On November 23, 1993 "Guns N’ Roses" released their fifth studio album "The Spaghetti Incident?".
It is a curious and polarizing entry in the band’s discography, a collection of punk and glam rock covers released in late 1993. Originally envisioned as an EP of covers in 1992 or 1993, the project evolved into a full-length album, with many tracks recorded during the ambitious "Use Your Illusion" sessions.
This album marks the only studio effort to feature rhythm guitarist Gilby Clarke, who replaced original member Izzy Stradlin during the Illusion era. Interestingly, some of Stradlin’s parts—recorded during earlier sessions—were reportedly re-recorded by Clarke. The title, "The Spaghetti Incident?", is an inside joke referring to an incident involving former drummer Steven Adler’s code word for his stash of drugs stored in a refrigerator alongside Italian food containers. The name was pulled from a lawsuit involving Adler, where his lawyer humorously referenced the "spaghetti incident."
The album spans a range of punk, glam, and hard rock influences, featuring tracks by legends such as "U.K. Subs", "The Damned", "New York Dolls", "The Stooges", "Dead Boys", "Misfits", "Nazareth" and more.
The album's first single "Ain’t It Fun" featured "Hanoi Rocks’" Michael Monroe. This "Dead Boys" cover is a standout. Axl Rose’s ferocious vocals and Monroe’s haunting harmonies perfectly capture the song’s nihilistic edge, while Slash's bluesy guitar playing is just brilliant.
The second single released from the album is "Since I Don’t Have You" - the 1950s doo-wop classic by "The Skyliners". Reimagined with Axl Rose’s distinctive vocal stylings, this song opens the album in a surprising yet captivating way. The contrast between Axl’s raw delivery and the song’s sentimental melody creates a unique dynamic.
Other interesting songs are "Raw Power" - the powerful tribute to "Iggy and The Stooges", featuring co-lead vocals by Duff McKagan, "You Can’t Put Your Arms Around a Memory" with Duff McKagan steping into the spotlight with his heartfelt take on this Johnny Thunders classic, even playing drums on the track. " Duff will take lead vocals in two more songs, "The Damned" "New Rose” and "Misfits'" “Attitude”. The classic "Hair of the Dog" by "Nazareth" gets a great cover here with a mesmerizing talk-box solo by Slash and a tribute to "The Beatles" at the end. In "Buick Mackane (Big Dumb Sex)" Slash takes a rare turn on co-lead vocals in a mashup of "T. Rex" and "Soundgarden". The album closes with a controversial hidden track: a cover of “Look at Your Game, Girl” by Charles Manson. While it was kept secret from advance reviewers, its inclusion sparked significant backlash and controversy.
The production by Mike Clink and the band leans heavily into a garage-band aesthetic, stripping away the grandiosity of "Use Your Illusion" in favor of a raw, unpolished sound. This approach suits the punk tracks but feels uneven when paired with glam or doo-wop elements.
"The Spaghetti Incident?" debuted to mixed reviews. Fans and critics were divided, with some appreciating the band’s willingness to explore their influences, while others dismissed the album as an unnecessary side project especially when they expected another masterpiece like "Appetite for Destruction" and "Use Your Illusion".
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music
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