MelodicRock.com Reviews


GUNS N ROSES
A ROCK TRIBUTE TO
Deadline Records CLP 1203-2
Produced by: Fred Coury
Released: OUT NOW / Website
GENRE: Hard Rock
OVERALL: 49%

  1. You're Crazy
  2. It's So Easy
  3. Welcome To The Jungle
  4. My Michelle
  5. Sweet Child O Mine
  6. Paradise City
  7. Mr. Brownstone
  8. You Could Be Mine
  9. Used To Love Her
  10. Don't Cry
  11. Patience
  12. Civil War

We all know the perils of tribute records. Some are hit, many are miss and some don't even sound like they are on the same planet.
Deadline have been responsible for some previous shitty tributes that have been orbiting the planet. This one isn't so bad, but it isn't great either. How bad will depend on how dedicated a GNR fan you are. Nothing here comes close to the original, but with the artists involved, at least the style is closer to home for most of the guys, instead of some of the other tributes where they sound totally ill at ease.
The musical baking on this album is at least competent. Cinderella's Fred Coury produces the album, which sounds sonically ok. It's not a million dollar sound by any stretch, but it's ok.
Guitars are by Tracii Guns and Gilby Clarke. Bass by Kyle Kyle and drums by the late Randy Castillo (RIP)
Clarke and Guns are totally at home on this material, after all it's what they both specialise in.
You're Crazy sounds ok, with Stevie Rachelle doing an ok version, just missing that higher note Axel was capable of.
It's So Easy woks ok with Fred Coury taking lead vocals. In fact, it's one of the better songs of the album and given the Axels' vocal is low on the original, Fred does an Ok version.
Welcome To The Jungle features Kevin DuBrow of Quiet Riot. Kevin also does ok, singing in his own distinctive style.
My Michelle features the great Phil Lewis of LA Guns on vocals. I love Phil's voice, but this one doesn't do much for me.
Sweet Child O Mine was always going to be interesting, especially as Jizzy Pearl is the man at the mike. I was prepared for the worst, but you know, this doesn't sound too bad. A much better vocal than the last Journey tribute we heard Jizzy on.
Paradise City is of course an absolute classic and with out any hesitation I declare that Kory Clarke has totally fucking killed this song forever. A horrendous vocal. I can't say it any clearer. Just a bloody awful version.
Mr. Brownstone features Joe Leste up front. Nothing outstanding, but an ok version and ok vocal.
You Could Be Mine features Mitch Malloy in his tribute album debut! Is this really Mitch singing? I was looking forward to this - the vocal is solid for sure, showcasing another side of Mitch, but I think reaction will be mixed to this.
The mostly acoustic driven Used To Love Her features John Corabi on vocals. A solid vocal, but a poor cousin to the original version.
I also held great fear for Don't Cry, as Spike is the assigned vocalist. I think the Quireboys are ok, but really think Spike on anything else sounds pretty bad. He is not a great singer. This is no different.
Patience features Corabi again. Better song, better version and great vocal.
Civil War is another strong track This features the vocals of Christina Kartsonakis. Interesting take to hear a female in Axel's place, but it works.
BOTTOM LINE: Die hard GNR fans will be offended and no, nothing here comes close to the originals, but let's face it, if these guys were ever going to do a tribute record, at least this material lends itself to the personnel involved feeling at home with it.
These is sleaze rock performed by some sleaze professionals. The production budget comes up short as does the sound, but for the most part, the versions are ok.
Strike Kory Clarke and Spike from the mix and it would have been that bit better.
PRODUCTION: 59% SONGS: 85% VIBE: 25%ATTITUDE: 20%
ESSENTIAL FOR: Tribute album die hards. GNR die hards.



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