Considered to be one of 1998's more eagerly awaited releases, ex-Stone Temple Pilot Scott Weiland's solo debut--12 Bar Blues--finds the troubled troubadour in rare form. After his much-chronicled drug and behavior problems, Weiland has emerged from Rehab a divinely inspired minstrel on a mission.

Divine is an understatement, something has poked a hole in Mr. Weiland's imagination and it has leaked all over this record. 12 Bar Blues is a definite departure from his STP days, (bearing more in common with experimental Bowie and Beatles), it takes the listener on a trip laced with strange and eclectic sounds that can alienate and just as quickly drop you through trapdoors into comfortable familiarity.

The record has a jaunty gloom that grows more and more intriguing with each successive listen. It's at once melancholy and hopeful, and is certainly more challenging and capable than his past efforts would have led us to expect. It's weakest points are the faster, heavier songs, but even the worst of these are interesting.

Highlights include the first single, "Barbarella," "Lazy Divey," and "Where's The Man." This album should attract new listeners, as well as old Pilot fans. It's obvious that Weiland is out to prove something with this record--as if he wanted there to be no mistaking Who's The Man.