Cover albums seem to be very much in vogue in the world of Rock N' Roll at the moment, what with the release of Aerosmith's  Honkin' On Bobo and the proposed upcoming Def leappard album. However unlike those two bands L.A. Guns are in the position whereby they have lost their main songwriter (Tracii Guns) to Brides Of Destruction and therefore a covers album was possibly the best bet at this time until (and if) Tracii returns to the fold.

The material on offer here is mainly from the 1970's although it does encapsulate the end of the 60's and the beginning of the 80's slightly. Unfortunately the whole feel of this album is cheap, from the simple CD booklet and artwork to the fact that that the release of this album is hardly trumpeted at all on the bands official website.

The quality of the songs that are offered up on the CD cannot be questioned as each and every one is generally regarded as a classic so the only comment that can really be made in on the bands performance and the production (courtesy of Andy Johns).

In general the band stays true to the original format of the songs. Rose Tattoo's 'Rock And Roll Outlaw' opens up the CD and is a decent effort. The production is strong and clear and the song suits Lewis' gravely voice perfectly. Unfortunately the next two songs don't work quite as well. 'I Just Want To Make Love To You' to my mind requires a smoother vocal than Lewis is capable of delivering and 'Tie Your Mother Down' is simply a mistake, as the band cannot deliver anything near what Queen produced, nor for that matter what Lynch Mob managed when covering the same song. The guitar solo simply does not work and Freddie must be turning in his grave at the though of the vocal delivery..

'Until I Get You', originally by Hanoi Rocks, works far better as the band is in more familiar territory, but then we get 'Wheels Of Steel'. This song as done by Saxon was a true heavy metal classic and it simply does not translate to a 'cock rock' anthem. The whole sound is wrong, losing everything that is good and instead substituting an LA style production and groove that simply detracts from the power contained in the riffs and melody.

'Nobody's Fault', being an Aerosmith song off the 'Rocks' album is again more in line with what L.A Guns know and do best and hence is far better executed, although we won't mention the attempt at Led Zep's 'Custard Pie', suffice to say it should have been left alone. 'Moonage Daydream', originally by Bowie is passableas is 'Marseilles'. 'Hurdy Gurdy Man', however is surprising well done and is probably the best song on the album. Lewis sounds slighter smoother in his vocal delivery and the acoustic guitar melds well with the drums and bass, whilst the guitar solo is not overplayed.

'Search And Destroy' by Iggy & The Stooges rounds off the album proper in decent style. The song fits in well with the L.A. Guns heritage and the delivery is, if not outstanding, at least as good as anything else on this record.

It may sound in this review that I am not an L.A. Guns fan, but this could not be further from the truth. The bands first three albums were all far and away above most of what the LA scene threw out in the late 1980's, whilst the last proper album 'Waking The Dead' measured up equally as well. 'Rips The Covers Off' however smacks of desperation. The true test of this band will be if they have to record an original album without Tracii Guns. Until then this release will sell a few copies, let them play a few club shows and probably be in the bargain basement bins in a couple of months..

Let us know your views on 'Rips The Covers Off'

Track List

Rock And Roll Outlaw
I Just Want To Make Love
Tie Your Mother Down
Until I Get You
Wheels Of Steel
Nobody's Fault
Custard Pie
Moonage Daydream
Marseilles
Hurdy Gurdy Man
Search And Detsroy
Revolution
Don't Look At Me That Way

Line Up

Phil Lewis - Lead Vocals
Stacey Blades - Guitar
Adam Hamilton - Bass
Steve Riley - Drums