Izzy Stradlin' continues to be one of the best songwriters of modern times. His exceptional work with Guns N' Roses, and his solo career over the past 10 years has produced some of the most diverse and amazing work in rock. Whether it's acoustic or electric, rock or reggae, in a band or on his own, Izzy Stradlin' continues to churn out good music.
His 2002 Japan only release,
On Down the River, is short, but continues some of Izzy's most polished work. Beginning the album off with a little chugging number called "You Betcha" it contains a catchy chorus and tells about not needing any of life's debaucherous excesses. Since leaving GnR, Izzy has cleaned up his life immensely and resides in Japan where he enjoys the finer things in life, as this album clearly shows. Izzy has found freedom to do what he wants, and it shows in his music, such as the number called "Monkeys" which begins off with "This town is full of monkeys." Goofy? Perhaps, but if that's what's making him happy, go for it. His guitar skills have no daunted a bit since GnR either, as his solo on this song and many others demonstrates.
Izzy then switches to a bit of a slower side with "On Down the Road," a song about not looking to the problems of the past and just continuing on with life. Izzy's voice, an oft-criticized part of albums, is actually pretty decent for these kinds of songs. The next song is probably one of the best songs Izzy has written - "Sweet Caress." A beautiful little number played in Fm, it contains beautiful imagery of the ocean, moon, and peacefulness of it all. The solo fits extraordinarily well, and it is just such a perfect song.
The next song "Coke'n" is about all of Izzy's old excesses with cocaine and the like. A jumping little number with more catchy vocals - "Coke'n has gone away/Bye, bye, give me away." Izzy is continuing to get over his former demons. Following this is an acoustic number called "Got Some News" and along with the rest of the album they are about love and the various emotions with it. Acoustic and electric, these songs present a variety of emotions presented in a simple format and pretty straight forward, something Izzy is talented at. All and all, a pleasant listen.
One of Izzy's best works as a solo artist, he should consider releasing these albums in the US because the import cost is rather steep. However, if you're a fan of his music, it certainly is worth, and even if you aren't, you'd probably like it.
