Izzy Stradlin
117°

Many claim that during his time with Guns 'n' Roses, Stradlin was the most capable composer and arranger. All five Gunners, in truth, drew from very heterogeneous styles. So much so that each of us could become attached to one of their many inclinations, skillfully mixed in their early discographic alchemies.

The guitarist's second solo album is a work without particular frills, with compositions that are almost retro, yet at the same time quite personal. While his "colleague" Slash often gives the impression of sketching his songs with the black blues that colors him, in this "117°" clearer tones are visible. Those of white race blues, from country rock to Elvis, except for the very fun "Memphis" (the track is by Chuck Berry). Ju Ju Hounds is instead credited with the execution of "Good Enough", which could easily be included in the previous album of the American guitarist. Semi-acoustic country riffs in "Bleedin" and in "I Was Here Before You". The "southern fun" of this last track preludes the rock'n'roll burst of the following "Up Jump The Devil" (another cover, another track that makes us smile): it involves the phrasing made in Stradlin\Richards (not Keith!) of the two guitars. "Surf Roach" closes, an ingenious instrumental experiment.

I say it in big letters: this is really little more than an album for fans. But considering what is now being broadcasted in the media, I stop and think that if promoted properly, perhaps we would be discussing it in different terms. Really a matter of feeling?