Contraband (by Velvet Revolver, Rock)

Velvet Revolver, a self-defined "supergroup" made up of members of Guns N' Roses and the Stone Temple Pilots, get an "A" for effort on CONTRABAND, but the whole thing ultimately falls flat. Gratuitous sexist posturing and references to guns and drugs don't help, but they aren't really the whole problem either -- this project reeks of a brand of cynical self-absorption that gets boring really fast. "All that first-class jet set brings me down, down, down/All that first-class drug sh*t brings me down, down, down," the boys lament after calling someone an offensive term for a homosexual on "Big Machine." Poor babies! If it's so awful, why not give it up? How about volunteering at a homeless shelter or a hospice instead? It would do the Velvet Revolver guys a world of good, and save the rest of us from having to hear them whine.

Some of the performances on "Contraband are excellent. Slash contributes amazing guitar work and vocalist Scott Weiland sings his heart out, supported by a powerful rhythm section. But the arrangements feel old and warmed over, and the lyrics aren't interesting enough to make up for all the obnoxious -- and sometimes offensive -- posturing.

Released on: June 8, 2004
Label: RCA
Genre: Rock
Parental advisory: Yes