Neurotic Outsiders is an eclectic supergroup fashioned from members of The Sex Pistols, Duran Duran, and Guns N'Roses. An odd mixture of English punk and American rock, for sure, but the combination works. What started out as a pick up band playing a benefit gig in Los Angeles has quickly evolved into a signed band with an album here and a tour to come. Matt Sorum, G'N'R drummer, put the band together asking Duran Duran's John Taylor to play bass, and bandmate Duff McKagan to play guitar. McKagan recruited Sex Pistols' Steve Jones for lead guitar.
An enthusiastic reception, the idea of playing in a less scrutinized band, an opportunity to rock and time off periods from their home bands allowed the group to continue. Their gigs were Los Angeles clubs; their songs were covers of their favorite bands. Soon musician friends like Iggy Pop, Billy Idol, Slash were dropping in to jam with the Outsiders, and hundreds of new fans were being turned away. With the fans came the record companies although Neurotic Outsiders were not looking to sign.
Moving to the next stage, Neurotic Outsiders signed and started writing their own songs in preparation for an album. The result is Neurotic Outsiders featuring ten new songs (eight from Jones) and a cover of The Clash's "Janie Jones". The band may be new, but musicians of this caliber and experience can create a very polished album - and that's the case here. Jones' contribution can't be underestimated. The majority of the songwriting is his along with the vocals, lead guitar, and attitude. While his lyrics are offcolor in many songs, they have a humorous quality that appeals. "Jerk" is planned as the first single off the album and may have to be cleaned up here and there for radio in some cities, but it's nothing to compare with the leadoff track "Nasty Ho". John Taylor's solo contributions come from a whole other area and help give a needed variety to the album. On the other hand, one of the most beautiful songs on the album is "Union" by none other than Steve Jones.
Neurotic Outsiders is an album with a solid direction set by Jones and versatility laid on by Taylor and McKagan. Matt Sorum's drums are right on throughout polishing the album to a glorious, rocking vibe. Neurotic Outsiders will never bore you - tune in to the music, tune in to the lyrics, then both. Fans of the three represented bands will want to get a copy, but anyone who likes rock with a punkish twist will want it.
