Ain't It A Bitch

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is cranking up the vibes with "Ain't It A Bitch" by Izzy Stradlin from his 1998 album 117 Degrees. This track is a gritty, bluesy banger that sets the tone for the album with its raw energy and catchy riffs. According to fans on platforms like MyGNRForum, this song could’ve easily fit on a Guns N’ Roses record, with its high-octane, Stones-inspired swagger. Reviewers on Rate Your Music praise its laid-back yet punchy vibe, noting Stradlin’s smoky, raspy vocals as a highlight. It’s the kind of song that feels like a late-night drive through the heart of rock ‘n’ roll, with Stradlin’s no-nonsense approach shining through. He once said about his songwriting, “It’s just about situations I’ve been in over the past few years. That’s always how I approach songwriting—no big statement, just telling it like it is,” which perfectly captures the unpretentious spirit of this track.

Another cool tidbit about "Ain’t It A Bitch" comes from its production. The song features Stradlin’s former Guns N’ Roses bandmate Duff McKagan on bass and Rick Richards from The Georgia Satellites on guitar, giving it that extra layer of rock pedigree. As noted on Discogs, Stradlin produced and co-mixed the track himself, sticking to his philosophy: “If it sounds good, don’t screw with it.” Fans on Amazon reviews call it a standout, with one describing it as “a glorious statement” that resets your rock ‘n’ roll soul. The song’s raw, unpolished charm makes it a favorite for those who dig Stradlin’s blend of punk, blues, and rockabilly, and it’s no surprise the Zoo Crew picked it to get you Freaks movin’!

Now, let’s dive into how Izzy Stradlin got his start. Born Jeffrey Dean Isbell on April 8, 1962, in Lafayette, Indiana, Stradlin grew up in a small town with a courthouse, a college, and not much else to do. His parents divorced when he was eight, and his mother moved him and his brothers to Lafayette, where he found trouble and music in equal measure. Inspired by his grandmother, a drummer in a jazz band, Izzy started as a drummer himself, banging away in school bands. In high school, he formed a band with a wild kid named William Bruce Bailey—better known now as Axl Rose. They played covers for fun, but it planted the seed for what would become Guns N’ Roses. After graduating with a D average, Stradlin headed to Los Angeles in the early ‘80s, chasing better weather and a music career. He bounced between punk bands like Naughty Women (as a drummer) and The Atoms (as a bassist) before picking up the guitar in 1983 to write songs, reasoning, “Songwriters make more money than drummers.”

In L.A., Stradlin reunited with Axl, and they laid the foundation for Guns N’ Roses, blending punk attitude with Rolling Stones-style rock. As the rhythm guitarist and a key songwriter, he co-wrote hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Don’t Cry,” shaping the band’s iconic sound. But by 1991, fed up with the chaos of fame, Axl’s diva antics, and the band’s drug-fueled lifestyle, Stradlin walked away at the peak of their success. He returned to Lafayette, formed Izzy Stradlin and the Ju Ju Hounds, and released their debut in 1992, which Rolling Stone called a “ragged, blues-drenched” gem. His solo career, including 117 Degrees, kept that raw, unpretentious vibe, reflecting his love for simple, honest rock ‘n’ roll.

While Stradlin keeps a low profile, you can check out his official presence at Apple Music for his discography, though he doesn’t have a dedicated official website. His social media is elusive, but he’s been known to share snippets on X, like previews of singles in 2016. For Instagram, there’s no verified account, but fan activity thrives on #izzystradlin. On Facebook, you’ll find fan groups like Izzy Stradlin Fans, where Zoo Freaks can connect with others who dig his vibe. Fan sites like Izzy Stradlin Unofficial and MyGNRForum are great spots for trivia, updates, and community love for the man who brought us “Ain’t It A Bitch.” Keep rockin’, Freaks!