Customer Reviews

Man in the Moon

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

LA Guns gets back to basics on its Man In The Moon CD as vocalist Phil Lewis finally returns to the fold and the results will make any guitar-rock fan happy. Highly accomplished g-man Tracii Guns kept this glam sleaze outfit on the road and in the studio since Lewis' departure after the Vicious Circle album with numerous members in the supporting cast. Now, with Lewis and Mick Cripps back alongside original drummer Steve Riley and Guns the LAG machine is as good as ever with 10 guitar-heavy tracks on Man In The Moon.

The sound is more tried-and-true rock and roll than 1980's metal and that fits in with the constant growth of Tracii's brilliant playing and songwriting. The six-string hits you in the face on such songs as the title track and Spider's Web but the smooth, raspy vocals of Phil Lewis are the perfect complement, as they were in the band's platinum heyday. Phil's stature as a singer shows on the aptly titled Beautiful as well as the brooding Turn It Around.

Spider's Web is an intresting number as it bears a striking resemblance to the band's video hit Never Enough, yet stands on its own with a distinct edge. Where the Cocked and Loaded song was fast and furious, Spider's Web is more deliberate and hits much harder.

The highlight of the CD is the final track, Scream. A perfect sendoff for this reunited bunch, Scream is a wide-open, go-for-broke houserocker that showcases Guns' fretwork and Lewis' vocal power.

Man In The Moon is an excellent CD that stands apart from any reunion-for-the-money efforts that are fashionable today. LA Guns is a veteran rock act that excels in the studio but thrives on the road and these songs capture the band at its best.

I was truly excited about this release. As a longtime fan of L.A. Guns, I couldn't wait to hear the group with Phil Lewis at the helm again. I was NOT disappointed! I popped the CD into the player and when the very first notes began to play I mentally was saying to myself, "Now that SOUNDS like L.A. Guns already!" L.A. Guns have a very distinctive sound, the way they use the bass with the lead guitars, and I heard it immediately. The CD then started into the first number and I knew L.A. Guns were BACK! The songs are lyrically more mature than "back in the day" and the Guns have progressed with the times but the sound is 100% pure L.A. Guns. If you loved the Guns in their heyday, their debut album "L.A. Guns" or the follow-up "Cocked and Loaded" you're in for a treat. Do NOT miss "Man in the Moon". Moreover, if you were attracted to their sound "back in the day" but not especially fond of the lyrics you may find a new appreciation for the new, more mature, approach to their songwriting. I think this album is for anybody who loves melodic hard rock. L.A. Guns have kept their style intact and progressed with the times. You will NOT be disappointed with this CD!

It's been 7 years coming and finally the L.A. Guns have re-grouped with original lead vocalist, Phil Lewis and released the new studio album of all original music Man In The Moon. The songs on the album pick up where the 6 new tracks on Greatest Hits & Black Beauties left off. The writing has reached a whole new level and musically it sounds like they haven't missed a beat especially the smoking fret work by lead guitarist and name sake Tracii Guns. Lead off track and the first single "Man In The Moon" kicks with an amazing assault and presence announcing the return of one of the 80's most rocking bands. The second track "Beautiful", has hit written all over it with its catchy melodic hooks and distinctive singing. The album is a good mix between the rawness of 1989's Cocked & Loaded and the more groove oriented and mature 1991 album Hollywood Vampires. A wide array of subjects are delt with on this album which helps give the boys in the band a new footing in today's market. It shows that they aren't only about sex and parties, even though there are a couple of great 80's through backs on the record. Songs such a "Spider's Web" and "Hypnotized" could have easily fit next to the singles from their self titled album in 1988 or the aforementioned Cocked & Loaded. Overall Tracii Guns, Phil Lewis, Steve Riley (d), Mick Cripps (g) and newcomer on bass Muddy, rock in a way that makes us wish more bands where of their caliber.

Let me start out by saying, that before you completely disregard my review: I am a true fan of the L.A. Guns. The live album the band just released last year was great. I was definitely excited to hear that the band was finally releasing a full-length, original studio record after all these years. And after reading all of these very encouraging reviews here on Amazon, I decided to go out and buy 'Man in the Moon' and hear the new record for myself. I have listened to the album thoroughly a few times, I must conclude that I am a bit disappointed with the record. Let me tell you why--half of the album is completely filler, that's why! "Good Thing" and especially "Out of Sight" are complete, hands-down FILLER. There are no two-ways about it. Having said that, the three tracks that really make this worth checking out include the fantastic title-track, "Man in the Moon" and "Scream". "Spider's Web" also completely rocks and even though it might resemble "Never Enough" a little too much for its own good, it rocks nevertheless. "Beautiful" and "Don't Call Me Crazy" are the two other tunes that balance the record out to a full five tracks out of ten that make this album worthy of listening to. "Turn It Around" is not bad but I can't stand giving the other tracks anymore stereo play than I already have. With all due respect to the band and all its members, I think they could have done better.

Their next album will probably (be great); I think these guys are just finally starting to warm up. The L.A. Guns, as they stand today, have my full support as a fan. It is great to see that the band is not stuck in the past rehashing their old material endlessly, and have decided to move on. Even though 'Man in the Moon' did not completely meet my very high expectations for the band, I will definitely give the band credit where it is due and I give all of the members of L.A. Guns kudos for moving on.

back in the heyday of hollywood glam rock, there were but a handful of bands that really delivered the goods. and l.a. guns, along with faster pussycat, bulletboys and guns n'roses, was definitely one of 'em. man in the moon sees the boys returning in fine form and, most importantly, with philip lewis back on lead vocals. it's no surprise that this is their best effort since 1994's vicious circle - the last record with the original l.a. guns lineup. the new record takes a slightly bluesy turn - with tracii guns paying homage to page and hendrix on more than one occasion. the title track is killer, as is "don't call me crazy" and "scream". there's actually not a filler to be found,these guys were obviously serious about putting a good record together, and on their terms. no selling out to the flavor of the week. just good 'ol fashioned l.a. rock n' roll...

After going through numerous lineup changes throughout the latter half of the 90s, the (mostly) original lineup of the LA Guns reformed for 2001's "Man in the Moon." It was singer Phil Lewis and guitarist Mick Cripps first album with the band since 1994's "Vicious Circle."

Released in 2001, a full decade after the whole sunset strip scene ceased to be relevant, the LA Guns act as though grunge, post-grunge, and nu-metal never took place. The band pretty much pick up where they left off last time around with "Vicious Circle," only the band embraces more of their signature pop-metal sound that they had abandoned since "Hollywood Vampires (1991). Guitarist Tracii Guns still has his chops and can write mean riffs, and Phil Lewis sounds as good as ever. The band's music still encompasses the same themes as the LA Guns of the late 80s; only now, almost self-consciously aware that they are middle aged, sound more refined, more mature. The songwriting throughout the disc is mostly quite strong, with the title track, "Spider's Web" and "Scream" being particular standouts. The rest of the album is strong, although not quite as memorable as the self-titled album (1988), "Cocked and Loaded," (1989) or "Hollywood Vampires."

If you are a fan of the LA Guns and/or pop metal in general, this album is recommended.

it's a great cd! maybe not as hard as vicious cirle, but it kicks just the same.

L.A.Guns has come up with an excellent disc here.Driving rockers"Scream and Man in the moon are pedal to the metal cuts while "Dont call me crazy shows the artistic side of L.A.Guns that is lacking in most bands today

this album is not quite what i expected..and that's good. the edgier, punkier style that was on their debutand also ' vicious circle ' are not really on this new one, instead we get a a slightly bluesier, funkier sound, which really works for this album as a whole. don't get me wrong, this thing rocks, just not in the more traditional L.A. Guns style. 'Beautiful ' is one of their best songs, and deserves to be a hit..but of course it won't be. hell, this album will probably sell 50,000 copies, if that. good rock and roll just doesn't seem to find it's audience lately..but i digress. this album a nice surprise..good playing all around, the band sounds tight and the production is excellent. a must-have for L.A. Guns fans, and an album that just may convert some new fans.

Uh-oh, something just didn't work 100%. It's not an album what L.A.Guns fan (like me), who dreamed about great comeback with "Cocked & Loaded"-like album, would expect. Maybe it's because of inactivity of Mick Cripps in songwriting on this album. The best track on "Man In The Moon" is "Scream", but "Turn It Around", "Man In The Moon" and "Don't Call Me Crazy" are also pretty good and they're the real diamonds in this album. But there are also disappointing songs: first of all, it's "Beautiful" - it has a great melody, it's a nice catchy ballad - but, damned, it goes just like Oasis` "Married With Children"! First chords of this song just killed me, I looked to the booklet 'cause I expected to find there something like "co-written with Noel Gallagher" or something. Then "Good Thing" seemed to me like riff from Lenny Kravitz "Rock'n'roll Is Dead", but I thought that I'm goin' insane already and didn't pay attention to it. But "Spider's Web"... oh, it made cold sweat running down my face: the intro riff... damned, it's "Never Enough" from "Cocked and Loaded"! Oh,well... "Hypnotized" seemed OK, but "Fast Talkin'..." and especially "Out Of Sight" - damned, it just don't sound right.

This album COULD be much more interesting, but I don't understand what's the deal. L.A.Guns tried to beat Crue's "New Tattoo" rock'n'roll comeback, but it didn't work. Besides, I don't know what the problem is with Mick, but Muddy sounds pretty good. Looks like younger Jimmy Page, though.