Puddle of Mudd, ‘Re:(disc)overed’ – Album Review

It's been 10 years since Puddle of Mudd released their breakthrough album, 'Come Clean,' and at the time, the band clearly showed its grunge influences. Now, Puddle of Mudd are taking their sound a little further back by paying tribute to acts like the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin.

Frontman Wes Scantlin and company’s latest release, an album of cover songs from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s titled ‘Re:(disc)overed,’ shows that it's apparent the guys have a reverence for the early days of rock and the skills to master the classics.

On ‘Re:(disc)overed,’ Scantlin, guitarist Paul Phillips and bass player Doug Ardito deliver 11 tracks, delving into the raw waters of everyone from AC/DC to Elton John to Led Zeppelin. The band purposely laid down each track in few takes to emulate the live feel of recordings from the past.

In keeping with the spirit of the songs, Puddle of Mudd stay true to the originals instead of trying to modernize tracks that, really, need no adjustments. It’s a throwback album recorded on modern gear, played by guys who are obviously passionate about preserving the feel and spirit of the masterpieces.

Mudd's interpretation of the Stones' 'Gimme Shelter,' the album’s first single, is a shining example. The track maintains the feel of authenticity, with Scantlin’s dirty vocals and soulful female backup singing that does a great job of emulating Merry Clayton’s crooning from the original song. The guys also work in a bit of youthful hard rock edge -- just a touch -- to make the track fit on modern rock airwaves.

AC/DC’s ‘T.N.T.’ is another standout, as Mudd’s heavy style fits flawlessly with the vibe of the Aussie heavyweights. The track is loud and wild, and the guys sound in their element, having a blast and rocking out like a band getting together for the first time to jam to some favorite tunes.

Ambitious, uplifting and nostalgic are good descriptors for the collection. Quite charmingly, the guys sound like they’re simply having fun, playing music for themselves and channeling the sounds of a past generation. With ‘Re:(disc)overed,’ Puddle of Mudd prove their scope goes far beyond grunge-rock nuggets, and the release will certainly earn them street cred among their rock peers.

Puddle of Mudd, 'Re:(disc)overed' - Track Listing (with original artist):

1. 'Gimme Shelter' (Rolling Stones)
2. 'Old Man' (Neil Young)
3. 'T.N.T.' (AC/DC)
4. 'Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around' (Tom Petty & Stevie Nicks)
5. 'The Joker' (Steve Miller Band)
6. 'Everybody Wants You' (Billy Squier)
7. 'Rocket Man' (Elton John)
8. 'All Right Now' (Free)
9. 'Shooting Star' (Bad Company)
10. 'D’yer Mak’er' (Led Zeppelin)
11. 'Funk #49' (James Gang)