Puddle Of Mudd
Re:(disc)overed

I always find it difficult to comment and even more so to try to review a cover album. This is because the ear of an enthusiast is torn in trying to judge to the best of their ability and with maximum impartiality, something that is essentially a copy. A copy that sometimes seems identical to the original, as if it had been cloned in a laboratory. Other times, however, it appears different, experimental, and surprising. In this regard, I think of Cake's single: "I Will Survive," when they practically upended the musical sense of an immortal disco classic from the late '70s. In other cases, the artist merely tries to "cover" songs from their own musical background, adding a touch of homemade originality. And this is the case with Re:(disc)overed by Puddle Of Mudd.

The four American musicians were not having the best of times lately. Their latest CD (Volume 4: Songs In The Key Of Love and Hate-2009) was a major commercial flop, so much so that, to make a few bucks, the record label released their first best-of ("Icon"-2010). Exhausted from the tour and without any particular creative ideas, they recorded a cover album in 3 weeks. Fundamentally, this album is a compilation of very famous rock-hardrock tracks, with bands that have made the history of this genre. It goes from the Rolling Stones to Ac/Dc, heading towards Free without forgetting to visit the Led Zeppelin. There's plenty of meat on the fire, catering to all tastes. But will the cooking be up to standard?

The CD immediately shifts into high gear with "Gimme Shelter," a Stones classic. This song was also chosen as the launch single, and it proves to be a wise choice. The track sounds good, with the original magic remaining intact, just adding some heavy guitar here and there, and the job is done. Then, an unmistakable acoustic guitar riff introduces us to the second track: "Old Man" by Neil Young. Different in length compared to the original (almost two minutes longer) but not in its always very melancholic and intimate spirit. With T.N.T., there's a slowdown. The band does not have the style of Angus Young and company in their DNA, and the song comes off lackluster without any particular punch. It goes from Tom Petty ("Stop Draggin My Heart Around"), to Steve Miller Band ("The Joker"), to Billy Squier ("Everybody Wants You"), quite an impressive trio. When I see the next track is "Rocket Man," I think it's a joke. How can a post-grunge band interpret the famous Elton John song? Yet, it’s a nice cover, maybe a bit too long at the end (about thirty seconds could be trimmed) but with Wes Scantlin's voice inspired and dreamy. Puddle also revisit a famous rock anthem like "All Right Now," which I personally find superior to the original by Free. There's also room for "Shooting Star" by "Bad Company," and "Funk#49" by James Gang, two definitely respectable covers. With "D'yer Mak'er," the gamble is high. Led Zeppelin are not exactly newcomers, and Robert Plant is certainly no novice fresh out of just any X-Factor. However, the song is appreciable and demonstrates a more mature and confident band.

A cover-disc like this deserves attention. It boasts a tracklist with very famous and well-known songs, an ideal CD to listen to in the car, perhaps at the beginning of a long highway journey. The prospects for Puddle Of Mudd must necessarily change for the better. The band is there, they play great, and Wes's voice is as gritty as ever, plus they prove to be very suited for melodic pieces. The problem perhaps lies in the songwriting. In the last CDs, no memorable tracks come to mind. There are no exploits like "Blurry" or "She Hates Me." If this album is successful, perhaps these four guys will have the inspiration to write new memorable pieces again. New pieces that perhaps some other band in crisis will "cover" one day.