Leslie West: Still Climbing (digipack) [CD]

Originality, excitement, honesty and survival are all part of what makes a legend, and those qualities ripple through every song on West's upcoming release. The disc is also a testimonial to the strength and durability of West's artistry. Still Climbing is co-produced by West and Mike "Metal" Goldberg, who engineered all of the sessions. Songs like "Dyin' Since The Day I Was Born", "Hatfield or McCoy," and "Busted, Disgusted or Dead" establish a new litmus test for "heavy". The latter features West and Winter on dueling slide guitars. West also gave up smoking cigarettes and pot after a bout with bladder cancer, so it's no wonder many of Still Climbing's numbers explore the theme of survival and, ultimately, triumph. Still Climbing features guest appearances by Jonny Lang, Johnny Winter, Twisted Sister's Dee Snider and Alter Bridge / Creed's Mark Tremonti.