THE ALBUM OF THE DAY IS…
L.A. GUNS, VICIOUS CIRCLE
Poor L.A. Guns. Ostensibly a second-generation hair metal band consisting of former members of more successful acts (W.A.S.P. and, of course, GN’R), they never got what the respect they deserved. Released in 1994- after Cocked and Loaded and Hollywood Vampires had already proved that they could write pop metal that was just as kick ass, if a little darker and moodier, as the tunes of their infinitely more successful peers- this album is a Use Your Illusion-esque hodgepodge of different musical styles. “Face Down,” “Killing Machine,” and “Who’s In Control (Let ‘Em Roll) are pseudo-thrash; “Chasing the Dragon” is the best “Sweet Emotion” rip-off of its time, and “I’d Love to Change the World” is still my favorite UFO cover; the druggy “Fade Away” is electronica-tinged brit pop, while “Long Time Dead” could be Achtung Baby-era U2; and there’s even a re-release of Vampire‘s endlessly catchy power ballad, “Crystal Eyes.” My personal favorite, though, is still “Nothing Better To Do,” a bluesy, harmonica-driven southern rock tune that barrels along with the force of a bullet (and features lead vocals by bassists Kelly Nickles!). It’s little wonder that, like Use Your Illusion, this was essentially the sound of a band unraveling- it was the last proper release with the original line-up, or at least the last one anyone cared about. Vicious Circle may feel disjointed at times, but most of the other bands from their scene never even tried to give voice to such an array of influences. That this album is still as enjoyable as it is speaks to the success L.A. Guns should’ve enjoyed.
-AR
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