Customer Reviews

Hollywood Vampires

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

LA Guns third album "Hollywood Vampires" (1991) is perhaps the most underrated album in the band's catalogue. It was released at the very tail end of the pop-metal era that dominated the 80s and early 90s, right before the onslaught of the grunge revolution. Its singles unfortunately never really got a healthy run on the radio because in just a few short months of its release, Nirvana's "Nevermind" changed all the rules and the LA Guns were left out in the cold.

"Hollywood Vampires" pretty much takes up where "Cocked & Loaded" (1989) left-off, but this time the band incorporates some old-school Aerosmith, blues-based boogie-groves into their sound. The band's songwriting is as good as ever and the album lacks neither good hooks nor memorable melodies. "Hollywood Vampire" is basically the LA Guns "Toys in the Attic" (1975).

If "Hollywood Vampires" had been released just a year earlier, and gotten a good push, it could have maintained the momentum that the band built with its first two albums and even expanded their fan base. Instead, "Hollywood Vampires" ended up as an also-ran that has been largely forgotten.

If you are a fan of the bands first two album and missed "Hollywood Vampires" the first time around, this CD is highly recommended.

Oh my god, this album is really good. Every song is very melodic, and still it all rocks; no reason for talkin' about "light sound" here. "Cocked & Loaded" , "Hollywood Vampires" and "Vicious Circle" are , undoubtfully, L.A.Guns' best albums to date. A MUST buy for every true L.A.Guns' fan, PURE JOY for every rock'n'roll fan.

While I'm a big a L.A. Guns fan, I only like about half the songs on this cd. "Over The Edge" is a great opening track, and it shows that Phil Lewis is one of the best singers out there. Tracii Guns has a nice guitar solo, and this song is also featured in the movie "Point Break." "Kiss My Love Goodbye" is a nice mid-tempo song with hooks and melodies, but Tracii overdoes it in the end. "Dirty Luv" is a very sexy and sleazy song that I didn't like at first, but it's one of my favorites on the album now. "My Koo Ka Choo" is a nice summer song. I love the chessy horns. "It's Over Now" is a great ballad, but sometimes it feels forced. "Here It Comes" is an okay rocker. The highlight of the cd is the awesome ballad "Crystal Eyes" (appearently L.A. Guns like this one a lot too, since they also put it on their "Vicious Circle" cd). "Crystal Eyes" should have been a huge hit like "The Ballad Of Jayne" was. Nice guitars from Tracii and singing from Phil. The rest of the songs on this cd, however; totally [aren't good].

Dont let the people who think this album isnt near as good as their first 2. This album is great, I agree that cocked & loaded is better, but for some people to say this album sucked and they've lost it is a bunch of bullsh*t. Phils voice is great on this album and Tracii did not over do it on "Kiss my Love Goodbye" I love guitar solo's, who doesnt? I reccomend this album for L.A. Guns fans.

Even Kerrang (UK) could not say a word against this album at the time of its release. It brilliantly mixes elements of the two prior releases with a dark vibe to creating what was later known as "Glam-Goth". This album sets the band apart from the other signed "sunset strip" bands at the time. This and Vicious Circles are probably the best L.A.Guns recordings to date.

Phillip Lewis and company are fantastic on this album! "Crystal Eyes" is down right gorgeous! 1991 was a very good year for these boys! I had this album, the arrangements are cool! And the writing ablility of these west coasters are good and mesmerizing! (Amazon.com You guys Rock!

This album marked the last studio album of the original members, to date. It is the most well-rounded, free-flowing album yet by Tracii, Phil, Kelly, Mick & Steve. A MUST HAVE for any 80's hard rock or metal fan.

I love LA Gun's debut album and Cocked & Loaded, but when I heard this one it was a disappointment. Cocked & Loaded had a heavy, aggressive, more serious metal-influenced sound. However, on this album it seems that they decided to change directions and go for a lighter, more fun rock n' roll style. Before this album they never had silly song titles like "My Koo Ka Choo"... gimme a break. The only track on this album that retains their heaviness is the opening track, Over the Edge. The rest of the songs are not dark/heavy enough, and too "fun" for my taste.

It's a matter of personal preference, but I cannot say that this is their best work. If you want serious LA Guns with a much harder edge, listen to Cocked & Loaded.

i've always liked this album. i remember when i was in high school and it came out. (i bought the cassette) it originally came with it's own pair of 3D glasses so the cover art would jump out at you. it was, and still is, a very good album.
the cd did well initially, with the release of radio singles, 'some lie 4 love', 'it's over now' and 'kiss my love goodbye' rocking airwaves and the videos being played on MTV. remember when they used to play MUSIC? but the onset of 'grunge' pushed it to the back burner.
regardless of that fact, this is still a great album. from beginning to end it rocks. i actually think this album is one of their best.
so if you are, or were, a fan of the guns first few albums, you should like this one too. it follows the same formula that made the guns famous and is a nice progression from their second album 'cocked and loaded'. if you're up for a rockin album with a sleazy touch and a couple good ballads, this album is for you.

the first time i heard this cd back in 92 i thought this was terrible. it took time to grow on me but after giving it a fair chance i think its thier best work ever. i enjoy the groove the musical style is cool.