Slash - Orgy of the Damned

Rock

​

Review by: Matthew Isaacs

​

Just having finished his touring commitments to his brilliant 4th album with myles Kennedy and his conspirators, he turns his attention to a blues cd exploring the more rootsy styles of his playing . Ironically not all of the tracks selections are rooted in blues ....

Take the opening song ‘the pusher ‘ written by the late Hoyt Axton , known for country songs. Here, it’s turned into a full slow blues workout featuring the stiring vocals of Chris Robinson from the black crowes .

For the next few songs it’s down to familiar territory .’Crossroads’with Gary Clark jnr echoes creams tempo of the Robert Johnson standard, but has this wonderful dreamy mid section where slash and Gary trade beautiful slide tingling solos....

The same applies to ‘the hoochie coochie man‘ . Billy gibbons add his traditional growl . The much mooted cover of ‘oh well’with Chris Stapleton I absolutely love . The closing end section is immense .

Iggy pop offers distinctive  vocals on ‘awful dreams’. The same can be same for Paul Rodgers on ‘born under a bad sign’ . These are such iconic voices

However the biggest surprise is the astonishing version of ‘papa was a rolling stone’. Being a huge Motown fan , I was sceptical of this . My god Demi Levato absolutely slays this. My favourite vocal on this cd at the moment..

It’s so nice to hear Brian Johnson outside the confines of AC/DC on the first single ‘killing floor’ displaying blues roots . Another highlight for me is a second trip to Motown for a scorching reading of stevie wonder’s ‘living for the city’ . The guitar solo on this is absolutely phenomenal and London souls front man Tash Neal  excels and adds emotional and relevant sincerity.

Beth Hart smokes and nails this version of ‘stormy Monday’. This alongside papa is a rolling stone is my favourite of the album currently....

The closing instrumental metal chestnut brings back more of slash’s guns and roses esque guitar work and it’s a fitting summation of this stunning cd.

Whilst guns n roses sabbatical continues and myles Kennedy and duff McMahon undertakes their respective solo tours , a sequel would be extremely welcome. This is a wonderful album...