GILBY CLARKE 'Gilby Clarke' (Spitfire Records) RATING: 7/10 Buy now

By GREG MAKI

To the casual rock fan, Gilby Clarke probably is nothing more than the guitarist who replaced Izzy Stradlin in Guns N’ Roses for most of the massive world tour in support of the Use Your Illusion albums. After Axl drove his bandmates away one by one, Clarke maintained a lower profile until resurfacing last summer with Rock Star Supernova and their search for a lead singer on the TV show of the same name. The uneducated may have thought he was simply milking the GNR name and riding Tommy Lee’s coattails. A new self-titled compilation highlighting Clarke’s solo career, which began with 1994’s Pawnshop Guitars, should change that perception.

As Rock Star Supernova tours the country, it’s a shame that Clarke is playing to crowds that likely consist mostly of people who have never heard any of his solid solo catalog. He isn’t the best guitarist to ever pick up the instrument, but he’s good and there’s a great attitude to his playing that is a throwback to the ’70s. Just listen to the dark, dirty riffs of the first two tracks, “Cure Me … Or Kill Me” and “Tijuana Jail.” Keep in mind that they were originally released in 1994, the heyday of grunge and ’90s alt-rock. This wasn’t “cool” then and that’s precisely what should make Clarke appealing to those who appreciate good music over trendy acts whose names will quickly be forgotten.

This 14-song collection does an excellent job showcasing Clarke’s versatility. In addition to the ’70s-inspired rock that is his strong suit, you can hear him dabble in punk (“Punk Rock Pollution”), poppier, good-time rock (“It’s Good Enough for Rock N’ Roll”), even country and honky tonk (“Skin n’ Bones,” “Bourbon Street Blues,” “Can’t Get That Stuff”). As a singer, Clarke initially appears to have limited range, but his voice capably adapts to each style. The one new recording is a new take on “Black” from Pawnshop Guitars featuring vocals by Rock Star runner-up Dilana, the TV show’s biggest discovery. The songs also feature a host of guest musicians, including Clarke’s former GNR bandmates Slash, Matt Sorum and Dizzy Reed.

Clarke’s music won’t change your life, but this compilation shows there is a lot more to him as a musician and songwriter than most probably know.