*** THE CASUAL GAMER ***
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Jerry Cantrell: Degradation Trip
Degradation Trip is the second solo album by Jerry Cantrell, also known for his songwriting and guitar playing in Alice in Chains. Trip follows Boggy Depot, Cantrell's excellent but ill receieved solo debut released in '98. Trip is more remeniscent of Cantrell's work in Alice in Chains than was Depot, although neither album reaches the level that Alice has.
Degradation Trip is a great collection of 14 new songs from Cantrell. The songs range from heavy and plodding to rocking and rolling to country and blues. There really is some great diversity on this record. Cantrell really shows his wide range of talent on this record. He retains the same heavy songwriting that made 'Alice' one of the most imitated bands around.
I was generally pleased with the overall record, but I was disappointed by some of the guitar work, or lack thereof, on the record. The rhythm guitars are all in place and sound great, but the fantastic Cantrell solos of old seem to be missing. Most songs have some lead work, and even solos, but they aren't as cool or as long as in his past work. What is in there is quite good, but it is more teaser than pleaser. I guess it is just a small complaint on a good record.
Trip is a solid album that is worthy of your listening. It is a good hard rock album, and that is something that seems hard to come by these days. It is similar to Alice in Chains material, but also has its own feel. If you liked 'Alice' a lot, then you will like this record. If you like good, honest hard rock, then you will like this record. If you hate 'Alice' and everything it spawned, stay away from this record. If you like this, give Boggy Depot a try, too.