Gilby Clarke--Pawnshop Guitars

Gilby Clarke--Pawnshop Guitars (1994/Virgin) Rating--5.5

Gilby Clarke steps out on his own, after previously being a part of Kill For Thrills and Guns N' Roses-- the latter of which helped to briefly put him name on the map.
A number of GNR (and other) guests show up to lend a helping hand, but they can't save this release. Like the more lax parts of the 'Illusion' discs, there are too many songs that simply meander along--- and they take away from the one or two crunchers.
Opening tease "Cure Me... Or Kill Me..." is a pure distortion stalk, and has a great note-driven pulse. However, only one other song really tries to match its intensity, as the kick-in, post-chorus explosive sections of "Tijuana Jail" are great.
"Black" has a lighter, Enuff Z'Nuff feel, and laid-back rhythms dot "Let's Get Lost" and the title track, as well.
Axl Rose helps out on "Dead Flowers," but it ends up being too much like some of the piano-driven drivel of the aforementioned 'Illusions'...
TRACK LIST: Cure Me... Or Kill Me.../Black/Tijuana Jail/Skin & Bones/Johanna's Chopper/Let's Get Lost/Pawn Shop Guitars/ Dead Flowers/Jail Guitar Doors/Hunting Dogs/Shut Up

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