Puddle of Mudd Wanted to Pay Tribute to Classic Rock on New Album

After four albums, platinum-plus sales, sold-out crowds and more than a dozen radio hits, you can't blame for Puddle of Mudd taking a moment and paying tribute to some of the artists that helped inform their brawny take on hard rock. 're:(disc)overed' is more than just the band's new album, it's a love letter to their record collection. "These are the songs that made me do what I do for a living," says Wes Scantlin. The Puddle of Mudd singer-guitarist is on the phone with Noisecreep discussing the new covers collection.

're:(disc)overed' features such classic rock radio staples as AC/DC's 'TNT,' Steve Miller's 'The Joker,' and the first single, the Rolling Stones' 'Gimme Shelter.' Unlike other projects like this, Puddle of Mudd doesn't take too much liberty with the original arrangements. "We add our feel to each track, but we didn't want to mess with the formulas. I'm not a fan of bands that rearrange a cover song to the point where you can't recognize it. If it isn't broken, don't bother trying to fix it," laughs Scantlin.

Produced by Bill Appleberry (Stone Temple Pilots), 're:(disc)overed' features a stunning duet courtesy of Scantlin and up-and-coming singer BC Jean. The duo tackles the Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks' standard, 'Stop Dragging My Heart Around.' Scantlin told Noisecreep he had a hard time concentrating during the recording of that track. "Have you seen her? She's gorgeous and her voice is amazing too. I think she's going to be a huge artist once people find out about her," confesses the frontman.

"I think 're:(disc)overed' is the kind of album that you can throw on and just rock out. Every song we cover on it is timeless. It's a great sing-along record [laughs]. I'm glad we finally got a chance to make it."

The band will perform 'Gimme Shelter' on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on October 7th.

Watch Puddle of Mudd rehearse 'Gimme Shelter'

Puddle of Mudd's 're:(disc)overed' is available now. Listen to the entire album at the AOL Listening Party.