Casual
hair metal fans might be surprised to know that the somewhat marginal
L.A. Guns actually had two gold records (L.A. Guns, Cocked and Loaded) in the early stages of what became their long, somewhat rocky existence. The 1998 Japanese-only release Hollywood Rehearsal is intended to give more familiar listeners an insight into what it might have sounded like while the band wood-shedded their performance chops during this late-'80s, early-'90s heyday. There are two versions of this disc, with only slightly different track lists available, but the highlights in any configuration remain the hard-hitting renditions of
Montrose's "Rock Candy" and
Led Zeppelin's "Custard Pie," two fine choices that play into the group's abilities with their classic drum and guitar riffs. The
Charlie Clauser (
Nine Inch Nails,
White Zombie) remix of "Long Time Dead" is also a strong entry in this collection of rarities and B-sides. With its somewhat mixed production and a couple less-than-stellar covers of
the Clash and
the Waterboys, Hollywood Rehearsal is far from perfect, but fans of the group will appreciate its many fine moments. ~ Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide
