siLLy puPPy
After the release of the 2005 album “Normal,” BUMBLEFOOT replaced Buckethead as the new guitarist in Guns N Roses 3.0 and catapulting him into the gaze of a much larger audience than his little known solo albums ever did. Since then he has only released one solo album, “Abnormal” in 2008 and then it seems he packed up his solo career and put it on the shelf with the exception of some digitally released cover singles in 2011 ranging from “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” from Elton John, “Strawberry Fields Forever” from The Beatles and even the “Pink Panther Theme.” But these were just novelties, not real BUMBLEFOOT music.
As a fan of one of the most talented guitarists of modern times i was excited to hear that finally after 7 long years a new solo album would finally hit the market. Wow! Surely with 7 years of time to write and produce an album, it must surely be the best one of his career, right? Well, not exactly. If you are expecting any of the sheer genius guitar shredding and progressive fortitude polishing every track into a masterpiece put together in totally inventive ways, then go to the album 9-11 and before because this is no return to such heights like “Guitars Suck” or “Chopin Fantasie.” In fact LITTLE BROTHER IS WATCHING basically continues where “Abnormal” left off with BUMBLEFOOT focusing more on catchy alternative rock tracks that wouldn’t sound out of place placed next to Muse, Green Day or the Foo Fighters showcasing his vocal abilities and classic rock songwriting much more than his guitar wizardry, however some short and sweet solos do find their way into the mix but even these seem recycled.
What we basically have here is BUMBLEFOOT on automatic pilot. This album sounds very much like the previous two and not breaking any new ground. As always there is a propensity for extremely catchy melodies with witty lyrics still in play and his talents as a producer shine through as well, however this is a mixed bag songwise for me. There are some strong tracks such as the opener “Clots,” the clever title track about the people, “LITTLE BROTHER,” having taken control by keeping all eyes on the government, the circus music rocker “Cuterebra” and the theremin background alternating with a rowdy rocker “Women Rule The World.” Some ok ones like the three movement “Argentina,” “Don’t Know Who To Pray To Anymore,” tracks like “Higher” where he does his best Freddie Mercury, and some weak tracks like “Livin’ The Dream,” “Sleepwalking” and “Never Again.”
Between his constant touring schedule with GNR and his new band Art Of Anarchy with former Stone Temple Pilots vocalist Scott Weiland diverting his creative juices, it is apparent that at this point in his career a solo album is a mere footnote on his resume and not his main passion as was the case in the past. Still though this has some very strong tracks, some good ones and only a few totally turkeys, but this is BUMBLEFOOT who had me spoiled for several albums in a row with musical genius. Nothing on this one even comes close to those days. If you like nice catchy alternative rock tracks that are radio friendly verging on art punk at times then you may like this but if you are looking for any hints of progressive guitar wizardry then sit this one out. LITTLE BROTHER MAY BE WATCHING but perhaps not listening because this is faaaaaar from his best.