Here it is: The latest offering from the well-known 80's hard rock (and sometimes glam) outfit L.A. Guns.  Comprised of six
re-recorded classic tracks, six brand new ones, and 2 industrialized remixes, Greatest Hits And Black Beauties reuinites (at least for this release) all five original members of the band.  The re-recorded songs, which are all from the first two albums, stay pretty true to the originals, however, they sound a lot darker and rawer.  Now, about those new cuts!  "Bricks" is a very thrashy instumental piece that dabbles in electronics while the mid-tempo "Ritual"  has a more modern rock type of vibe without losing the classic L.A. Guns energy.  "Time" starts out with some bluesey, sothern guitar playin' and then kicks in with full percussion to create a monsterous groove.  Another great tune is "Heartful Of Soul", with its signature L.A. Guns harmonies and acoustic/electric feel.  The two best on Greatest Hits And Black Beauties are: "3 Minute Atomic Egg" and
 "Disbelief".  The first is a weird, rock/acid jazz/groove piece with some great electronic effects and a bassline from hell while the latter is a swingin', sizzlin', hard rock blues tune that shows all five members in top form.  Although the band has only reunited for this one disc, it was still a pleasant treat for me and I'm looking forward to hearing what incarnation of L.A. Guns is in store for the future.
 

-Chris Jamele