Tell Me Why

The song "Tell Me Why" by Jones Street from their album Out Of The Gutter stands out for its unexpected blend of styles, kicking off with a steel guitar that gives it a country ballad vibe before morphing into a blues-tinged hard rock anthem. Reviewers have noted its Southern rock feel, with a slow build that accelerates into a powerful, gritty rocker, showcasing the band’s ability to weave diverse influences into their sleaze metal sound. One critic described it as a track that “could’ve emerged straight from Axl Rose’s songwriting cabinet,” highlighting its Guns N’ Roses-esque flair and juicy mix of country and blues rock. The song’s unique opening fooled listeners expecting a straightforward glam metal banger, making it a memorable curveball in the album’s tracklist. Its heartfelt lyrics and dynamic shift from mellow to intense have been praised for capturing the raw emotion and swagger of the early ’90s Sunset Strip scene.

Another piece of trivia about "Tell Me Why" is its place in the band’s 1991 demo, which included four tracks that also featured "Dancin’ With The Devil," "Thieves Of Love," and "Take Your Love." This demo caught the attention of Sony Records, leading to a demo deal, but the timing was unfortunate as the grunge wave, sparked by Nirvana’s Nevermind, overshadowed the glam metal scene in 1991. The song’s production, handled by heavyweights like Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe and Steve Stevens of Billy Idol fame, added a polished yet raw edge, reflecting the band’s high-energy live performances at venues like the Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy. Fans on ’80s Hair Metal Facebook groups often cite "Tell Me Why" as a hidden gem that deserved more airplay, with some recalling bootleg tapes of Jones Street’s live shows where the song’s extended guitar solos electrified crowds.

Jones Street formed in Los Angeles in 1991, emerging from the tail end of the Sunset Strip’s glam metal heyday. Originally hailing from San Diego, the five-piece band—Shawn Crosby on vocals, Jonny Jones and Mickey Perez on guitars, John J. Jauregui on bass, and Rob Hanna on drums—relocated to L.A. to chase fame in the crowded hard rock scene. Their sound was heavily influenced by AC/DC, Aerosmith, Van Halen, and Guns N’ Roses, but they carved out a niche with a heavier, rawer attack. The band quickly gained traction, playing iconic venues like Gazzarri’s, The Troubadour, and FM Station, which they considered a home base. Their high-octane live shows, opening for acts like Ratt, Warrant, and Slaughter, drew attention from magazines like Metal Edge and RIP, as well as local radio stations like KNAC. Despite their momentum, the rise of grunge in the early ’90s derailed their shot at a major label deal, and they disbanded in 1994 after failing to secure a contract.

The band’s story didn’t end there. In 2008, lead singer Shawn Crosby independently released Dancin’ With The Devil, a collection of tracks recorded between 1991 and 1994, which sold out quickly and became a collector’s item. Renewed interest in “lost” Sunset Strip bands led Eonian Records to reissue the album as Out Of The Gutter in 2022, remastered by Anthony Focx (who also drummed on several tracks) and featuring the previously unreleased demo "On The Edge." This reissue introduced Jones Street to a new generation of sleaze rock fans, with their official Facebook page buzzing with nostalgia-driven posts and fan discussions. The band’s gritty aesthetic and tales of near-misses with stardom resonate on fan-driven platforms like Hairband Heaven, where devotees share stories of discovering Jones Street through rare CDs or YouTube clips.

For more on Jones Street, check out their official page on the Eonian Records website, which includes band history, discography, and ordering info for Out Of The Gutter. Their Facebook page is active with updates and fan engagement, while their Instagram shares throwback photos and album art. On X, they post about the reissue and connect with fans reminiscing about the ’90s rock scene. Fan communities thrive on sites like Hairband Heaven and Sleaze Roxx, while Facebook groups like ’80s Hair Metal keep the spirit of Jones Street alive with discussions and shared bootlegs. These platforms offer a deep dive into the band’s legacy and the era they defined.