New Whitesnake review

[Gainfreak]

I don't know if it's the mix for me so much as it is the songwriting. The songs are very derivative of the 1987 s/t album or Slip of the Tongue. It seemed like a nostalgia cd, or something.

Im thinking that Doug sat down and listened to all of the older Whitesnake records and picked apart a vibe from them and then started writing the record with David. You can definitely tell what the influence was on almost every tune on that disc hence the constent sykeslike vrooooom slides on just about every other track lol!

 

[Gainfreak]

I felt the same...think it was just too much filler song wise...a few great songs and a ton of stuff I got bored listening to... lyrically and musically..which is a shame because I really enjoy the guitar work/tones.

Kind of felt the same. Guitar work awesome, some good tunes, but no knock out punch.

.....and I think they could have come up with a better name for the album.. "Good to be Bad", puhlease.

As an aside I think WS holds the world record for the total number of band members to belong at one point or another:

* David Coverdale - Vocals (1976 - 1982, 1982-1991, 1994, 1997, 1997-1998, 2002-present)
* Doug Aldrich - Guitar (2002-present)
* Reb Beach - Guitar (2002-present)
* Uriah Duffy - Bass (2005-present)
* Timothy Drury - Keyboards (2002-present)
* Chris Frazier - Drums (2007-present)
* Adrian Vandenberg – Guitar (1987-1991, 1994, 1997, 1997-1998)
* Steve Farris - Guitar (1997)
* Warren DeMartini - Guitar (1994)
* Steve Vai - Guitar (1989-1991)
* Vivian Campbell - Guitar (1987-1988)
* John Sykes - Guitar (1983-1987)
* Mel Galley - Guitar, backing vocals (1982-1984)
* Micky Moody - Guitar (1978-1982, 1982-1983)
* Bernie Marsden - Guitar (1978-1982)
* Marco Mendoza - Bass (2002-2005)
* Tony Franklin – Bass (1997)
* Guy Pratt – Bass (1997)
* Rudy Sarzo - Bass (1987-1991, 1994)
* Colin Hodgkinson - Bass (1982-1983)
* Neil Murray - Bass (1978-1982, 1983-1987)
* Tommy Aldridge - Drums (1987-1991, 2002-2007)
* Denny Carmassi - Drums (1987 (sessions), 1994, 1997)
* Aynsley Dunbar - Drums (1985-1987)
* Cozy Powell - Drums (1982-1985)
* Ian Paice - Drums (1979-1982)
* Dave Dowle - Drums (1978-1979)
* Brett Tuggle – Keyboards (1997)
* Paul Mirkovich - Keyboards (1994)
* Derek Hilland - Keyboards (1997)
* Don Airey - Keyboards (session musician, 1985-1987, 1988-1989)
* Bill Cuomo – Keyboards (session musician, 1987)
* Richard Bailey - Keyboards (off-stage touring musician, 1984-1985)
* Jon Lord - Keyboards (1978-1982, 1982-1984)
* Pete Solley - Keyboards (1978)
* Brian Johnston - Keyboards (1978)

What did Warren DeMartini ever do with Whitesnake? I assume it was touring and not recording?

Definitely touring.

 

[MrDan666]

What did Warren DeMartini ever do with Whitesnake? I assume it was touring and not recording?

He toured then got fired. Same story as just about every Whitesnake member

 

[zz666]

I think Burning Rain is the best stuff (guitar wise) Doug has ever done

I do love his tone on the Whitesnake DVD though

 

[Resonant Alien]

What did Warren DeMartini ever do with Whitesnake? I assume it was touring and not recording?

He toured then got fired. Same story as just about every Whitesnake member

Yeah, I think that was the time period between when Ratt w/Stephen Pearcy imploded, and when they started up again with the new singer (the guy from Love/Hate, wasn't it??)

Funny.....so many awesome guitarists in that list....you wonder how Coverdale manages to get them all on board (however briefly...)

 

[Chubtone]

Hey guys,
I've said it 100x before and I'll say it again. I had the benefit of watching Doug in the clubs of LA with Lion and Hurricane and even Bad Moon Rising. Unfortunately, IMHO Dougs best tone and playing took place back then. His live tone was just so, so, so sick back then. And his lead style was so much cooler back then too. He was heavy into Rhoads and classical guitar playing. Not Yngwie type neo classical but more Rhoads type classical flavored runs mixed with modal stuff AND blues scales. He easily had as much if not more technique back then. He was just the epitome of the guy who should have gotten the Ozzy gig instead of Zakk.

There were two schools of wicked guitar playing going on in Hollywood back then. There was the Racer X, ridiculous, over the top, terrifying technique stuff and most of the guitarists in the scene were big into that. Then there was Doug who had a way huger tone. So huge that the guitarists in the crowd used to just look at each other and freaking LAUGH in disbelief. Then we would climb over each other trying to catch glimpses of his rig when his roadies would tear it down. Dougs school was more the Rhoads, Lynch, Gary Moore and European type influence. Other guys that were in Dougs type of style were Joe Holmes (Terriff, Lizzy Borden, David Lee Roth, Ozzy) and Steve McKnight from Cry Wolf. More guys that you could see getting the big, big gig. A Dio gig, an Ozzy gig etc. Guys that had a world class and more "classy" style. Of these guys Doug was the freaking king. And everyone knew who he was.

So lets just say since Dougs solo albums I have been slightly disappointed with his style which changed to a much more pentatonic and blues scale based style and just a much less interesting note choice. That vibrato and killer bending style have always been there. I have also been disappointed with his tone which which while still killer is just not as mind boggling cool as it used to be.

Burning Rain was close and was good. The Dio stuff was close and was very good. The Whitesnake stuff just seems to be meh, so far. So yeah....... I'm one of the biggest Doug Aldrich freaks on the planet but I can't get around how much more I enjoyed his playing back then. I've seen him live at least 20 times mostly in clubs. One of my all time favorites but we're talking pre 1993.

 

[zz666]

Joe Holmes live tone was HUGE

 

[Chubtone]

Joe Holmes live tone was HUGE

Yes it was. One of the best tones I've ever heard. Early Doug tone was in THAT level of hugeness.

 

[MrDan666]

Yes it was. One of the best tones I've ever heard. Early Doug tone was in THAT level of hugeness.

I am so jealous its untrue.. i wish i could have been around to see Doug back in those days!!! His playing in Lion was by far my fav of all time. I 100% agree about the whole Rhoads, Moore, Lynch influence and the classically influenced licks mixed with bluesy and modal licks too

Do you have any old footage from those Lion days like bootlegs and stuff? I have various live footage of Doug with House Of Lords and with Hurricane, but nothing before that..

 

[Gainfreak]

Hey guys,
I've said it 100x before and I'll say it again. I had the benefit of watching Doug in the clubs of LA with Lion and Hurricane and even Bad Moon Rising. Unfortunately, IMHO Dougs best tone and playing took place back then. His live tone was just so, so, so sick back then. And his lead style was so much cooler back then too. He was heavy into Rhoads and classical guitar playing. Not Yngwie type neo classical but more Rhoads type classical flavored runs mixed with modal stuff AND blues scales. He easily had as much if not more technique back then. He was just the epitome of the guy who should have gotten the Ozzy gig instead of Zakk.

There were two schools of wicked guitar playing going on in Hollywood back then. There was the Racer X, ridiculous, over the top, terrifying technique stuff and most of the guitarists in the scene were big into that. Then there was Doug who had a way huger tone. So huge that the guitarists in the crowd used to just look at each other and freaking LAUGH in disbelief. Then we would climb over each other trying to catch glimpses of his rig when his roadies would tear it down. Dougs school was more the Rhoads, Lynch, Gary Moore and European type influence. Other guys that were in Dougs type of style were Joe Holmes (Terriff, Lizzy Borden, David Lee Roth, Ozzy) and Steve McKnight from Cry Wolf. More guys that you could see getting the big, big gig. A Dio gig, an Ozzy gig etc. Guys that had a world class and more "classy" style. Of these guys Doug was the freaking king. And everyone knew who he was.

So lets just say since Dougs solo albums I have been slightly disappointed with his style which changed to a much more pentatonic and blues scale based style and just a much less interesting note choice. That vibrato and killer bending style have always been there. I have also been disappointed with his tone which which while still killer is just not as mind boggling cool as it used to be.

Burning Rain was close and was good. The Dio stuff was close and was very good. The Whitesnake stuff just seems to be meh, so far. So yeah....... I'm one of the biggest Doug Aldrich freaks on the planet but I can't get around how much more I enjoyed his playing back then. I've seen him live at least 20 times mostly in clubs. One of my all time favorites but we're talking pre 1993.

Id have to agree with you 100%. I actually hate the tone on the new whitesnake album with a passion and I think his tone was massive on the live 80's 90's stuff that I have (thanks Dan!!)
With that said, I still love Dougs playing and always will but I liked some of the stuff he did years ago more. He definitely stepped out more.
My first introduction to Doug was when I heard the House of Lords Sahara Album. I quickly found out who the REAL guitar player was on that album and I tried to find out what other stuff I could get my hands on by him!!
The thing I hate about the burning rain stuff is the singer. Id love to her that older stuff with coverdale!!
As far as Dougs tone is concerned I think that he is getting so much gear thrown at him now that he is trying to make everyone happy by using different stuff. I think he needs to go back to what he used to have!!

 

[meanstreet]

I got that album also. I really like tracks 3 and 8, but haven't really fallen in love with anything else, but haven't really spun it enough to drill it in. I dug Doug's tone more on the live Whitesnake DVD than the album.

 

[MrDan666]

I think he needs to go back to what he used to have!!

Frank Levi modded Marshall Superleads with a PQ-3 infront and slaved!!

 

[Chubtone]

I think he needs to go back to what he used to have!!

Frank Levi modded Marshall Superleads with a PQ-3 infront and slaved!!

Actually...... the Frank Levi modded heads came later. At first they were just stock Master Volume late 70's JMP2203 with EL34's in them. There was no slaving back then either. We're talking PQ3 into an old Roland chorus echo tape delay split in stereo into two 100w MV JMPS. Duncan JB's in the bridge of most of the Jacksons, but the old strat head Charvel had a Bill Lawrence L-500 or XL-500 in it.

I remember hearing that Doug had "Just taken his heads into Frank Levi to be modded" and remembered thinking that Frank Levi must be incredible if Doug thought they were going to sound even better than they already did.

And to tell you the truth, as a long time stock 2203/2204 user with a Furman PQ3, I can't for the life of me figure out why he is using modded heads and PQ3's. The PQ3 into a stock 2203/2204 is just freaking sick. So much saturation it's incredible and that's if you don't crank the amp gain and don't totally crank the Furman input level. I like modded Marshalls on their own, and I like stock Marshalls with PQ3's. I can't stand mixing them.

Another thing that took place around the time Doug's style got "dumbed down" is that he switched from hot rodded San Dimas Charvels and Jacksons to 70's strats and Les Pauls. Like Joe Holmes did too.

 

[Chubtone]

Oh and yes I do have a bootleg. A Lion bootleg. It was recorded by my little dictation cassette recorded and we snuck it in in my friends girlfriends purse. It is from after the "Trouble In Angel City" album was released. In the almost 20 years I have never listened to the tape once because I wanted to dub it onto something pro. I recently burned it onto my computer and while it is not pro quality it is pretty darn good bootleg quality. I need to seperate the songs.

 

[MrDan666]

Actually...... the Frank Levi modded heads came later. At first they were just stock Master Volume late 70's JMP2203 with EL34's in them. There was no slaving back then either. We're talking PQ3 into an old Roland chorus echo tape delay split in stereo into two 100w MV JMPS. Duncan JB's in the bridge of most of the Jacksons, but the old strat head Charvel had a Bill Lawrence L-500 or XL-500 in it.

I remember hearing that Doug had "Just taken his heads into Frank Levi to be modded" and remembered thinking that Frank Levi must be incredible if Doug thought they were going to sound even better than they already did.

And to tell you the truth, as a long time stock 2203/2204 user with a Furman PQ3, I can't for the life of me figure out why he is using modded heads and PQ3's. The PQ3 into a stock 2203/2204 is just freaking sick. So much saturation it's incredible and that's if you don't crank the amp gain and don't totally crank the Furman input level. I like modded Marshalls on their own, and I like stock Marshalls with PQ3's. I can't stand mixing them.

Another thing that took place around the time Doug's style got "dumbed down" is that he switched from hot rodded San Dimas Charvels and Jacksons to 70's strats and Les Pauls. Like Joe Holmes did too.

Hey Curt!

I spoke with Doug about this a little while ago now and he explained how his rig was setup back then.. He said that 79 JMP 2203 wasn't modded (like you said), but his 71 Superlead was since the beginning. He said Frank worked on it pretty early on during Lion, and later on his other Marshalls got modded by Frank one by one. He also got his hands on a 50w Jose around that time..

He also said, like you just mentioned, about no slaving involved. There were 3 Marshalls (2 modded, 1 stock). He said he used an A/B box with the Furman PQ3 on one side of the box, and on the other was a DOD Bi-FET preamp pedal into an MXR 6Band EQ (the old blue one). Then the output of the A/B went to a splitter that fed into the roland tape echo into 2 of the amps, and then another tap from the splitter went direct to the input of the 3rd amp.

He said a little while later it all changed and he started using 2 heads and a poweramp for actual Slaving, with some delay's rather than Tape echo.. Im pretty sure also he mentioned later on there was a Rocktron Juice Extractor involved for the loading of the heads!

 

[Chubtone]

Oh wow! I completely forgot about the DOD and the 6 band. I have a pretty good memory and wasn't into drugs at all. If I was going to see a great band or guitarist I rarely even drank so I could soak it all in and remember it.

Now that you mention it I do remember seeing those pedals a couple of times. When did he switch between them? Did he use one side of the AB box for leads and the other for rhythms? His sounds, lead and rhythm sounded like the same tone. I don't remember any Super Leads. I thought they were all JMP's in Lion and the Super Leads happened around the Hurricane days. That was 20 years ago though and I haven't talked to Doug about his rig in 18 years or so.

 

[MrDan666]

Oh wow! I completely forgot about the DOD and the 6 band. I have a pretty good memory and wasn't into drugs at all. If I was going to see a great band or guitarist I rarely even drank so I could soak it all in and remember it.

Now that you mention it I do remember seeing those pedals a couple of times. When did he switch between them? Did he use one side of the AB box for leads and the other for rhythms? His sounds, lead and rhythm sounded like the same tone. I don't remember any Super Leads. I thought they were all JMP's in Lion and the Super Leads happened around the Hurricane days. That was 20 years ago though and I haven't talked to Doug about his rig in 18 years or so.

Hey you know, i can bet money the side which was 6band and the DOD was most likely for rhythms and i bet he hit the PQ-3 in more for the extra feel and saturation than anything else!! Who knows what they were for.. maybe he used whichever side sounded best on that night in each venue?

Well as far as i know he said there was 2 modded Marshalls; 1 JMP and 1 SuperLead (which are now both completely re-modded by Mark Cameron) and a stock 79 JMP (which in the early 90s was modded by John Suhr!).