Back in the early 90’s, Mtv unplugged was the show to be on. Many bands from that era flooded the market with acoustic albums, hoping to have the next big hit. Bands like Tesla enjoyed much success from their 5 man acoustic jam, and so as it was back in the day, the motto was, once one band had a winning formula, then why not try it yourself. Well the 90’s have come and gone and so have many of the live acoustic records. Yes, some bands continue to release acoustic live records, from time to time, but they aren’t as prevalent as the once were. L.A. Guns is the latest band to that I have heard of trying this concept. I’m sure that they thought enough time had passed since the last wave, so now might be a good time to give it a go. Let’s see how they did.
Before I get started, for those that are living under a proverbial rock, and do not know the latest state of the Guns, then I will gladly enlighten you. Today there are 2 incarnations of the band making their rounds around on the circuit. There is the Tracii Guns version, and the other version containing original vocalist Phil Lewis and Steve Riley. If you’re like me, then you have to side with Tracii on this one, as the true L.A. Guns. Since the demise of Brides of Destruction, Tracii has been out there actively touring under the Guns name. The faces rarely stay the same, but hopefully for this new live record, they will for awhile. (Note: The faces have changed once again and Jizzy Pearl is out as vocalist and Dilana Robichaux (Rock Star - Supernova) is in. Check out podcast#: 127 for the skinny from the man himself)
Acoustic Gypsy Live is a 14 track disk containing a mix of LA Guns classics, along with a few unlikely covers, as well as one new tune. The CD is mixed well and the band sounds great. This is one that will grow on you with each listen. Jizzy does a very nice job vocaly and it is a ashame that he has retired from the music business. Hopefully not for too long. Jizzy injects his powerful vocal style while staying true to the original recordings. Check out One Way Ticket and you'll hear what I mean. The arrangements of the songs are done well and give a new perspective on the classic tracks. The covers are okay, but didn't grab me as much as the classic LA tunes. The new song is a different animal too, and appears to be the only collaboration from Guns and Pearl. It is a country/folk song, which will turn up the noses of many hard core fans. All in all, a solid disk and a fun listen. Check it out.
Bottom Line: LA Guns unplugging and letting the music do the talking. A fresh take on some classic tunes, but with a few mis-steps on some covers.
Standout Tracks: One Way Ticket, Over the Edge, It's Over Now and The Ballad of Jayne.
-Ragman is hankering to jam on his acoustic.