Review: Gilby Clarke, _The Hangover_, (Paradigm Records)
                        - Linda Scott	
         Gilby Clarke was at the top of the rock mountain.  Guns N’Roses had tapped him
for the rhythm guitar slot vacated by Izzy Stradlin, but footing proved precarious.  While
Clarke survived GNR’s endless Illusions world tour and played on the band’s next
album, his outspoken criticism of Axl Rose’s musical direction led to his being fired.
Clarke subsequently sued GNR for exploiting his image without his permission.  And
at the end of the slide down the GNR mountain, there’s just Gilby Clarke.  Without
bitterness, Clarke speaks philosophically of his time on top and seems happy to get
back to his own work.
         Clarke’s second solo album, _The Hangover_, is a bit different than the first, 
_Pawnshop Guitars_, which featured almost every Gunner bandmate on the tracks.
Not one appears on this album, but there are friends Eric Singer (Kiss), Waddy 
Wachtel (Keith Richards), and Clem Burke (Blondie).  __The Hangover_ is nine
original Clarke tracks and two covers by favorite artists The Beatles (Happiness is
a Warm Gun) and David Bowie (Hang Onto Yourself)..  In fact these two may be the
best on the album.  As he did on _Pawnshop Guitars_, Clarke shows some different sides,
but they are all rock ‘n’ roll.  He combines his love of hard rock riffs with Beatles-
influenced melodies.  The results, while not always inspiring, are always appealing.
Blue Grass Mosquito bends the rules and has a really innovative chorus, and Mickey
Mouse is a charmer with glam  overtones.  Wasn’t Yesterday Great is track 1 and
references the album title with these lyrics: “Wasn’t yesterday great, Stayed in bed in
my hangover clothes, I couldn’t get up for the day.”  So the covers are very good, and
there are good rockers here, but in some places the music has a sameness about it.  Some
supercharged riffs here and there would help out.  Maybe a little more help from his
friends was needed.  Gilby Clarke is without the Gunners, at least this go round,
and in some places their presence is missed.
         Clarke is touring the US right now.  He’s comfortable on the bar/club circuit where
he can relax and hang out with fans after the show.  Clarke is an unpretentious, approachable
guy who does a great live show.  He projects a sweet, friendly personality and is able to 
connect with the crowd.  Watch for Gilby Clarke at the smaller clubs near you, and give
his live act a try.  _The Hangover_ is a good rocking album that Clarke fans, GNR fans,
and maybe some Beatles fans would like.  Pick up the earlier _Pawnshop Guitars_ while
you’re at it.  And visit this web site to see the tour schedule:
www.arocknid.com/gilby/hangover-tour.html