Slash "Self- Titled"
Growing up as Saul Hudson and maturing to be the front man for one of the more edgy and outlandish rock bands in the late 80's and into the 90's, Slash has been talking up his all-star solo record since 2007. Now, it's finally here. Having worked with two of rock's most notorious vocalists in Guns N' Roses in and Velvet Revolver, the guitar icon recruited all the other singers imaginable for his self-titled bliss. His entourage of vocalists include aging legend, Iggy Pop, Kid Rock, Ozzy Osbourne, Chris Cornell, surprisingly, Fergie and more. -- Those lending a hand in other aspects of the album are members of the bands Maroon 5, Avenged Sevenfold, Alter Bridge, Wolfmother and former GNR cohorts Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin, and Steven Adler all contribute, too, as well as Flea and Travis Barker.
David Byrne & Fatboy Slim " Here Lies Love"
Strangely enough as the pairing is, this album is inspired by the Philippines' most famous first lady, Imelda Marcos, the album sounds as appealing as its inspiration, but as strangely put together. Its creators seem misdirected as to where they want to go with this album evident more in their lyric. Though told only from a few points of view of a few characters, the artists rendering the POV include Tori Amos, Steve Earle, Cyndi Lauper, Natalie Merchant, and Kate Pierson (of the B-52's). Byrne pays lip service to lyrics embodying Marcos' love of nightclubs and disco music while Fatboy Slim's rhythmic contributions are uncharacteristically bland. While there are a few tolerable vocal performances (Alice Russell's biting "Men Will Do Anything," Nellie McKay's playful back-and-forth on "How Are You?"), the program never fully comes together.
Jakob Dylan "Women and Cuuntry"
With a more folk setting, smaller supporting band, Dylan's second solo album certainly shoots for more quality and not quantity. Neko Case and Kelly Hogan step up to do vocals to eight of the 11 originals. T-Bone Burnett is behind the control board for the production of the album and keeps the sound close to traditional roots music flavors with stripped down arrangements. This gives Dylan's writing and wry delivery room to glow. Includes "Smile When You Call Me That" and "Truth for a Truth."
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings "I Learned the Hard Way"
These soulful giants titans were busy being on other artists' albums, they finally put out one with each other. They reunite after being in different parts of the world in different studios. They put together a Kick-a** new album speaking of lovers in "Window Shopping" and "The Game Gets Old". The group's funky '70s sound provides a perfect complement for the concerns over financial matters - "Money". They tackle the troublesome youth issues that most would relate to in "She Ain't a Child No More" with that ageless funk that makes you want to listen, learn, reminisce and jive all at the same time!! They even throw you back in the 60's with the subtle "Mama Don't Like My Man."
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