GN’R Sound-Alikes Drain the Scene Along Sunset

The post-Guns N’ Roses slump is on.

The mega-success of L.A.’s current hard-rock heroes may have opened the record industry’s ears (and wallets) to the local street-rock scene, but the resulting stream of contract-coveting sound-alikes has squeezed the life out of the scene.

“Bands are still trying to be Motley Crue in ‘82,” insisted Keith Bailey, an advance street-rock scout for Geffen, the label that has GN’R.

Dayle Gloria, proprietor of Club With No Name, agrees that the street-wise rock ‘n’ roll style that brought GN’R fame is still around, but she added, “I haven’t been seeing much of that lately, except at the Whisky.”

While Gloria feels the Sunset Strip is the last bastion for potential Guns N’ Roses clones, Bret Hartman, MCA’s West Coast A&R; manager, disagrees. He points out that Warrant, whose highly polished, tightly choreographed show is closer to Poison than GN’R, plyed its wares on the Strip before being signed to CBS. He also adds that Bang Tango, an MCA band that was well known on the local circuit before being signed, “has more of a funk edge.”

“Bands like Guns N’ Roses only come around once every four or five years,” Hartman said. “There are some really good bands coming out of the scene.”

Janice De Soto, who runs the semi-underground clubs English Acid and Eat the Rich, said “Guns N’ Roses succeeded in many ways--they not only went to the top, they also stirred up the record industry.”

Hard rock bands aren’t the only ones who have benefitted, according to De Soto: “Record company people are scrambling to sign all kinds of bands, looking for the next big thing.”

So what is the next big thing, the band that could climb out of the rut?

One interesting entry grabbing a lot of attention from the A&R; folks right now is the Mimes. Known last year as the Antja Mimes, the band had already impressed the scenesters with its wicked saxophone-laced bar-blues-based rock. But a few months ago, the group upped the ante as it shortened its name, adding two black rappers (!) to the act.

Still, there’s nothing out there unifying the scene like GN’R did a couple years ago. “What bands are the replacements for Jane’s Addiction, Guns N’ Roses and Faster Pussycat?” asked Gloria. “There aren’t lines around the block. There may be a lot of bands, but there aren’t that many good bands that have experience.”

GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY: Seems like Molly Malone’s is the place to be heard these days, at least if you want a record deal. The Fairfax tavern is where Elektra found the Havalinas (the folkabilly trio of ex-Rockats Tim Scott and Smutty Smiff and former Cruzados drummer Charlie Quintano), while the Brothers Figaro, a quirky folk duo using the names Luigi and Giuseppe Figaro, was discovered there by a Geffen representative who had actually come to see Shadowland, which has also been signed by the label. The hottest action seems to be at the Tuesday night acoustic shows being put together by Alice Miller--who happens to manage the Havalinas. That band--which is reportedly talking to Mellencamp producer Don Gehman about recording its debut--can be seen at Molly’s on June 27.

TRULIO WATCH: The indescribable funk monster Trulio Disgracias is currently mulling over an offer from Island Records. Meanwhile, the addition of guitarist John Frusciante (borrowed from the Red Hot Chili Peppers) and N’dia Davenport (a backup singer for Al Jarreau) brings the total membership of the troupe to a whopping 28, including most of Fishbone, some more Chili Peppers and a couple Wasted Youth. See them all at Club Lingerie on June 30.

TEXTONES TEXTS: A lot of action on the Carla Olson front. After a decade leading the Textones, the Texas-bred Angelena has recorded her first solo album. Cut in Malmo, Sweden last year, the album features backing by Textone guitarist George Callins and the Swedish band Wilmer X and songs co-written by Olson and John Mellencamp’s partner George Green. The album has just been released in Europe, with U.S. issue to come.

In August, Rhino will also release “Through the Canyon,” a collection of unreleased Textones tracks recorded between 1979 and 1986. Besides a handful of Olson performances, the album features original Textone Kathy Valentine singing “Can’t Stop the World” (which she later recorded with the Go-Go’s), two oldies sung by Phil Seymour and a song with the band fronted by ex-Byrd Gene Clark. Look for Olson to perform around town both with a band and in an acoustic duo with Clark.

BUZZWORDS: Dick Rude, co-writer and co-star of the films “Straight to Hell” and “Repo Man” (“the wild, bald-headed punk who robbed liquor stores”) has formed the “psychedelic Las Vegas” band Too Free Stooges with Thelonious Monster guitarist Zander Schloss, who’s also now playing with Joe Strummer. The band’s tongue-in-cheek repertoire includes “Spinning Wheel,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Live and Let Die,” all decked out with “jokes, dancing, gold chains, chest hairs and bad taste,” according to Rude. An original number, “Acid for the Children,” has become something of a hit on Loyola Marymount University radio station KXLU. . . .

The Balancing Act is in limbo with drummer Robert Blackmon deciding to quit the band and go to law school. Blackmon has also departed from the art-rap M.C. Clown, in which M. C. Maria X (Maria Niles) is now teamed with former Skankster Kyle Johnson and current Balancing Act member Willie Aron. . . .

The acoustic music and poetry showcase Seventh Day has found a permanent home after floating for the past few months. The 8121 club, downstairs from Coconut Teaszer at 8121 Sunset, will now host the events on the last Sunday of each month. The June 25 debut will feature Nicky Jones (a Jimmy Iovine protege, formerly of the group Nikita), Downy Mildew, Jeff Davis, Michael Petak of Carnival Art and Mercury’s Flower (a new group featuring Ringling Sister--and Seventh Day honchette--Debbie Patino). Though 8121 normally has no cover charge, the Seventh Days will have a small entrance fee. . . .

Speaking of Carnival Art, the band is set to release it’s debut album, “Nobody’s Business,” on its own Spineless Voodoo label. There will be a release party June 30 at Al’s Bar. . . .

Mary’s Danish celebrated the release of its debut LP “Here Comes the Wondertruck” with a poolside party at the Hyatt on Sunset. The band, which now includes ex-Three O’Clock guitarist Luis Guitierez, will be at the Roxy on July 6. . . .

Walking Wounded’s Jerry Giddens has a new acoustic album, “Livin’ Ain’t Easy,” out now on the Mountain Railroad label. Meanwhile, the band has finished its third album, “Raging Winds of Time,” produced by Jeff Eyrich (Plimsouls) and due from Chameleon in August. . . .

The Clints have also released a debut album, “No Place Like Home,” a varied collection of aggressive yet melodic songs nothing like the Unforgiven-type image of the bands name. Dan Mantovina, who worked on House of Freaks’ debut, produced. . . .

Newport Beach’s Imagining Yellow Suns has signed to Orange-based Dr. Dream Records. The melodically neo-psychedelic band is recording its debut album now, with a September release planned.