Scott Weiland has hopped back and forth across the map over the past few years. After a tumultuous history with Stone Temple Pilots, rife with drug use and internal conflict among band members, the dynamic frontman said a bitter goodbye to form a super group with Guns N’ Roses … sans Axl Rose. The result was Velvet Revolver, which had success for about five years until new altercations and rumours of very harsh words eventually mounted to Weiland’s second experience with an acrimonious break-up.

The latest news is that Weiland has reconciled with his former STP band members (who had moderate success as Army of Anyone with Filter’s Richard Patrick on vocals). It seemed that, in the eyes of these musicians, the original form is better than any mishmash group they could put together. Apparently, a new album may be in the works. Given their history, I wouldn’t put all my hopes in this reunion as being a permanent one, but in the meantime, it’s nice to know that Weiland hasn’t been idling.

There is no doubt that the man is talented. He’s got a great rock voice, and range to boot. “Happy” in Galoshes is basic Weiland. His signature, grated-throat screams are strong as ever, as obvious in songs like “Missing Cleveland” and “Blind Confusion”. He mixes it up with songs like “Killing Me Sweetly” and “Crash”, which are outlets for his ability to be soft.

While the tracks are good, nothing is particularly impressive or noteworthy. It is, at its finest, a blend of staple, generic rock sounds. A few solid rock n’ roll numbers, a couple of ballads here and there, and the obligatory experimentation with vaudeville-like instruments. It’s good, but also predictable and basically what I expected from the seasoned singer.

If anything, this solo project will be chalked up to Weiland simply wanting to keep his chops warm with practice, at least until STP gets down to business with a new album.

As an STP fan, I have endured “Happy” in Galoshes and given it a nod of apathetic approval as I wait patiently for the real deal.



Track Listing:

Missing Cleveland
Tangle With Your Mind
Blind Confusion
Paralysis
She Sold Her System
Fame [David Bowie cover]
Killing Me Sweetly
Big Black Monster
Crash
Beautiful Day
Pictures And Computers
Arch Angel
Be Not Afraid