Search - La Guns :: LA Guns - Greatest Hits & Black Beauties

Certainly not the greatest recording

William Matson | Maine | 01/19/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the day, LA Guns were too dark to be just another hair band. LA Guns weren't mainstream enough to be just enough hair band. LA Guns, unlike a glut of their peers, have stuck it out and are still recording and touring today. After 8 albums under their belt, they are long overdue for a greatest hits album. This greatest hits album, the first of LA Guns long career, is a bittersweet album of sorts. The idea of compiling a hits collection for the Guns is a great idea but ill-fated song selection taints the huge potential such a collection had. This disc reunites the classic lineup of late 80's fame complete with vocalist Phil Lewis. As always, Tracii Guns, the guitar player and band founder, is present. The cd features rerecordings of their old classics, 2 remixes and 6 new songs, which sounds like a great bargain. First is that the song selection on the old songs is limited to cuts from the bands first two albums and completely ignores the six later albums that preceded the first two. Excellent tracks such as "Long time dead" "Kiss my love goodbye" "Over the edge" and "What I've become" all are glaring omissions. Second, as is the case with most songs, the original version sounds much better. The old songs weren't changed at all when they were rerecorded but some of them seem to lack the energy and cohesiveness of the original versions. The new versions of old classics, "Ballad of Jayne," "Rip and tear" and "One more reason" particularly are not up to par with the original cuts. "No Mercy" is the only rerecorded track that shines high above the original. The six new songs consist of an instrumental ("Bricks") and rough, sloppy demo that could have potential if handled right ("3 Minute Atomic Egg"). The other four new tracks are all solid with a sound harkening back to their debut, oh so long ago. The final two tracks are two of the rerecorded classics ("Sex Action" "One more reason") remixed with dance beats backing them, tracks that would be more at home in a dance club. In short, despite it's flaws, this cd is perfect for either diehard LA Guns fans or those new to the band looking for an introduction. It is not suggested for casual fans of the band as these new versions of the old songs don't sound quite the same as that `one hit' they remember from the 80's. And as for the new songs, casual music fans aren't known for liking songs that didn't get radio airplay. And these days, airplay for a new song by LA Guns is very rare indeed."

It's Horrible

bigdog7777@juno.com | 10/06/2000

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I just recently came across this CD - looked forward to hearing it - and can honestly say that it is complete garbarge. The remakes of classics such as Sex Action and One More Reason are beyond terrible. Phil Lewis should go find another profession, as singing is obviously no longer enjoyable to him. Never have I heard such boring, lack-luster vocals. Whoever assisted in the Intra-Venus mix of Sex Action clearly has no feel for a dance beat, and has created a cacophony that is frankly ear-splitting and the person should never be allowed near a drum machine again. What a disaster - save your money - I wish I did!"

Just Bleeding the Hardcore Fans . . . . .

bigdog7777@juno.com | St. Louis, MO | 07/01/2000

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I have everything that Traci has put out and this is by far the worst material he has ever put his name on. I definitely agree with the reviewer below concerning Phil Lewis. He sounds terrible. I can't believe this is the same guy who sang on the incredible "Hollywood Vampires" album. Even worse than Phil's performance though is the production. It makes me think they threw this thing together in a week just so they would have something to support on their reunion tour. None of the re-recorded old tracks are improvements, with the possible exception "Ballad of Jayne". If you don't have "Hollywood Vampires" or the more recent "Shrinking Violet" (with Jizzy Pearl), definitely check those out instead. Both of those albums rock, but this latest effort is something to be ashamed of."