Slash self-titled Like so many rock virtuosos before, GNR axe-slinger Slash has gone on his own, but this time with an all-star supporting cast that features a different vocalist on each track. Where Slash’s Snakepit was clearly a cash-in on the GNR image, and well, let’s face it, this is, too, on the new album it’s much better particularly because of the time and effort put into this. The songs are simply better. The singers obviously are, too. And there’s a real surprise or two to be had. Among his guest crooners that lend their talents to serious standout tracks are The Cult’s Ian Astbury, Ozzy (even though that was a stock choice for something of this nature), Lemmy (see the Ozzy reference), Kid Rock and even f*ckin’ Adam Levine of Maroon Suck. Somehow it all works, at least mostly. Iggy Pop’s track “We’re All Gonna Die” is particularly terrible but that’s thanks to the horrid lyrics. But what are you gonna do? Tell Iggy he can’t say “Gee I really like your tits, I’ll say anything that fits … We’re all gonna die, so let’s get high … so let’s be nice … pee on the ground and jump around.” (WTF!?) At least the music is good on that tune anyways. What’s crazy about this record, and ultimately the most surprising, is the vocalists who you wouldn’t expect jack s*it out of are amazing. Fergie sings the album’s best track, “Beautiful Danger.” Myles Kennedy of god damned Alter Bridge is killer on “Back from Cali.” Even Levine sings a song that’s moving. He ain’t gargling razorblades like Lemmy, mind you, but his track is a thought-out, inspiring ballad. A lot of musicians have done the different vocalist every song thing (see Dave Grohl, who also appears on the record), but I don’t think any that have done it quite this well. Take your hat off Slash, and take a bow. 7.5/10 – B.J. Lisko