just when i couldn't take much more of this CRAPPY nu-metal modern rock BS, velvet revolver comes to the rescue.  don't buy it just because of the G n' R thing, no the reason you should check it out is because it is actually hard rock with melody and actual use of scales.  that dreaded thing that has scared so many modern rock loosers like korn to death.  this album isn't hard because it's loud with overdrive.  no it's hard because the riffs are solid and slash is a guitar god that hasn't lost his J-Page rivaling lead abilities.  this is pretty much the only modern band i care to listen to.  so why would someone so happy about the band give a 4 and not 5?  the vocals.  i must stress i didn't think it would be like axl rose's voice but i wanted someone with powerful pipes, like in the old days.  though they probably didn't want to look like they were trying to replace axl, i just think that scott's voice doesn't hold up to the classic efforts of slash ( saul hudson is his real name so don't think i don't know what i'm talking about).  if you're troubled by this modern metal/rock crap and are trapped into reaching for those old classic records then this is the one to get.  P.S. also check out Slash's Snakepit