Customer Reviews

Tales From the Strip

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Upon hearing that the LA Guns would continue on without lead guitarist and founding member Tracii Guns, my initial reaction was "are you kidding me?" While the band has replaced every other single member since its inception, from the days of when Axl Rose and later Paul Black fronted the band, the loss of Tracii Guns seemed a bit much. While the band continued without singer Phil Lewis for a few years in the 90s, as long as they had Tracii, to me it was still the LA Guns. It seemed like the LA Guns without Tracii would be like Van Halen without Eddie Van Halen.

With the release of the Brides of Destruction sophomore album "Here Come the Brides" (2005) and the LA Guns first official studio album without Tracii (excluding last years covers album) the verdict is in. Tracii Guns was not LA Guns and the new lineup is managing just fine. The new Brides CD shows that Tracii, while a good guitar player, is not that great of a songwriter and needs to collaborate with other musicians in order to make memorable music. As far as the new LA Guns is concerned, unless someone told me Tracii wasn't in the band, I would have no way of knowing otherwise. Even without Tracii Guns, "Tales from the Strip" (2005) has the same LA Guns signature sound that fans are sure to love. It's as thought the band were in a vacuum, completely unaware that it is 2005. It's a totally retro, sleazy, pop-metal album which sounds as though it came straight from 1988. The band; Phil Lewis, (vocals) Stacey Blades, (guitar) Adam Hamilton (bass) and Steve Riley (drums) have cooked up a stellar collection of pop-metal songs that fans of the genre are sure to love. It's a semi-concept album, its theme being tales from LA's infamous sunset strip. It's a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining listen.

While the band has gone though numerous lineup changes over the years, with varying results, "Tales from the Strip" is one of the band's best offerings. If you are a fan of the band or 80s pop-metal in general, "Tales from the Strip" is probably going to be your favorite album of 2005.

L.A. Guns has resurfaced and has a hell of a lot to say.
Their latest release, "Tales From The Strip" (Shrapnel, 2005) is somewhat of a concept album,
a series of stories told firsthand by a Hollywood rock band that has seen it all, done it all, and is hungry for more.
The first track, "It Don't Mean Nothing," displays the tight musicianship of the current lineup. Heartfelt, strong songwriting and expertly mixed vocals, drums, and guitars are heard throughout this CD. "Electric Neon Sunset" hints towards introspection, "Gypsy Soul" seems a declaration of the band's free spirit. "Original Sin" is a surprise, staring out as a sort of a wild carnival ride of heavy bass-ridden riffs, then suddenly slowing down to launch one of Stacey Blade's jaw-dropping guitar solos. The ballad "Vampire" is a stunning display of vocalist Phil Lewis' range and power, woven with lyrics that are impossible to ignore.

This CD has quite a collection of classic-sounding rockers, including "Hollywood's Burning," "Rox Baby Girl," and "Resurrection." "Shame" and "Crazy Motorcycle" seem to be custom-made for fans of classic metal bands like Judas Priest, Deep Purple and Motorhead. The sexy, funky "Skin" proves that song can both be heavy and hip-shaking - Phil's screaming vocal mixed with Stacey Blades' guitar lead is haunting.

The power of L.A. Guns' live show comes through on the heavy instrumental, "6.9 Earthshaker." Laced with several solos by drummer Steve Riley, this song is a good snapshot of his unique style, heavy and energetic, yet intricate. The second instrumental, "Amenecer," is a beautiful, emotional composition, leading into the final track, (Can't Give You) Anything Better Than Love," which features Adam Hamilton's ear-popping bass lines.

This collection of songs is a must-have for both L.A. Guns fans and anyone that appreciates a full album of some of the best hard rock ever written and performed.
Whether it be the Sunset Strip or some far location in the middle of nowhere, I hope L.A. Guns has reason to tell us many more tales!

I looked forward to picking this CD up with such anticipation, I actually bought one on Amazon on August 12. But, I just couldn't wait those few extra days and ended up buying it at the store as well to hear it a second early. Do I regret it? Not at all!
What can I possibly say about this record other than the standard, "It rocks, dude?" Quite frankly, that sums it up. But, let me get into more detail about what is so great about this record.
First, every song is at least good. Some are better than others but there isn't a stinker on here that will require you to get up and change tracks because your ears are bleeding.
The best songs off the record are the opening track of "It Don't Mean Nothing," "Electric Neon Sunset," "Gypsy Soul," Skin," "Skin," "Shame," "Hollywood's Burning," and "(Can't Give You) Anything But Love." But, no song is "bad." As a matter of fact, I chose those songs because they are the ones that I most clearly remember. Any song could really be my favorite off the record.
Some are concerned about the lack of Tracii Guns on this record. I say, "Tracii who?" Tracii's off trying to be modern and performing piss poor punk music in South America somewhere. Tracii's a great guitarist, don't get me wrong. But, as much as I pick on Steven Tyler for being vocally shot, Tracii Guns is creatively shot and it's a real shame. But Stacey Blades fits the bill nicely and damn does he play a mean guitar.
Yes, all you ska and punk fans, this record has guitar solos! Guitar solos are instrumental solos performed by good musicians that add to the songs. I think the lack of guitar solos in the modern rock scene is directly related to the lack of talented guitarists. Stacey's got all the talent in the world!
Is it better than Waking The Dead? I can't say yes and I can't say no. It's simply different. Waking The Dead was a slightly more modern record and, at times, a slightly heavier one. Tales From The Strip is still heavy but sounds more like what most of us remember L.A. Guns as being. I love Waking The Dead and also love Tales From The Strip. How neither of these records were blockbuster hits is beyond me. Or, maybe they're just too good and piss poor bands like Jimmy Eat World would be exposed as piss poor in comparison.
The last song on the disc is "(Can't Give You) Anything But Love." It's clear to me that a lot of love went into this album. And, they did give me something better than love. They gave me a fantastic album that you all should buy. They gave me and all of us, Tales From The Strip!

This album is their best effort since Hollywood Vampires. After Vampires, the band took a different direction and hit the ground hard, Vicious Circles was pretty good, American Hardcore had some great guitar riffs, but the new lead singer "Chris Van Dahl" didnt compare to Phil Lewis and neither did "Jizzy Pearl" on Shrinking Violet, but shrinking violet was just horrible, the production was awful, then after a break, they came back and came out with a few greatest hit collections and a live album to top that off, I dont know about you, but greatest hits albums are alright, but once you come out with to many of them it just gets boring fast and L.A.Guns came out with to many. Next came Man in the Moon where they were finally getting back on track but not quite there yet, with Waking the Dead they were finally back on their game, and now with Tales from the Strip, they have surpassed what they use to be. They're better then they have ever been before, now I know its risky to even compare an album to Cocked & Loaded, but this new installment is comparable. This album consists of a little of the old stuff on Cocked & Loaded and a mixture of the new stuff from waking the dead and man in the moon. Stacey Blades is an awsome repacement for Tracii, despite what a few people have said in these reviews, he is a great guitarist and actually should be considered one of the great and upcoming guitarist. This is a great album with some really catchy guitar riffs, guitar solo's, and oh yeah, did I mention theres also as kick ass drum solo???? Thats right drum solo, whens the last time you ever heard a drum solo thats not on a live album???

I've been waiting in nervous anticipation for THIS one to come out. You know, like back in 1986 (I'm 35) when online sound samples didn't exist and all you knew about the new album was what you read in magazines and such? Well, I heard nothing and read interview after interview from the band members saying their new release, Tales From The Strip, is "brilliant!". For some reason I believed them. And they weren't kidding! This is one GREAT cd! The songwriting, musicianship and production are absolutely TOP NOTCH. Stacey just shreds throughout the whole disc. The production is not quite as raw as their first release, but no where near as over-produced as Hollywood Vampires. While not a true concept album, it does make you feel like you're along for the ride back in L.A. Guns' heyday. Highlights are "It Don't Mean Nothing", "Electric Neon Sunset", "Gypsy Soul", "Vampire", "Hollywood's Burning" and "Skin". This cd just gets better with every listen. Tales From The Strip will undoubtedly be in my cd player for a LONG LONG time, and definitely is high on my top ten list of 2005. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

I recieved this great album today and I must say that this album is one of their best albums to date, I realize that 1989's Cocked & Loaded was their best but this album ranks right up with it. The production and sound quality is great, and the Guitar Solo Stacey has at the end of Crazy Motorcycle is phenomenal. A must have for any rock n'roll fan who loves the mean guitar riffs.

I grew up listining to late 60's and 70's rock, the Who, the Stones, the Godz, Aerosmith, Yes, Bad Company, etc., so I did not expect to like this CD. I was familiar with a 70's band called GIRL whose lead singer was Phil Lewis. While browsing the racks at my local music store, I noticed Phil's name on the back of this L.A. Guns CD and, curious to hear what he sounds like today, purchased the CD. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised. This CD rocks. Thundering drums and plenty of catchy vocals and driving guitar riffs. Straight forward, fun, hard driving rock that gets you moving. Highly recomended.

I have not bought a LA GUNS record since 1989 but this album sounds like the one that should have come out in 1990. This is a from the crotch rocker that follows in GUNS tradition. Some elements are missing without the presence of Tracii but this is a solid rock album. Highlights are "It don't mean nothing", Hollywood's burning", "Shame", and "Resurrection".
If you liked either of the GUNS first two albums you will not be disappointed with this latest offerring.

Once again,another great release by Guns. This is my third cd by them and its probably my favorite. The other two cds I have by them are "Man In The Moon" and "Waking The Dead".Personally I Think "Tales From The Strip" is the best out of the three.The best songs on the cd are "Electric Neon Sunset" and "Vampire" . There really is no filler on the cd , except maybe 6.9 Earthshaker which I think is an instrumental song, but its pretty good ,if your into instrumental songs. This cd kicks ASS.Buy it if your a true metal fan.

I was a little surprised at how good this cd is. I like the Guns and I thought that their last two discs were good but not as great as the band thought they were (lol). I've always thought that Traci Guns was an underated guitarist and I wasn't sure if this band could put out a quality product without him. But the new guitar player (Blades) is a gunslinger straight out of the eighties. This guy really brought some fresh riffs to the table. The opening track reminded me of Judas Priest while many of the other tracks sound like classic/sleazy L.A. Guns or Faster Pussycat. The production (Andy Johns) is slick but the guitar tone is still full of crunch and sounds fantastic. I think that this is some of Phil Lewis' best work ever and I've never heard Steve Riley's drums sound this good. This is a great hard rock release that will almost assuredly not get nearly enough credit or publicity.