Slash's solo disc is diverse with the help of some rockin' friends
Slash, Slash (EMI), www.slashonline.com
By Thom Copher
Slash may forever be on Axl Rose's blacklist, but with his self-titled (and
first true) "solo" album the Velvet Revolver/former-Guns n' Roses lead
guitarist parlays his rock and roll connections to deliver an eclectic mix of
guitar-fueled rock.
"Ghost" opens the set with Ian Astbury weaving his voice around an axe
arrangement which sounds reminiscent of The Cult's Electric-period. It sets
the stage for the album's fourteen tracks which sound purposely constructed
to fit the cornucopia of guest singers' varying styles.
There are plenty of high notes on Slash. The bluesy, Zep-like "Back From
Cali" features Myles Kennedy (Altar Bridge, who also appears on"Starlight")
cutting loose and giving us a hint of what he can truly do when removed from
Scott Stapp's shadow. "Doctor Alibi," while not exactly a Motorhead rip, is
By Thom Copher
Slash may forever be on Axl Rose's blacklist, but with his self-titled (and
first true) "solo" album the Velvet Revolver/former-Guns n' Roses lead
guitarist parlays his rock and roll connections to deliver an eclectic mix of
guitar-fueled rock.
"Ghost" opens the set with Ian Astbury weaving his voice around an axe
arrangement which sounds reminiscent of The Cult's Electric-period. It sets
the stage for the album's fourteen tracks which sound purposely constructed
to fit the cornucopia of guest singers' varying styles.
There are plenty of high notes on Slash. The bluesy, Zep-like "Back From
Cali" features Myles Kennedy (Altar Bridge, who also appears on"Starlight")
cutting loose and giving us a hint of what he can truly do when removed from
Scott Stapp's shadow. "Doctor Alibi," while not exactly a Motorhead rip, is
gritty and perfectly blends to the caterwauling of Lemmy
Kilmister. Kid Rock sounds similarly suited to the funky groove of
"I Hold On."
The album also boasts some outright gems. Fergie (Black Eyed
Peas) comes off as downright sultry on "Beautiful Dangerous" while
"We're All Gonna Die" finds Slash and Iggy Pop taking a stroll down
retro-lane with a punkishly-70s-sounding blast. The shining star
of the set comes courtesy of Andrew Stockdale (Wolfmother)
vocalizing over Slash's southern-fried licks on "By the Sword."
As is the case with many a solo effort when a star instrumentalist
is removed from an established stage, Slash may come off as a bit
Kilmister. Kid Rock sounds similarly suited to the funky groove of
"I Hold On."
The album also boasts some outright gems. Fergie (Black Eyed
Peas) comes off as downright sultry on "Beautiful Dangerous" while
"We're All Gonna Die" finds Slash and Iggy Pop taking a stroll down
retro-lane with a punkishly-70s-sounding blast. The shining star
of the set comes courtesy of Andrew Stockdale (Wolfmother)
vocalizing over Slash's southern-fried licks on "By the Sword."
As is the case with many a solo effort when a star instrumentalist
is removed from an established stage, Slash may come off as a bit
disjointed if you're expecting the predictable. However, it is an album which merits repeated listenings so that the variety of
hooks can take hold. That having been said, and given the obvious that Mr. Hudson has crafted an album which intentionally
allows him to flex his outside-the-Gn'R/Velvet Revolver-box prowess, Slash is interesting to say the least.
hooks can take hold. That having been said, and given the obvious that Mr. Hudson has crafted an album which intentionally
allows him to flex his outside-the-Gn'R/Velvet Revolver-box prowess, Slash is interesting to say the least.
(Lemmy and Slash perform "Doctor Alibi" with Dave Grohl on drums.)