- ANIMAL Records
Description: The Las Vegas Story is the third studio album by punk blues group The Gun Club, released in 1984. This album saw the return of founding member and lead guitarist Kid Congo Powers, after a three year stint with The Cramps.
This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
Released in 1984 on Chris Stein's Animal Records, "The Las Vegas Story" stands as a unique and influential album in the post-punk landscape. Led by the enigmatic Jeffrey Lee Pierce, The Gun Club ventured into uncharted territory, blending punk's raw energy with the haunting sounds of blues, country, and rockabilly.
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
In the early 1980s, punk rock was evolving, branching out into various subgenres. The Gun Club, hailing from Los Angeles, embraced this experimentation, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences. "The Las Vegas Story" is a sonic journey through the American landscape, filled with tales of desperation, longing, and dark romance.
The album's musical exploration is evident in its eclectic mix of genres. Punk's aggression intertwines with the blues' melancholy, while country's twang adds a touch of Americana. Pierce's haunting vocals, reminiscent of a desert preacher, narrate tales of love, loss, and the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas.
Genre and Controversies
"The Las Vegas Story" defies easy categorization. It's punk, but it's also blues, country, and rockabilly. This genre-bending approach was both praised and criticized at the time of its release. Some hailed it as a groundbreaking masterpiece, while others found it too eclectic and experimental.
The album's controversial themes, including drug addiction, violence, and sexuality, also sparked debate. Pierce's unflinchingly honest and often dark lyrics challenged societal norms and pushed boundaries, solidifying The Gun Club's reputation as a band that refused to conform.
Production Team and Recording Studio
The album was produced by Jeff Eyrich, who had previously worked with T.S.O.L. and The Plimsouls. It was recorded at the renowned Ocean Way Studios in Hollywood, known for its state-of-the-art equipment and iconic clientele. Despite the professional setting, the album retains a raw and visceral sound, capturing the band's live energy and intensity.
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Album Description & Collectors information: This album "THE GUN CLUB - The Las Vegas Story" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos |
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Music Genre: Punk Blues |
Album Production Information: The album: "THE GUN CLUB - The Las Vegas Story" was produced by: Jeff Eyrich Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Mark Ettel, Judy Clapp This album was recorded at: Ocean Way Studios, March and April 1984 Mastered by Bernie Grundman, Bernie Grundman is a renowned Mastering Engineer hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, he has achieved remarkable success in the music industry. Born with an innate passion for music and a keen ear for detail, Grundman has left an indelible mark on the field of audio mastering. Grundman's journey into the world of music began in the early 1980s when he established his own mastering studio in Hollywood, California. It was during this time that he cemented his reputation as a go-to engineer for heavy metal albums. From 1982 to 1990, Grundman lent his expertise to numerous heavy metal projects, skillfully mastering dozens of albums that defined the genre's sound during that era. His work with heavy metal artists showcased his ability to capture the raw energy and power of the music, while maintaining clarity and fidelity. Grundman's mastering techniques brought out the full sonic potential of each album, elevating them to new heights and contributing to their commercial success. As his talent became recognized, Bernie Grundman had the opportunity to collaborate with a multitude of renowned musicians across various genres. His mastering prowess was sought after by a diverse range of artists, including rock, pop, jazz, and classical musicians. Through his meticulous attention to detail and technical expertise, he added the final polish to their recordings, enhancing the overall listening experience for fans around the world. Grundman's discography boasts an impressive list of hit albums, with his name appearing in the credits of numerous iconic releases. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the sound of some of the most influential records of our time. From acclaimed bands to chart-topping solo artists, Grundman's work has left an indelible impact on the music industry. Bernie Grundman's mastering studio has become synonymous with excellence and has earned a reputation as one of the best facilities in the industry. Musicians and record labels alike recognize the exceptional quality and meticulous attention to detail that Grundman and his team bring to every project. His dedication to achieving sonic perfection and his commitment to maintaining the artistic vision of the artists he works with have made him highly respected among his peers. Throughout his career, Bernie Grundman has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the music industry. He is the recipient of several Grammy Awards, recognizing his exceptional skills as a mastering engineer. These accolades further solidify his status as a true pioneer in the field and underscore his unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond his technical prowess, Grundman's success can be attributed to his genuine love for music and his unwavering passion for his craft. His dedication to his work has allowed him to forge lasting relationships with artists, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration in the studio. As a master of his trade, Bernie Grundman continues to inspire and influence aspiring engineers and musicians worldwide. His legacy is one of innovation, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of sonic perfection. Today, his name remains synonymous with exceptional audio quality, and his contributions to the music industry will continue to resonate for generations to come. Album cover photography: Craig Aurness, West Light, Tom Campbell, Gary D. Silva, Margot Reyes |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Animal Records 206 445 |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1984 Made in Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: THE GUN CLUB - The Las Vegas Story |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "THE GUN CLUB - The Las Vegas Story" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "THE GUN CLUB - The Las Vegas Story" is:
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Record Label Details: White Colour Animal Reords 206 445 ℗ 1984 Chrysalis Sound Copyright
The Gun Club was a highly influential American punk rock band that emerged in the early 1980s. Formed by the enigmatic guitarist and singer Jeffrey Lee Pierce, the band blended elements of blues, punk, and country to create a unique sound that would inspire generations of musicians.
Pierce was born in California in 1958 and grew up in the midst of the punk rock explosion in Los Angeles. He was an avid fan of blues music and had a deep appreciation for the raw energy and emotional intensity that characterized the genre. In the late 1970s, he formed the Red Lights, a short-lived punk rock band that failed to make much of an impact.
Undeterred, Pierce decided to pursue his vision of a blues-influenced punk rock band, and in 1980, he formed the Gun Club with guitarist Kid Congo Powers, bassist Rob Ritter, and drummer Terry Graham. The band's sound was characterized by Pierce's distinctive vocal style, which combined the urgency of punk rock with the raw emotion of the blues.
The Gun Club's debut album, "Fire of Love," was released in 1981 and was an instant classic. The album was produced by Chris D., who had previously worked with the punk band the Flesh Eaters, and featured a mix of original songs and covers of classic blues tunes. The album's opening track, "Sex Beat," was an immediate fan favorite and set the tone for the band's distinctive sound.
Over the next few years, the Gun Club released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including "Miami" (1982) and "The Las Vegas Story" (1984). The band's music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of country and rockabilly into their sound, and Pierce's songwriting became increasingly complex and poetic.
Despite their critical success, the Gun Club never achieved mainstream popularity. The band struggled with internal conflicts, including drug addiction and financial instability, and Pierce's erratic behavior and health issues also took a toll on the group. Ritter died of a drug overdose in 1990, and Pierce passed away from a brain hemorrhage in 1996, leaving behind a rich legacy of music and influence.
The Gun Club's music has been cited as a major influence by a wide range of artists, including Nick Cave, Kurt Cobain, and the White Stripes. The band's unique blend of blues, punk, and country helped to pave the way for the alt-country movement of the 1990s and has had a lasting impact on American music.