Solo Album Spotlight: Scott Weiland- 12 Bar Blues

To this day, I will always remember the first time I heard “Lady, You Roof Brings Me Down.” I was sitting in my room doing my homework and listening to the radio and then there it was. I thought to myself, this doesn’t sound like Stone Temple Pilots but, that’s Scott singing. I was absolutely engrossed by what I was hearing. Then the song ends and the DJ says that it’s a song from Scott’s upcoming solo album and from the film Great Expectations.

Fast forward a bit and I now have Scott’s solo album, 12 Bar Blues in my stereo and I’m playing it on repeat. There was something odd and strange about this album and at that age I wasn’t quite sure what I was hearing and where this influence was coming from. So, I did what I’ve always done and really looked into it. To me 12 Bar Blues was an album Scott made to pay homage to those that really influenced and inspired him over the years. There is a real David Bowie and Iggy Pop element to the record among many others like Lou Reed and some in the R&B world.
The album was also made while Scott was deeply into his addiction and you can hear those nuances in the instrumentation, chord progressions, melodies and lyrics. You could tell, even back when STP made Tiny Music From The Vatican Gift Shop, that Scott was looking to explore different styles and sounds to break away from the “rock” sound, and he managed to create something that really stood out in a good way. When you listen to songs like “Desperation No. 5,” “Barbarella,” “Where’s The Man,” “Cool Kiss,” and “Mockingbird Girl” you can really hear the escape Scott was plotting as well as the influence. The album as a whole is a true piece of art and deserves to be acknowledged as such. For Scott’s first foray into making a “solo album” he really set a high bar for himself and others in his genre to follow.

 

Scott Weiland- 12 Bar Blues:

Tribute: Scott Weiland

 

The music community lost one of the greatest voices last night. Scott Weiland’s voice, presence and words will now forever stand the test of time. Scott’s brilliant melodies could give you chills throughout your body. The way he sang and put himself out there with his words made him something special. His slithering dancing inspired by the likes of David Bowie and Iggy Pop, allowed you to really get in the groove of the music and feel like you were in the song. Through Scott’s career with Stone Temple Pilots, he carved out his place amongst the other bands during his time. He had the ability to reach so many people. Once STP released their classic and in my opinion ultimate masterpiece Purple, you knew that Scott was the real deal. Even his debut solo album 12 Bar Blues was a unique experience and really gave you insight to who Scott was.

I had the pleasure of seeing STP a few times in my life. Any time I saw them, Scott was on his game and delivered great performances. Velvet Revolver was a different story. So I just rather relive my moments with STP to remember Scott by.

When I heard the news of his passing last night, it really caught me off guard. We all knew that this was bound to happen, but the fact that it occurred now, just really bummed me out. It’s truly a beautiful feeling to be inspired and influenced by someone like Scott. Sure he had his demons and other personality traits that might not have been the greatest, but he sure could write great songs. Thankfully there is still the music that will continue on.

Here’s to Scott. Thank you for all the years of great music. May he find the peace he deserves.

 

Unplugged:

 
12 Bar Blues (Solo Album):

 
Purple:

 

Core:

 

Tiny Music… From The Vatican Gift Shop:

 
Number 4:

 

By : Brian Lacy