𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…
32 years ago today, The “Hollywood Vampires” took us “Over the Edge”!
On this day (June 25) in 1991, L.A. GUNS released their third full-length studio album, “Hollywood Vampires” via Polygram/Polydor Records in the US (PolyGram/Vertigo in the UK and Japan, PolyGram/Mercury in Europe).
(CD Longbox)
Background:
While no track from the album topped the charts (and the band's success declined soon afterwards as their style fell out of commercial favor), “Hollywood Vampires” presents various shades of the band and is representative of the late 1980s/early 1990s Glam Metal scene, with riff-laden songs and big choruses on every song.
The meticulous production gives the album a sound typical of the period — a full sound, with many background harmony vocals, layered guitars and additional keyboard tracks.
The album starts in a more somber note with "Over the Edge", which was used in the film Point Break, but the bulk of it consists of standard Hard Rockers, such as "Kiss My Love Goodbye" and "My Koo Ka Choo".
The band hit the mark on the ballad front several times, with "Crystal Eyes", "It's Over Now" and the 1950s-style "I Found You", some say in an attempt to repeat the earlier success of their major single "The Ballad of Jayne".
While the swinging Rocker, "Kiss my Love Goodbye" is featured in the 1992 comedy film Ladybugs.
The Japan pressing adds the original version of "Ain't the Same" from the “Cuts EP”, with the addition of several saxophone solos. The original CD and cassette releases featured a 3-D photo cover and a small pair of 3-D glasses was included.
The Singles & Album Charts:
The albums first single was "Kiss My Love Goodbye". A video was filmed, which was aired on MTV's Headbangers Ball.
(US Promo)
(Japan Single, released July 25, 1991)
The albums following single was "Some Lie 4 Love". A music video was also filmed for the song.
While an official single was never released to the public, a promo single was released for "Over the Edge", in a 12" 45 RPM and in CD format.
The albums final single was the ballad "It's Over Now", of which a music video was also filmed, with it receiving minor airtime on MTV.
“Hollywood Vampires” peaked at number 42 on the Billboard 200. The singles "Kiss My Love Goodbye" and "It's Over Now" would peak at number 16 and 25 on the Mainstream Rock Chart respectively while It's Over Now" also peaked at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Hollywood Vampires Tour 91-92:
During the bands tour in support of Hollywood Vampires, L.A. Guns headlined with Electric Love Hogs.
On February 5th, 1991, L.A. Guns played KNAC's 5th Anniversary Concert with Lynch Mob and Ozzy Osbourne, who was on top of the bill.
L.A. Guns were also the supporting act for AC/DC during their "Razors Edge Tour".
They later toured with Skid Row during the bands "No Fucking Frills Tour", Both, L.A. Guns and D-A-D were supporting acts for Skid Row.
They also headlined across Japan in late '91.
Drummer Steve Riley was fired from L.A. GUNS in 1992 following the group's tour of Europe with SKID ROW for allegedly assaulting Phil Lewis, and was replaced by M.C. Bones.
(Hollywood Vampires Promo Tees and Tour Shirts)
Critical Reception:
This is where I typically share critics reviews of an album, but due to the fact that many slagged “Hollywood Vampires” as stagnated, uninspired or not nearly as strong as “Cocked & Loaded”, I am not going to bother posting any of their remarks. Why? Because I strongly disagree with these sentiments, as I find “Hollywood Vampires” to be one of the bands strongest recordings released, not only from 1991, but in the whole of the late 80’s and early 90’s realm of Glam & Hard Rock.
TRACII GUNS’ and Mick Cripps guitar work and writing are superb, while Phil Lewis’ sleazy but smooth vocal swagger on this album was smokin’. The rhythm section of Nickels and Riley set the solid groove of the album, while the added strings arrangements by Kevin Savigar gave the album a darker, Gothic vibe.
In my opinion, “Hollywood Vampires” was and remains one of the best Hard Rock/Glam Metal releases of 1991 and quite frankly, the era, and should be given the credit it is due! — E.N. Wells
Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:
Click this link to listen to “Hollywood Vampires” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/hollywood-vampires/1443840019
Click this link to watch the official music video for “Kiss My Love Goodbye”: https://youtu.be/Glg6DKc1fK0
Click this link to watch the official music video for “Some Lie 4 Love”: https://youtu.be/Tg56RJb88_Q
Click this link to watch the official music video for “It’s Over Now”: https://youtu.be/AYOnNsrOo2Y
Click this link to follow L.A. Guns on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L.A.GunsOfficial
Click this link to follow Tracii Guns on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traciiguns
Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells
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