LA Guns - The Very Best Of

Son, take these guns to town

For non-fans, LA Guns are known best for their links to the early career of Guns N’ Roses – a shame, since their output has, arguably, been altogether more impressive than that produced by Axl and co. This compilation draws only from their first two albums, their eponymous 1988 debut and the following year’s Cocked & Loaded – another shame, since 1991’s Hollywood Vampires showed that, musically, there was more to the band than straightforward hard rock. Their subsequent career has been littered with highlights.

The only remotely novel feature here is Ritual, and that has previously appeared on several best of packages. Still, for glam/hard rock fans who don’t know the band, this is recommended. Pretty much every track is a sleaze classic, including a re-recorded version of Sex Action, Rip & Tear, Sleazy Come, Easy Go… the titles say it all. In addition, Phil Lewis (originally of UK glamsters Girl) is the perfect swaggering frontman, with, unlike many, the talent to back it up. An anthology reflecting the range of the band and its different lineups is long overdue but, until it arrives, this is a good selection from these Guns’ peak.

Store For Music | SFMCD 134

Reviewed by William Pinfold
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