Album Review: L.A. Guns – Made In Milan By Francisco Zamudio

I’ve often felt L.A. Guns was underrated and as one of the bands that has fortunately survived decades and through all the turmoil, talk, dual identities and drama – the reunion of Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis is something I, along with many fans looked forward to and oftentimes believed it would never happen. Going full steam ahead they wisely decided to document some of the energy since joining together and recorded their 2017 concert in Milan, Italy. Hot on the tail of their recent and well-received release, “The Missing Peace” (2017), the new live album titled “Made In Milan” captures some of the great grit and raw energy emanating from Guns and Lewis.

The inclusion of a new track into their live set is a great example of the flammable chemistry these two possess. Such as the high octane tune “Speed” that lets you know that you have to pick up the new record. And nailing great hits like “Kiss My Love Goodbye” screams at you the notion that you must go see this reincarnation 15 years in the making, with this, a greatest hits live album. Hitting hard with cuts from their first two albums, their self-titled (’88) “Cocked and Loaded” (’89), and even “Waking the Dead” (’02).

A lesson in great classic rock is demonstrated here. Since this whole resurgence of the look and scene is taking place in some sorts, the kids and music of today simply doesn’t have a clue how powerful the “rock ballad” hits and how it’s sorely missed. “The Ballad of Jane” is a prime example of this. Argue with me if you will, but no one is doing it these days. So kids, take note. Don’t just go for the look but go for the rock. You won’t ever come close, but you have to understand that so you can admire this from afar and see why these songs and bands can still hold up over time, and give the modern guys a run for the money…. (8/10)

Tracklisting:

CD: 
No Mercy
Electric Gypsy
Killing Machine
Bow Solo/Over The Edge
Sex Action
Speed
One More Reason
Kiss My Love Goodbye
Don’t Look At Me That Way
Malaria
Never Enough
Jelly Jam
The Ballad Of Jayne
Rip And Tear

DVD/Blu-Ray:
No Mercy
Electric Gypsy
Killing Machine
Bow Solo/Over The Edge
The Bitch Is Back
Sex Action
Speed
One More Reason
Kiss My Love Goodbye
Don’t Look At Me That Way
Malaria
Never Enough
Jelly Jam
The Ballad Of Jayne
Rip And Tear

Produced By: Alessandro Del Vecchio
Studio: Ivorytears Music Works, Somma Lomberdo, Italy
Recorded By: Alessandro Del Vecchio, Andrea Seveso
Mixed By: Alessandro Del Vecchio
Mastered By: Alessandro Del Vecchio
Band Members: Tracii Guns, Philip Lewis, Shane Fitzgibbon, Johnny Martin

Links: 
https://www.lagunsmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/L.A.GunsOfficial/
https://twitter.com/laguns
https://www.instagram.com/laguns/