By Samuel MatteiScott Weiland 41, has released his second solo album titled “Happy in Galoshes.” The album is a glimpse into the mind and soul of a mentally disruptive artist. Over the years Weiland had demonstrated problems throughout all of his musical explorations.
Photo taken from http://www.newwestrecords.com/
Weiland is best known for his work with Stone Temple Pilots (STP). STP had huge hits through the nineties such as “Creep” and “Wicked Garden,” although critics said Weiland was trying to cash in on the grunge rock movement.
Weiland denies copying anyone’s style from the grunge range such as Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) or Layne Staley (Alice in Chains). He claims that his biggest influences come from David Bowie and Jim Morrison.
In 1997 STP had to cancel their tour due to low sales. Weiland later made a solo album titled “12 Bar Blues” which flopped. The other members of STP found a new lead singer in Dave Coutts and formed the band “Talk Show.” “Talk Show” did not have any more luck with the record than Weiland.
Right around the release of “12 Bar Blues” Weiland received his first arrest for allegedly attempting to buy heroin. Weiland has since admitted that he was using illegal drugs at the time, including while “12 Bar Blues” was written.
In 1999 Weiland was out of prison and said to be clean of any past drug habits. He rejoined STP with their hit album “No. 4” which featured the smash hit “Sourgirl.”
Back on tour Weiland found out first hand that old habits don’t always die hard. He started using drugs daily. Because this caused miscommunication with his band mate, STP would once again go their separate ways.
In 2003 Weiland joined the rock super-group Velvet Revolver, made up of the founding members of Guns n’ Roses (not including Axl Rose). The band was a success in the United States and Europe with hits like “Slither” and “Fall to Pieces.”
During the peak of Velvet Revolvers success, Weiland was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The charges were eventually dismissed after he completed rehab.
After five years of touring with Velvet Revolver, Weiland became irritated with his band mates Slash and Duff. He started walking off stage before the shows were over, or he would not show up.
Once night during one of Weiland’s last tour dates with Velvet Revolver he decided to make a statement to the crowd without any input from his band. During the performance Weiland stumbled to the microphone. “You guys are witnessing history right now,” Weiland told the audience. “This is the last Velvet Revolver show.”
In 2008 Weiland once again reunited with STP, this time hoping everything would go smoothly. No one seemed to take into account that Weiland’s drug problem had become increasingly worse.
Weiland started arriving late to shows, forgetting lyrics and fighting with members of his band. Rumors started circulating on the radio stations that the tour would not last.
The tour did manage to last through the final date, but ended with the announcement of another hiatus, though a 2009 studio release is in the works.
In mid 2008 Weiland signed a publishing deal with Bug Music. They agreed to help finance Weiland’s new studio album.
On Nov. 25, 2008 Weiland came out with his second solo album titled “Happy in Galoshes” which translates to “Happy in Rain-boots.”
“Happy in Galoshes” is an album that truly does pull influences from all types of music. The album includes punk, folk, funk and alternative with some bras instruments thrown in in with the guitars and drums.
Weiland claims to not have any drug influence during the production of this album which is difficult to believe. Many of those songs have an echoing voice-over quality similar to that of a Pink Floyd album.
With only four of the 12 songs worth listening to, Weiland has put out a half hearted attempt to
show is talent. In fact some songs, such as the David Bowie over “Fame,” will make the listener cringe before quickly skipping to the next song.
For these reason and more Scott Weiland’s “Happy in Galoshes” receives five out of 10 stars.
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