Duff McKagan will, of course, forever be known as the bassist for Guns N' Roses. He'll also get deserved attention for his stint in the eternally-on-hiatus Velvet Revolver, and some will even recall his blink-and-you-missed-it tenure in Jane's Addiction last year. Hell, he's also a very accomplished, very good writer. Will he also be remembered for his solo band, the aptly named Duff McKagan's Loaded? With the release of the band's new album, 'The Taking,' he definitely should.
'The Taking' was produced by Terry Date, which automatically racheted up my interest in this album by several clicks. From Pantera to Soundgarden to Overkill, Date has worked on some of the best hard rock and metal albums of the past 20 years. This album is very much in the hard rock vein, but many of the songs are infused with a metallic punk vibe that elevates them above the usual bilge currently heard on mainstream radio. And to McKagan's credit, with the exception of a couple songs, the album doesn't sound like Guns N' Roses at all.
"Lords of Abaddon" starts the album off with a blast of punk-metal that reminded me of a cross between Alice in Chains and the Stooges. This is a great song that would, in a better world than this, rule the radio waves.
"Executioner's Song" completes the one-two punch that is the beginning of 'The Taking.' Taking a cue from stoner metal kings Down, this song is heavier than anything GN'R ever recorded. This song is a very pleasant surprise. McKagan is definitely not riding on the coattails of any of his previous bands.
The album as a whole is a very refreshing, eclectic mix of hard rock style: "Dead Skin" is very punkish, while "Wrecking Ball" actually reminds me a little of 1970s-era David Bowie. "Your Name," my favorite track here, is in-your-face metal. "She's an Anchor" and "We Win" (which was used by Major League Baseball throughout its coverage of the World Series last year) are more AOR-ready. Only "Cocaine" sounds remotely similar to Guns N' Roses, but it's such a great song, you won't hear me complain.
It is interesting to note that McKagan does not play bass in Loaded, instead taking on the role of vocalist and rhythm guitarist. Like fellow Seattle rocker Dave Grohl, McKagan is just as comfortable behind the mic as he is laying down the low end for the rest of the band.
With 'The Taking,' McKagan has simultaneously stepped out of the long shadows cast by GN'R and VR, and proved that he was just as instrumental as anybody in the massive success of both bands. 'The Taking' is a testament to McKagan's continued musical genius, as well as one of the best hard rock albums of the year.
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