Guns And Roses The Spaghetti Incident
Guns N' Roses, one of the most iconic rock bands of the 80s and 90s, released their fifth studio album, The Spaghetti Incident?, in 1993. The album was unlike any of their previous works, as it was a collection of cover songs from punk and glam rock bands. Despite the album's initial success, it was surrounded by controversy and backlash from both fans and critics. In this article, we'll take a closer look at The Spaghetti Incident? and explore the reasons behind its mixed reception.
The Making Of The Album
The Spaghetti Incident? was recorded during a tumultuous time for Guns N' Roses. The band was experiencing internal conflicts, with lead singer Axl Rose and guitarist Slash often at odds with each other. In addition, the band was dealing with legal issues and drug addiction problems. The album was recorded as a way to fulfill the band's contractual obligation to their record label, Geffen Records.
The album features 13 cover songs from various punk and glam rock bands, including The Stooges, New York Dolls, and Misfits. The band also included a hidden track, a cover of Charles Manson's "Look at Your Game, Girl." This decision was met with criticism from many fans and critics, who felt that the band was glorifying a notorious criminal.
The Controversy Surrounding The Album
The Spaghetti Incident? was met with mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the band's energy and rawness, while others criticized the album as a cash grab and a lackluster effort. The inclusion of "Look at Your Game, Girl" was also heavily criticized, with many calling for the album to be pulled from stores.
In addition to the controversy surrounding the Manson cover, the album's title also raised eyebrows. The original title was supposed to be "Spaghetti Incident?" with a question mark, but the record label accidentally left it out on the album cover. This mistake led to speculation that the band was referencing a real-life incident involving a food fight, but the band denied these rumors.
The Legacy Of The Album
Despite the controversy and mixed reviews, The Spaghetti Incident? has since become a cult favorite among fans of punk and glam rock. The album showcases the band's versatility and their ability to pay homage to their musical influences. The album also serves as a time capsule of the 90s punk rock scene, with covers of songs by lesser-known bands such as The Dead Boys and Fear.
The album's legacy also extends to its impact on the band's future. The recording of The Spaghetti Incident? marked the end of the classic Guns N' Roses lineup, with Slash leaving the band shortly after the album's release. The album also paved the way for the band's next studio album, Chinese Democracy, which was heavily influenced by punk rock and experimental music.
Conclusion
The Spaghetti Incident? may not have been Guns N' Roses' most commercially successful album, but it remains a notable entry in their discography. The album's controversial cover of a Charles Manson song and its title mishap only added to the band's already tumultuous reputation. Regardless, the album showcases the band's ability to pay tribute to their musical influences and experiment with different styles. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that The Spaghetti Incident? is a unique and interesting piece of rock history.
