Every so often you come across a tune that makes you think, that’s fantastic, and so was the album. Hence the reason when I heard ‘Sex Action’ for the first time in along while I immediately fired up the self titled L.A Guns’ first album from 1988.

And this one is a right little cracker. L.A Guns were no doubt the sleaziest of the sleaze bands at the height of the 80’s sunset strip movement but never gained the same type of success as rivals Guns ‘N Roses despite being as good if not better at times. Still that doesn’t matter, it’s Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis and that can only be a good thing. Though not as recognised as much as it’s follow up, Cocked and Loaded, this is still a better, if not as popular album and well worth having.

We kick off with the ever popular ‘No Mercy’ a right crowd rousing ass kicking number that gets the head a bashing and the toes a tapping. Following this is the classic ‘Sex Action’ which remains a staple of the live sets to this date, and rightly so as it drips with sleaze and oozes sex. ‘One More Reason’ is third, again another staple of the live show, a killer bass line hooks you in and the tune just drives you along. What can I say about the next number, ‘Electric Gypsy’, it’s another signature tune that always gets played.

It's dirty, nasty, sleazy and shows off the best of Guns’ guitar playing. This quite frankly is music that you play when you’re getting laid. Brilliant stuff all round. ‘Nothing to Lose’ is another fist in the air chest pounder, great riff, great bass and catchy all round chorus finished off by some great fret work by Tracii.‘Bitch is Back’ follows and is another seedy, dirty little rocker with a filthy beat and bass line. It’s another absolutely faultless number. It should become apparent that no album can sustain such a high level of nasty awesomeness and this one is no doubt.

We crash back to earth with ‘Cry no More’ an acoustic ambient little number that’s short and sweet, and really nothing more than a lead into ‘One Way Ticket’ a soft ballad number that makes the numbers up. Hey enjoy it for what it is; these numbers are a staple on albums of this era. The energy begins to build again with the start of ‘Hollywood Tease’ another bass driven pounding number which makes me almost forgive ‘One Way Ticket’ almost. This ones okay, it’s fast, melodic but doesn’t grab you by the balls.

‘Shoot for Thrills’ makes it all better, another great bass line and riff, and made simply for smashing your head about and shouting. Ending this little musical tour is ‘Down in the City’ which although it’s not a favourite of mine is catchy at times and closes off the album nicely. What can I say? Simply an outstanding first album, packed full of sleaze, sex, riffs, pounding bass lines, shred guitar solo’s and one that you should have tucked in your collection somewhere.

Dust it off and give it a loud airing!

Don Campbell