Gilby Clarke, The Hangover- Linda Scott

REVIEW: Gilby Clarke, The Hangover (Paradigm)

- Linda Scott

Gilby Clarke was at the top of the rock mountain. Guns 'N' Roses had tapped him for the rhythm guitar slot vacated by Izzy Stradlin, but footing proved precarious. While Clarke survived GNR's endless Illusions world tour and played on the band's next album, his outspoken criticism of Axl Rose's musical direction led to his being fired. Clarke subsequently sued GNR for exploiting his image without his permission. And at the end of the slide down the GNR mountain, there's just Gilby Clarke. Without bitterness, Clarke speaks philosophically of his time on top and seems happy to get back to his own work.

Clarke's second solo album, The Hangover, is a bit different than the first, Pawnshop Guitars , which featured almost every Gunner bandmate on the tracks. Not one appears on this album, but there are friends Eric Singer (Kiss), Waddy Wachtel (Keith Richards), and Clem Burke (Blondie). The Hangover is nine original Clarke tracks and two covers by favorite artists The Beatles ("Happiness is a Warm Gun" ) and David Bowie ("Hang Onto Yourself") . In fact these two may be the best on the album.

As he did on Pawnshop Guitars , Clarke shows some different sides of himself, but they are all rock 'n' roll. He combines his love of hard rock riffs with Beatles- influenced melodies. The results, while not always inspiring, are always appealing. "Blue Grass Mosquito" bends the rules and has a really innovative chorus, and "Mickey Mouse" is a charmer with glam overtones. "Wasn't Yesterday Great" references the album title with these lyrics: "Wasn't yesterday great, Stayed in bed in my hangover clothes, I couldn't get up for the day."

The covers are quite good, and there are good rockers here, but in some places the music has a sameness about it. Some supercharged riffs here and there would help out. Maybe a little more help from his friends was needed. Gilby Clarke is without the Gunners, at least this go round, and in some places their presence is missed.

Clarke is touring the US right now. He's comfortable on the bar/club circuit where he can relax and hang out with fans after the show. Clarke is an unpretentious, approachable guy who does a great live show. He projects a sweet, friendly personality and is able to connect with the crowd. The Hangover is a good rocking album that Clarke fans, GNR fans, and maybe some Beatles fans would like. To see the tour schedule, check out the site http://www.arocknid.com/gilby/hangover-tour.html