither Can I. Personally, I love Doin' Fine, which is nothing but a pure party song. I've played that for a lot of non-GNR fans and they've enjoyed it.

On a side note, I had the pleasure of seeing Slash's Snakepit open for AC/DC back in 2000, and Dover did a dead-on impression of Axl singing Mr. Brownstone that proved the band had a great sense of humor along with their immense talent.

As a debut album by former Guns N' Roses guitar-god, Slash, shows to a great extent just how much input on the sound of his former band. He brings this style to "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere". It's brash, occasionally rough, bluesy, but definately rock and roll. Just so you know, the hignlights of this record are Neither Can I, Dime Store Rock, Beggars and Hangers On, and a few more. His attempt at a love song in I Hate Everybody (But You), dedicated to his former wife, Renee, is okay as well. Pick this one up is you dig Guns N' Roses and Slash's bluesy rock style, you will be happy with the purchase.

ok, so Slash knew this album wasn't going to be a classic, but this was just a side project while GN'R weren't doin anything. Eric Dover is no Axl Rose (then again, who is?), Slash again provin one of the worlds greatest guitarists and a decent line-up for the rest of the band which is: Mike Inez(alice in chains normally), Gilby Clarke(ex-gnr), and Matt Sorum(ex-gnr). This was an experimental album for Slash, trying to add some blues to the GN'R sound which works in most cases. The second Snakepit album 'Ain't Life Grand'is probably better but this is well worth buying if you're into GN'R.

This album is hands down one of the best rock albums I own. I dont care if everyone disagrees me. Everyone seems to have a problem with the vocalist (Eric Dover) but he's not that bad at all. The man's edgy, rough style fits with every song. I was actually quite impressed. Words cannot describe Slash's guitar play. People say that he was trying to recreate GNR, but thats just HIS style. GNR was based around his guitar play just as Snakepit is. In my opinion this album is better than the new Snakepit album. Dont get me wrong, the new album rocks, but it doesn't have as much solo time for Slash. Anyway, buy this album, its well worth every penny.

Well this album was one that most people compare to GNR.. well that isnt the best thing to do. GNR cant be duplicated. Slash wasnt trying to do this, but how could you stay totaly away from something so successfull? Sure the vocals are weak at times and yes they even sound similar to Axl, but aside from that the album is a good solo album. It is more like a playground for Slash to dish out some killer solos. Slash does however need to convice his lead singer to work on vocals before the release of the new album.. Check out that last track on the cd.. Awsome...

If you are thinking Guns and Roses, think again. This album is overall more aggresive than anything Guns and Roses has ever done. While being mostly a balls to the wall 1970s hard rock record {think Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith}, it does have some other worthy moments as well. these moments being: the bluesy "baggers and hangers on", the somewhat trippy "Lower" and the beautifully melodic "Back and forth again". If you are looking for a solid rock record to save you from this age of boybands and other forgetable teen idols, then this is the album for you.

many may know slash as the top hat wearing guitar toating coolest man in gn'r .if you liked appetite you might think of slash as a lunatic. his new band slashs snakepit is an intriguing mix of blues and heavy metal. with graet ballads and smashing guitar riffs. but to say anything the slash is a god of rock

Rn'FR

Personally, I think Slash is the greatest soloist ever. This album is not a Great album. It is good, and worth the money to me. Before I bought it, I read all these reviews saying how bad the vocalist was. That actually kept me from buying it for a long time. I was pleasantly surprised when I finally heard it. He basically sounds like a cross between Izzy and the guy from AC/DC but not as good as either. His voice doesn't bother me, though. Slash's playing is awesome as usual. It really sounds like an excellent jam session. Hope this helps y'all decide.

Slash's Snakepit-It's Five O'Clock Somewhere ***1/2

For what it is and the audience it was aimed after It's Five O'Clock Somewhere is a nice bluesy rock n' roll album. What started out as a Slash side project turned into his full time band as he left Guns N' Roses during the recording on the album. It is almost the exact same band as GNR characteristically though it sounds nothing alike, and that is a great thing. But the problem lies in that the attitude is there but the song is not.

Almost every track on the album has what it takes but never fully delivers. The vocals become annoying at times and the lyrics are often a rock n' roll parody. If your a true blue rock n' roller you don't have to preach about it. At the end of the day Matt Sorum is not suited for this style of rock n' roll and sounds out of his element here. Perhaps that is why he wasn't on the next (superior) album, Ain't Life Grand. Slash himself just sounds like he is going through a guitar workout on the album. Many of the riffs are recycled and the solos seem unfinished and unfocused, this could be because the entire line-up was on smack the whole time.

As a whole this is a less than stellar rock n' roll albums from one of the greatest guitar players ever. Slash's Snakepit would go on to make a much stronger second album, and Slash would go on to make better music as a whole. This is the low point of the artists career but worth checking out for diehards.