This Ain’t No Chinese Democracy

Slash, the former Guns and Roses guitarist whose ‘70s playing style was a driving force behind the band’s mega success, has released his first solo album “Slash.” This self-titled effort, on the heels of his more recent work with Velvet Revolver and Snakepit, allows him to shine in a collaborative project alongside classic rock icons, amazing new talent and demonstrate his songwriting talent, while electrifying with his technically proficient and soulful guitar work. In light of the disappointing “Chinese Democracy” by Axl Rose’s pseudo Guns and Roses, Slash (Saul Hudson) shows why he was the “guts” of his former band with a CD that traverses a wide range of musical styles and showcases one of rock and roll’s true guitar gods.

The CD gets off to a rousing start with “Ghost,” sung by Ian Astbury of the Cult [Izzy Stradlin, former Guns and Roses member plays rhythm guitar on the track as well]. Its hypnotic opening guitar refrain and Astbury’s distinctive vocals make this one of the tracks that sticks after first listening. The guitar solo is vintage Slash (he has never sounded better) and the lyrics are evocative and gothic (“Wipe the blood from your halo open wound that you hide your shadow’s pride”). This rocking effort shows that Slash’s songwriting and guitar work need to be complemented by a solid vocalist, which he had with Guns and Roses and Velvet Revolver in Axl Rose and Scott Weiland respectively. Astbury, who served as Jim Morrison’s “replacement” in a more recent version of the Doors and whose Cult album “Electric” is a classic, is in perfect form.

Crucify the Dead- This song serves as a perfect vehicle for Ozzy Osbourne and its morbid imagery is a metaphor for a love affair gone wrong. Osbourne’s voice is better than it’s been in recent times and Slash’s melodic guitar tone and shredding solo complement the somber atmosphere of the track. The combination of Slash and the “Prince of Darkness” is priceless and musically significant.

Beautiful Dangerous- Slash’s recruiting of Fergie to sing on this sexually charged song is a great choice. All her past work aside, this woman can rock with the best of them. Her singing goes from competent to dynamic as the song progresses and lyrics like, “I hear the thunder thumping and my heart goes pumping and that’s when I spin on the pole” fit the carnal nature of this winner. Slash’s searing solo with Fergie’s impassioned moans in the background is exhilarating. After listening, you’ll think Fergie should quit her “day job” and tour with Slash.

Back from Cali-Slash’s collaboration with Myles Kennedy (lead guitarist and singer for Alter Bridge) is an ode to Los Angeles (“the angel city where the devils play”) and unrequited love (“she left me here for dead”). Kennedy’s vocals are melodic and aggressive and he possesses great range. The song is driven by a catchy riff and hits pay dirt with a phenomenal chorus that features Kennedy’s vocals double-tracked and “killer” guitar work by Slash.

Promise-Chris Cornell, vocalist for Soundgarden delivers a top-notch vocal performance on a melodic track that asks a lover to promise that she won’t let him “put out the fire.” The song is rock-pop perfection with catchy guitar hooks and a beautifully constructed guitar solo by Slash, who can be tasteful as well as rocking when he needs to be.

By the Sword- A wonderfully designed track that starts with an acoustic guitar and Andrew Stockdale’s (Wolfmother) impassioned vocal plea (with a great muffled effect), before morphing into a Led Zeppelin influenced tour-de-force. Stockdale surpasses anything he’s done with his band (which was unfairly compared to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin) on this track. His soaring vocal styling and Slash’s rock solid rhythm and riff laden lead guitar work make this a song that will be sure to be a live favorite.

Gotten- What more can I say. Adam Levine’s (Maroon 5) one of a kind vocals give a wonderful change of pace to the CD with his work on this ballad that showcases his great range and Slash’s impressive guitar fills. In addition Slash’s lyric writing has reached new heights with a love song that isn’t sappy, but still tugs at the heart. Lines like, “Look so different than before, you’re still the person I adore,” speak volumes.

Doctor Alibi- is an in your face rocker that features Lemmy (Motorhead) also known as Ian Fraser Kilmeister, in his element. The song chronicles a doctor’s visit in which the physician warns our protagonist that he has bad habits that might kill him. Lemmy exclaims ““Doctor, doctor, I ain’t gonna die, just write me an alibi.” His voice, sounding like he just gargled with razor blades is a perfect foil for Slash’s power chords and frenetic guitar work, though its one of the albums weaker tracks.

Watch This- Slash shines on the lone instrumental track on the album with his former Guns and Roses band mate bassist Duff McKagan (Velvet Revolver and Jane’s Addiction) and Dave Grohl (Nirvana and Foo Fighters) on drums. This song simply rocks from beginning to end with ominous chords and a memorable guitar melody line. The song has a wonderful tempo change with a solo that is evocative and shows what great feel he has for pathos and emotion in his playing. He takes this section of the song to another place with a “shredding” clinic for anyone who wants to play guitar in a rock and roll band.

I Hold On- Kid Rock shows why he is a rocker trapped in a rappers body with one of his best vocal performances ever. Crunchy chords introduce Kid Rock’s impassioned pleas. This opus rocks and rolls and tells a great story (“I feel your comfort in my dreams”). It is a modern classic. Slash is known as a guitar legend (his emotionally charged solo displays it in this song), but has always been a great songwriter.

Nothing to Say- M Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold), not a great vocalist, does an admirable job on a track that is only saved by Slash’s guitar brilliance. His breakneck solo is its only high point. This song is speed metal personified (not Slash’s forte’) and is a throwaway track.

Starlight-Myles Kennedy makes a second appearance on the CD with this country rock oriented song that has a beautiful intro by Slash. Kennedy’s vocals are tender when they have to be in the verses and strong and self-assured in the chorus. He displays great range and strong command of the material presented to him. Slash’s guitar “cries” with anguish in the lead break and it is perfectly suited for this song that contains heartfelt lyrics (“As the fallout of a world divided brings her tears and so much pain”).

Saint is a Sinner- Rocco Deluca’s, (California Indie band Rocco Deluca and the Burden) voice is too quivering and wimpy on this track that has a disjointed melody in the verse and a stronger chorus. Slash’s acoustic solo is wonderfully done on this song that shows the duality in all of us.One of the weaker tracks on the album.

We’re All Gonna Die- Recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Iggy Pop (The Stooges) rocks the house down with this scorcher that Slash must have written with him (“The Iguana”) in mind. Its four minutes and thirty seconds of rock and roll heaven from Pop’s howl at the beginning of the track to his informing us, “We’re all gonna die, so let’s get high” later in the song.As on all the songs on the album, once again Slash shows why he is universally hailed as guitar virtuoso. Pop, the sixty-three year old Michigan native whose real name is James Newell Osterberg Jr., lets it all hang out on a track that is a great way to end the CD.

Overall, Slash’s maiden solo effort is a CD that blazes new trails while maintaining a classic rock feel. The combination of grizzled music veterans (Pop, Osbourne and Astbury) and talented newcomers (Fergie, Levine and Stockdale) make this a must listen. Axl, move over. Slash is back and he’s served notice. His CD is a sign that rock and roll is alive in 2010.