Slither (song)

Last updated

"Slither"
Slither.jpg
Single by Velvet Revolver
from the album Contraband
ReleasedMay 24, 2004
RecordedAugust–December 2003 at NRG and Pulse Recording, Los Angeles, California
Genre
Length4:08
Label RCA
Songwriter(s) Velvet Revolver
Producer(s) Josh Abraham
Velvet Revolver singles chronology
"Set Me Free"
(2003)
"Slither"
(2004)
"Fall to Pieces"
(2004)
Audio sample

"Slither" is a song by American hard rock band Velvet Revolver, featured on their 2004 debut album Contraband . When it was released as the second single from the album in 2004, "Slither" topped both the American Billboard Mainstream Rock and Modern Rock charts, as well as reaching number 56 on the main Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 35 on the UK Singles Chart. [2] The song won the 2005 Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance.

Contents

Composition

Scott Weiland said, "The lyrics are about a relationship. 'When you look you see right through me, cut the rope, fell to my knees, born and broken every single time.' It's just feeling not right in a situation." [3]

Music video

The video, directed by Kevin Kerslake, was filmed in Prague, Czech Republic and Los Angeles. It starts with the band members playing their instruments inside a tunnel while a woman is driving a car seeking for the way to get to that tunnel. As the song continues, people become much more aggressive and the underground concert reaches a peak as band members play hard. Often in the video, Scott Weiland is seen standing before a wall made of human skulls.

Success and awards

It was awarded a Grammy in 2005 for Best Hard Rock Performance, an award Weiland had won with his previous band, Stone Temple Pilots, for the song "Plush" in 1994. In 2009, the song was named the 85th best hard rock song of all time by VH1. [4]

Track listings

European two-track edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Slither"4:08
2."Negative Creep" (Nirvana cover) Kurt Cobain 4:17
European three-track edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Slither"
  • Weiland
  • Slash
  • McKagan
  • Sorum
  • Kushner
4:08
2."Bodies" (live Sex Pistols cover)3:19
3."Negative Creep" (Nirvana cover)Cobain4:17
United Kingdom double CD edition (disc one)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Slither"
  • Weiland
  • Slash
  • McKagan
  • Sorum
  • Kushner
4:08
2."Bodies" (live Sex Pistols cover)
  • Lydon
  • Jones
  • Cook
3:19
3."Negative Creep" (Nirvana cover)Cobain4:17
United Kingdom double CD edition (disc two)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Slither"
  • Weiland
  • Slash
  • McKagan
  • Sorum
  • Kushner
4:08
2."Money" (Pink Floyd cover)7:38
3."Set Me Free" (live)
  • Weiland
  • Slash
  • McKagan
  • Sorum
  • Kushner
7:11
United Kingdom 12" picture disc (side A)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Slither"
  • Weiland
  • Slash
  • McKagan
  • Sorum
  • Kushner
4:08
United Kingdom 12" picture disc (side B)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Set Me Free"
  • Weiland
  • Slash
  • McKagan
  • Sorum
  • Kushner
4:07

Personnel

Chart performance

The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and stayed there for nine weeks. It also became their sole No. 1 hit on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, maintaining the position for four weeks. "Slither" also charted at No. 56 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Velvet Revolver's highest-charting song and one of the highest-charting songs that Scott Weiland has appeared on.

Chart (2004)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [5] 26
Canada Rock Top 30 (Radio & Records) [6] 1
Ireland (IRMA) [7] 47
Italy (FIMI) [8] 38
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [9] 46
Norway (VG-lista) [10] 12
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) [11] 17
France (SNEP) [12] 81
Scotland (OCC) [13] 34
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) [14] 58
UK Singles (OCC) [15] 35
UK Rock & Metal (OCC) [16] 1
US Billboard Hot 100 [17] 56
US Alternative Airplay ( Billboard ) [18] 1
US Mainstream Rock ( Billboard ) [19] 1

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [20] Silver200,000
United States (RIAA) [21] Gold500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stone Temple Pilots</span> American rock band

Stone Temple Pilots is an American rock band formed in San Diego, California in 1989. Originally consisting of Scott Weiland, brothers Dean (guitar) and Robert DeLeo, and Eric Kretz (drums), the band's lineup remained unchanged from its formation until the firing of Weiland in February 2013. Vocalist Chester Bennington joined the band in May 2013 but left amicably in November 2015. In 2016, the band launched an online audition for a new lead vocalist; they announced Jeff Gutt as the new lead singer on November 14, 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heart (band)</span> American rock band

Heart is an American rock band formed in 1973 in Seattle, Washington. The band evolved from previous projects led by founding members Roger Fisher (guitar) and Steve Fossen, including The Army (1967–1969), Hocus Pocus (1969–1970), and White Heart (1970–1973). By 1975, original members Fisher, Fossen, and Ann Wilson, along with Nancy Wilson, Michael Derosier (drums), and Howard Leese formed the lineup for the band's initial mid- to late-1970s success period. These core members were included in the band's 2013 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

<i>Shangri-La Dee Da</i> 2001 studio album by Stone Temple Pilots

Shangri-La Dee Da is the fifth studio album by American rock band Stone Temple Pilots. It was released on June 19, 2001, through Atlantic Records. Recording took place throughout the winter and spring of 2001 in a Malibu villa. It was the band's fifth and final album to be produced by Brendan O'Brien and their last before breaking up in 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Weiland</span> American singer (1967–2015)

Scott Richard Weiland was an American singer and songwriter. He was best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Stone Temple Pilots from 1989 to 2003 and again from 2008 to 2013, recording six albums with them, and as the lead vocalist of the rock supergroup Velvet Revolver from 2003 to 2008. He also released one album with rock supergroup Art of Anarchy in 2015, as well as four solo studio albums and several collaborations with other musicians throughout his career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Velvet Revolver</span> American hard rock supergroup

Velvet Revolver was an American hard rock supergroup consisting of Guns N' Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum, alongside Dave Kushner formerly of punk band Wasted Youth, and Scott Weiland formerly of Stone Temple Pilots. The band formed in 2002 and was active until 2008, when Weiland left the band abruptly to rejoin Stone Temple Pilots.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hoobastank</span> American rock band

Hoobastank is an American rock band formed in 1994 in Agoura Hills, California, by lead vocalist Doug Robb, guitarist Dan Estrin, drummer Chris Hesse, and original bassist Markku Lappalainen. They were signed to Island Records from 2001 to 2012 and have released six albums and one extended play to date. Their most recent album, Push Pull, was released in May 2018. They have sold 10 million albums worldwide. The band is best known for their hit single "The Reason".

<i>Contraband</i> (Velvet Revolver album) 2004 studio album by Velvet Revolver

Contraband is the debut studio album by American hard rock band Velvet Revolver, released on June 8, 2004, by RCA Records. A commercial success, Contraband debuted at number one on the American Billboard 200 chart and was certified double platinum by the RIAA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Come On, Come In</span> 2005 single by Velvet Revolver

"Come On, Come In" is a song by American hard rock band Velvet Revolver," featured on the soundtrack to the 2005 superhero film Fantastic Four. When released as a promotional single in the United States on June 21, 2005, the song reached number 14 on the American Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The lyrics were written by vocalist Scott Weiland and the music was written by Weiland and the rest of the band; the song was produced by the band, Douglas Grean and Nick Raskulinecz. The music video for "Come On, Come In" was directed by Wayne Isham and is featured as an extra in the Fantastic Four DVD.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">With Arms Wide Open</span> 2000 single by Creed

"With Arms Wide Open" is a song by American rock band Creed. It was released on April 18, 2000, as the third single from their second studio album, Human Clay. The song reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in November 2000, becoming the band's first and only song to top the chart. The song also received honors at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2001, being nominated for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, as well as Scott Stapp and Mark Tremonti winning the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.

<i>Libertad</i> (Velvet Revolver album) 2007 studio album by Velvet Revolver

Libertad is the second and final studio album by American hard rock band Velvet Revolver, released on July 3, 2007. The name is Spanish and translates to "Liberty" or "freedom" in English. According to a 2007 interview with Rolling Stone, along with the Stone Temple Pilots albums Core and the self-titled 2010 album, Libertad is one of only three albums lead singer Scott Weiland wrote while sober.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angry Chair</span> 1992 single by Alice in Chains

"Angry Chair" is a song by the American rock band Alice in Chains. It was the third single from their album Dirt (1992). It is the eleventh song on most copies of the album and twelfth or tenth song on others. The song was included on the compilation albums Nothing Safe: Best of the Box (1999), Music Bank (1999), Greatest Hits (2001), and The Essential Alice in Chains (2006).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Interstate Love Song</span> 1994 single by Stone Temple Pilots

"Interstate Love Song" is a single by American rock band Stone Temple Pilots. Released in September 1994, the song is from the band's second studio album, Purple. Considered one of the band's biggest hits, "Interstate Love Song" reached number one on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart on September 17, 1994, replacing the band's previous single "Vasoline". The song stayed at number one for 15 weeks, a record at the time, and gave the Stone Temple Pilots 17 consecutive weeks at number one with both songs. It also peaked at number two on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and in Iceland as well as number 20 in Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Sacrifice</span> 2001 single by Creed

"My Sacrifice" is a song by American rock band Creed. It was released on October 16, 2001, as the lead single from their third studio album, Weathered. The song peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week of February 9, 2002, and reached number one on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for nine consecutive weeks, beginning in December 2001. Worldwide, the song was a top-20 hit in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 2003 at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Headlight</span> 1997 single by the Wallflowers

"One Headlight" is a song by American rock band the Wallflowers. The song was written by lead singer Jakob Dylan, and produced by T Bone Burnett. It was released in January 1997 as the second single from the band's second studio album, Bringing Down the Horse (1996).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fall to Pieces (Velvet Revolver song)</span> 2004 single by Velvet Revolver

"Fall to Pieces" is a power ballad written and performed by Velvet Revolver that appears on their debut album Contraband in 2004. It was the band's third single, and reached #67 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Mainstream Rock chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">She Builds Quick Machines</span> 2007 single by Velvet Revolver

"She Builds Quick Machines" is a rock song by Velvet Revolver, and was released as the first single from the album Libertad on May 21, 2007. The song was made available for digital download on May 16, 2007. Besides being featured on Libertad, "She Builds Quick Machines" was also featured on the EP Melody and the Tyranny. The music video premiered on Fuse TV's The Sauce on May 23. The song was also featured in the video game NASCAR 08.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dirty Little Thing</span> 2004 single by Velvet Revolver

"Dirty Little Thing" is a hard rock song by the supergroup Velvet Revolver, released as the fourth and final single off the band's debut album Contraband. The song was a top-ten hit on rock radio, although it did not repeat the number one success achieved by their previous two singles, "Slither" and "Fall to Pieces".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Last Fight (Velvet Revolver song)</span> 2007 single by Velvet Revolver

"The Last Fight" is a power ballad by American supergroup Velvet Revolver, and appears on the band's second album, Libertad. The song was released on August 20 as the second single off the album, after "She Builds Quick Machines." The band began promoting the single on K Rock radio in New York City, with an exclusive acoustic performance, and then live on the Late Show with David Letterman on August 22. This song was #62 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Velvet Revolver discography</span>

The discography of Velvet Revolver, an American hard rock band, consists of two studio albums, one extended play (EP), 11 singles, two video albums and eight music videos. Velvet Revolver was a supergroup formed in Rancho Santa Margarita, California in 2002 by former Guns N' Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan (bass) and Matt Sorum (drums), along with rhythm guitarist Dave Kushner and late vocalist Scott Weiland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slash discography</span>

The solo discography of Slash, an American-English hard rock and heavy metal guitarist, comprises five studio albums, three live albums, two extended play (EP), 10 singles, and two video album. Slash has also featured on 12 singles by other artists, released ten music videos, and made contributions to numerous other releases.

References

  1. "Ranking: Every Alternative Rock No. 1 Hit from Worst to Best". Consequence of Sound . July 5, 2017. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
  2. Official Charts Company info OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved June 2, 2009.
  3. Prato, Greg (October 10, 2014). "Scott Weiland: Songwriter Interviews". Songfacts. Retrieved January 31, 2018.
  4. Stosuy, Brandon (January 5, 2009). "VH1's 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs". Stereogum . Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  5. "Velvet Revolver – Slither". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  6. "October 8, 2004 - RR Canada Rock Top 30" (PDF). Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  7. "Chart Track: Week 29, 2004". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  8. "Velvet Revolver – Slither". Top Digital Download. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  9. "Velvet Revolver – Slither" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  10. "Velvet Revolver – Slither". VG-lista. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  11. "Velvet Revolver: Slither" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  12. "Velvet Revolver – Slither" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  13. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  14. "Velvet Revolver – Slither". Singles Top 100. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  15. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  16. "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  17. "Velvet Revolver Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  18. "Velvet Revolver Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  19. "Velvet Revolver Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  20. "British single certifications – Velvet Revolver – Slither". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  21. "American single certifications – Velvet Revolver – Slither". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved November 22, 2022.