"The Spaghetti Incident?"

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Guns n' Roses%3B Spaghetti Incident? cover

The Spaghetti Incident? is the fifth studio album by American hard rock band Guns N' Roses. Released on November 23, 1993, by Geffen Records, it is a cover album comprising songs by punk and glam rock artists from the 1970s and 1980s. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the album received a positive reception from fans and has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Background

After the simultaneous release of Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II in 1991, Guns N' Roses embarked on the extensive Use Your Illusion Tour. During this period, the band decided to record an album of cover songs. According to lead vocalist Axl Rose, the idea behind The Spaghetti Incident? was to pay tribute to the music that had influenced the members of Guns N' Roses in their early years.

Recording

The recording sessions for The Spaghetti Incident? took place in various studios, including A&M Studios and Record Plant Studios. The album's production was handled by Mike Clink, who had previously worked with the band on their most successful albums. The recording process was marked by the band's typical turmoil, including lineup changes and disputes among members.

Music and Lyrics

The Spaghetti Incident? features a diverse range of songs, from punk classics like "Raw Power" by The Stooges to more obscure tracks such as "Ain't It Fun" by The Dead Boys. The album showcases the band's versatility, with members taking on different roles; for example, bassist Duff McKagan sings lead vocals on several tracks. The album's title is a reference to a food fight involving spaghetti between Axl Rose and drummer Steven Adler, which was cited in Adler's lawsuit against the band.

Reception

Upon its release, The Spaghetti Incident? received mixed reviews from music critics. Some praised the band's raw energy and faithful renditions of the cover songs, while others criticized it as uninspired. Despite the mixed critical reception, the album was a commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over a million copies in the United States.

Track Listing

The album consists of 13 tracks, including a hidden track of Charles Manson's song "Look at Your Game, Girl," which caused controversy upon its discovery. The inclusion of the Manson track was criticized by the public and the media, leading to discussions about the band's decision to cover a song by the notorious criminal.

Legacy

Over the years, The Spaghetti Incident? has gained a cult following among Guns N' Roses fans. It is often regarded as an underrated album in the band's discography, with its raw punk energy standing in contrast to the polished rock sound of the Use Your Illusion albums. The album represents a unique chapter in the history of Guns N' Roses, showcasing their influences and paying homage to the music that shaped them.