OK. Let's face it. Kiss has to be one of
the most influential bands in metal history. They are the reason I got hooked to music
back in the beginning of the 80's. And just ask most guitar-players in rock/metal today, and
I bet most of them would state Ace Frehley as one of the
reasons they picked up their guitar. Starting out in New York in 1973, their
live reputation soon made them famous. Of course their outrageous make-up and
stage shows had to be recognized. The band has done it all. Being the worlds
biggest band in 1976/1977, losing original members, taking the make-up off,
members being fired, members dying, reforming the original line-up and putting
the make-up back on, again being the worlds biggest band in 1996/1997. Also look
for members in Vinnie Vincent Invasion,
Union, ESP, Michael Bolton, Frehley's
Comet, White Tiger, Criss and many, many others. What can
I say;
YOU WANTED THE BEST, YOU GOT THE BEST, THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD:
!!!
!!!
KISS
(1974, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons -
Vocals, Bass
Paul Stanley -
Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Ace Frehley -
Lead Guitar
Peter Criss -
Drums, Vocals
Additional musician:
Bruce Foster - Piano
Album Release: February 8, 1974 Producer(s): Kenny Kerner & Richie Wise |
KISS entered the
rock-scene back in 1973, and within a year they had their first record out. And
what a debut it was! Short of 3 songs (including 1 cover and 1 instrumental), they are all
classics! They are essential tracks, and most of them are still part of the live
set! The original vinyl-pressing didn't include the Bobby Rydell cover
"Kissin' Time", and actually KISS never wanted it to be on the record. It was recorded to promote a kissing contest, a contest to promote
KISS!
"Love Theme
From KISS" is one of the few instrumental numbers KISS have recorded, and was originally
called "Acrobat". Peter has different make-up on the cover than the
one that became his trademark. I started listening to KISS when I was 7 years old,
but didn't start collecting their material until I was 20 something. Then some
of the songs was almost new to me. One of those rediscovered tunes was "Black
Diamond", which is one of my all time favorite KISS-tunes. A MUST!!!
Killer tracks:
Strutter, Nothin' To Lose, Firehouse, Cold Gin, Deuce, 100,000 Years, Black
Diamond
HOTTER
THAN HELL (1974, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons -
Vocals, Bass
Paul Stanley -
Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Ace Frehley -
Lead Guitar
Peter Criss -
Drums, Vocals
|
The same year as
their first release, KISS also released their second album. Talk about productivity
(KISS actually released one or two or five(!) albums per year from 1974 until
1989, only missing out on 1986)! 'Hotter Than Hell' includes as many classics as it's predecessor,
and also here I rediscovered songs like "Got To Choose" and "Strange
Ways". The
cover was sort of a nod to Japan, but the record wasn't released in Japan until
1977. Kiss has always being linked to the Japanese traditional kabuki make-up,
but they never took the idea from there. It all came about by just taking the
glam-look, with girl-like make-up and clothes, and taking it to the extreme.
Another essential KISS recording, A MUST!!
Killer tracks:
Got To Choose, Parasite, Goin' Blind, Hotter Than Hell, Watchin' You, Comin'
Home, Strange Ways
DRESSED
TO KILL (1975, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons -
Vocals, Bass
Paul Stanley -
Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Ace Frehley -
Lead Guitar
Peter Criss -
Drums, Vocals
|
KISS didn't sell
as many records as their concert attendance should have shown, so Neil Bogart
came up with an idea. To record a song that catches KISS lifestyle and essence.
Simmons and Stanley came up with "Rock And Roll All Nite", the most known
KISS-song, and the rock 'n roll anthem! Despite that, I don't think this
record is as strong as it's two predecessors. Songs like "Getaway",
"Anything
For My Baby" and "Two Timer" are easily forgettable. But there are hidden
treasures here as well. "Ladies In Waiting" is the tune I rediscovered here. So
although not my favorite KISS-album, it's still essential!
Killer tracks:
Room Service, Ladies In Waiting, C'Mon And Love Me, She, Love Her All I Can,
Rock And Roll All Nite
Rock
trivia: When KISS should take the famous photos for this cover, it required
suits. But not all members owned a suit, and Gene was one of them. He borrowed
one from Neil Bogart, and if you look closely you will see that it is much to short
for Gene!
ALIVE! (1975, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY|
CD1:
CD2:
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons -
Vocals, Bass
Paul Stanley -
Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Ace Frehley -
Lead Guitar, Vocals
Peter Criss -
Drums, Vocals
 |
Ask 10
headbangers what the best live-album of all times is, and I bet you 9 of them
will answer 'Alive!'. That's how essential this is. KISS could not get a break
selling records, although their live shows were selling like water in Sahara. So
together with Neil Bogart (his Casablanca records was on the brim of bankruptcy
because of the costs to send KISS on tours, but not selling enough records),
they came up with an idea; to release a live album! Now, live albums were not
considered cool in the mid 70's, and double live albums were just considered suicide.
But somehow Simmons/Stanley and co. had their heart set on just that. And within
weeks after it's release, KISS had their first gold record, and still selling.
Within a year it went platinum, and the single for "Rock And Roll All Nite" was
their first hit. 'Alive!' is truly one of the best live albums of all time! A
MUST!!
DESTROYER
(1976, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons -
Vocals, Bass
Paul Stanley -
Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Ace Frehley -
Lead Guitar
Peter Criss -
Drums, Vocals
|
After the huge success
of 'Alive!', KISS had to do something extra for their next record. And producer
Bob Ezrin was the man they counted on to help them doing just that. He had
already helped Alice Cooper to record his careers
best record, with 'Welcome To My Nightmare'. Bob turned out to be more a drill sergeant,
than a producer. So especially Ace was not pleased, and failed to show up
numerous times. The result, though, is considered by many as the
highlight in KISS' career. Alongside their first release, 'Destroyer' contains
the most live classics ever! The only downer here is "Sweet Pain", but I also
rediscovered "Flaming Youth" and "Great Expectations". Ironically the biggest
hit from the record, was the b-side to the "Detroit Rock City" single, namely
"Beth". Radio stations flipped the single, and played "Beth" instead, earning
KISS a Peoples Choice Award in January 1977. "Beth" is still their number 1 hit
to this day, and for some reason KISS though it would be a great idea to
re-record it for the 1988 compilation album, 'Smashes, Trashes & Hits'!
Anyway, 'Destroyer' is another MUST!!
Killer tracks:
Detroit Rock City, God Of Thunder, Great Expectations, Shout It Out Loud, Do You
Love Me?
Rock
trivia: One day at the end of the record session, Paul and Bob called Gene,
saying he would have to rush down to the studio. They claimed that the boys
choir recorded for "Great Expectations" hade somehow been deleted, and that they
had to record something else instead. They had to come up with another song,
fast. They came up with "Shout It Out Loud", and KISS had another killer song!
"Shout It Out Loud" was a song-title used by the pre-KISS band Wicked
Lester, but the two songs sound nothing like each other.
ROCK
AND ROLL OVER (1976, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons -
Vocals, Bass
Paul Stanley -
Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Ace Frehley -
Lead Guitar
Peter Criss -
Drums, Vocals
|
Although
'Destroyer' went gold even before hitting the stores shelves, it never became
the success they had hoped for. The die hard fans thought KISS were selling out
in creating a new sound. So KISS went back to basics on their 5th studio effort.
'Rock And Roll Over' is yet again a great record, filled with KISS-classics, but it's also noticeable
that trouble was lurking under the surface. Peter Criss, having had a hit with
"Beth", now thought he was the driving force behind KISS, and wanted to have
more songs on the record. This resulting in the awful "Baby Driver". Ace did not
contribute with any songs. But the great songs really catches the rock and roll
feel KISS are famous for. The album was actually recorded in a concert arena,
but without an audience. "See You In Your Dreams" later appeared on Gene's solo
album.
Killer tracks: I
Want You, Calling Dr. Love, Love 'em And Leave 'em, See You In Your Dreams, Hard
Luck Woman
LOVE
GUN (1977, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons -
Vocals, Bass
Paul Stanley -
Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Ace Frehley -
Lead Guitar, Vocals
Peter Criss -
Drums, Vocals
|
Again KISS went
back in the studio with Eddie Kramer producing. And the result is another
classic album, alongside their debut and 'Destroyer'! It seemed as if KISS could
do no wrong. Everybody loved KISS by now, and their concerts were more family
entertainment, than youth rock concerts. The cover on 'Love Gun' is penned by
the same guys that did 'Destroyer'. It contains another Peter Criss stinker,
"Hooligan" (maybe his worst ever?). But that is easily forgotten when Ace
Frehley does his debut as lead singer in the trademark, "Shock Me"!! Awesome
stuff! Hidden treasure here is "Tomorrow And Tonight". "Then She Kissed
Me" is a
cover of a Phil Spector song. A MUST!!
Killer tracks: I
Stole Your Love, Christine Sixteen, Shock Me, Tomorrow And Tonight, Plaster
Caster
ALIVE II (1977, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY|
CD1:
CD2:
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons -
Bass, Lead vocals on 1-1, 1-6, 1-7, 2-3, 2-5, 2-7, 2-8, Rhythm guitar on
2-8, Back-up vocals
Paul Stanley - Rhythm & lead guitar, Lead vocals on 1-1, 1-2, 1-4, 1-5, 1-10, 2-1, 2-4, 2-5, 2-6, 2-10, Back-up vocals Peter Criss - Drums, Lead vocals on 1-9, 2-2, Back-up vocals Ace Frehley - Lead & rhythm guitar, All guitars on 2-9, Bass on 2-9, Lead vocals on 1-8, 2-9, Back-up vocals
Additional
musicians:
Bob Kulick - Lead & rhythm guitar on 2-6, 2-8 Ed Balandas - The Introduction "Voice"
Produced by
Eddie Kramer and KISS. Tracks 1-1, 1-3 - 1-8 & 2-1 - 2-5 recorded live at
The Forum, Los Angeles, CA, August 25 - 28, 1977. Track 1-2, 1-7, & 2-4
recorded in Japan, 1977. Tracks 1-4, 1-5, 2-6 - 2-10 recorded at Capital
Theatre, Passaic, NJ, and Electric Lady Studios, NYC, NY, September 1977.
Engineered by
Eddie Kramer and Corky Stasiak. Mixed by Eddie Kramer and Neil Dorfsman at
Electric Lady Studios, NYC, NY.
|
In 1977/1978 KISS
were the biggest band in the world! They had released a KISS comic book,
KISS
dolls, KISS radio, KISS moped, you name it, KISS sold it! So to celebrate the
fans, and KISS' success, it was decided to release another double live album.
They were hoping for another success like 'Alive!'. But since they only 3 years
earlier had released another double live album, they didn't want to include the
same songs. So only material from the last 3 albums were included. Then it
turned out they didn't have enough material for a double album, so they decided
to record some new material for the 4th side of the records. The live material
is just as great as the 'Alive!' material, but it is also more polished. Non
band-members, like Bob Kulick, helped out in re-recording stuff, and
participated on the new songs. Peter and Ace were hardly ever around when these
events took place. Their alcohol and drug habits were taking over their
existences. The new material was easily the worst material KISS had recorded up
'til now. Only "Larger Than Life" and "Rocket Ride" pass the needles eye.
Ace
and Peter were now threatening to leave the band. Peter thought he would do much
better as a solo-artist. So it was decided to do rock and roll's most daring
stunt; release four solo-albums simultaneously, with the band logo in one
corner, and the artist name in the other. So in September of '78 KISS released:
GENE
SIMMONS (1978, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY-
Radioactive
-
Burning Up With Fever
-
See You Tonight
-
Tunnel Of Love
-
True Confessions
-
Living In Sin
-
Always Near You/Nowhere To Hide
-
Man Of 1,000 Faces
-
Mr. Make Believe
-
See You In Your Dreams
-
When You Wish Upon A Star
Gene's record was
not what people expected from KISS co-founder. His demon-esque persona made
people to believe that his record would be filled with crunchy riffs, and dark
melodies ala "God Of Thunder" (although it really was penned by Paul!). This
was not the case. Gene took on a more mellow sound, but the lyrics was definitely
Gene-like! I wish more people would have seen that making solo-records should
not be like making records with the band. Solo records should sound
different, otherwise there is no point making them. Gene's album is really a
good one, if you look at it from that perspective. He writes really great songs.
It's the album I tend to listen to the most of all the solo-stuff. "See You In
Your Dreams" is a re-recorded version of the 'Rock And Roll Over' track by the same name.
"When You Wish Upon A Star" is a rendition of the Walt Disney classic!
Killer tracks:
Radioactive, See You Tonight, Man Of 1,000 Faces, Mr. Make Believe, See You In
Your Dreams
ACE
FREHLEY (1978, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY-
Rip It Out
-
Speedin' Back To My Baby
-
Snow Blind
-
Ozone
-
What's On Your Mind?
-
New York Groove
-
I'm In Need Of Love
-
Wiped-Out
-
Fractured Mirror - instrumental
Gene and Paul
never thought Ace would be able to pull this
solo-thing off. He had always been very reluctant to take on the role as lead
singer. And his drinking problems didn't help his playing skills either. It was therefore
a surprise to all when they heard the final result. Ace had really pulled him
self together, and written what was going to be known as the best of the four
solo-albums (not by me though). Classic Ace
material, with rockers as "Rip It Out" and the Russ Ballard cover
"New York Groove" (that song is the only solo-material KISS have done extensively live
ever since). This solo-album was really a pin-point as to what the spaceman was
going to do when he left KISS some 4 years later.
Killer tracks:
Rip It Out, New York Groove, Wiped-Out
PETER
CRISS (1978, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY-
I'm Gonna Love You
-
You Matter To Me
-
Tossin' And Turnin'
-
Don't You Let Me Down
-
That's The Kind Of Sugar Papa Likes
-
Easy Thing
-
Rock Me, Baby
-
Kiss The Girl Goodbye
-
Hooked On Rock 'n' Roll
-
I Can't Stop The Rain
Peter actually
thought he was the star in KISS, and he was much of the reason they decided to
release these solo-albums. So the shock must have been frustrating for him, when
his album was the one to sell the least. The fans hated it, the critics laughed
at it, the whole thing was just embarrassing. Or was it? Again I will have to
remind people that releasing solo-albums should not be looked upon with the same
eyes as a bands regular releases. Hearing this record with that in mind, I
actually don't think it's that bad. Songs like "Easy Thing" and the fabulous
"I
Can't Stop The Rain" are to me very fine tunes indeed. If he had written them
for KISS albums, I think they had been considered classics. Instead they are
laughed at just as much as the truly bad ones, like "That's The Kind Of Sugar
Papa Like" (even worse than "Hooligan"). I used to play the vinyl of Peter Criss
so much,
I almost wore it out!
Killer tracks:
You Matter To Me, Tossin' And Turnin', Easy Thing, I Can't Stop The Rain
-
Tonight You Belong To Me
-
Move On
-
Ain't Quite Right
-
Wouldn't You Like To Know Me
-
Take Me Away (Together As One)
-
It's Alright
-
Hold Me, Touch Me (Think Of Me When We're Apart)
-
Love In Chains
-
Goodbye
Paul's solo album
was of course the one that sounded most like KISS. He actually wanted to sound
nothing like KISS, but fans still considered it the one to be most true to their
expectations. I also think it's a great album, and always switch between this
one and Gene's in favoring the solo-efforts. I kind of rediscovered the entire
album when I started collecting KISS-albums again. I had forgotten most of the
songs on it, and was pleasantly surprised upon hearing songs like "Goodbye" and
"It's Alright".
Killer tracks:
Tonight You Belong To Me, Wouldn't You Like To Know Me, It's Alright, Goodbye
DYNASTY
(1979, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Paul Stanley -
Lead vocals & bass on 3, 6, Rhythm guitar, Lead Guitar on 3, Backing
vocals
Gene Simmons - Lead vocals on 5, 8, Bass on 1, 4, 5, 8, Backing vocals
Ace Frehley -
Lead vocals & bass on 2, 7, 9, Lead guitar, Backing vocals
Peter Criss - Lead vocals on 4, Drums on 4, Backing vocals.
Additional
musicians:
Vini Poncia - Keyboards on 1, Backing vocals. Anton Fig - Drums on 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
After the not so
popular solo-releases, KISS returned with another stinker. In KISS-terms, that
is. It's quite funny, 'cause "I Was Made For Loving You" was really one of their
biggest successes of all times. And ask anybody to mention a KISS song, they probably
will start with this one (or "Rock And Roll All Nite"). It was Paul Stanley who
decided that writing a disco-tune (which was the big thing in the late 70's) had
to be easy, so he penned down 'I Was Made For Lobing You' in about 10 minutes! Unfocused and
confused, with band-members not showing up (Peter Criss only plays on "Dirty
Livin'"), KISS delivered a record the fans hated. Ace
called it disco-rock!?! But despite the hideous singles, "I Was Made.." and
"Sure Know Something", there are some hidden treasures here. "Charisma" and
"Magic Touch" are excellent tunes, and with another production, they would have
been classics. The Ace-ified Rolling Stones cover "2,000 Man" is another killer!
Killer tracks:
Save Your Love, 2,000 Man, Charisma, Magic Touch
Rock
trivia: When Gene was finished recording the background singing to "I Was
Made For Loving You", he told Paul that he would never sing that song again! He said
that Paul had made him sound like a woman. Well, the song became one of KISS'
most successful hits, and has been played live at almost every tour since!!
UNMASKED
(1980, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons -
Lead Vocals on 4, 8, Bass, Backing Vocals
Paul Stanley -
Lead Vocals on 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, Rhythm Guitar, Bass on 1, Backing Vocals
Ace Frehley -
Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals on 3, 7, Bass on 3, 7, Backing Vocals
Additional
musicians:
Anton Fig -
Drums
Tom Harper - Bass on 2 Vini Poncia - Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Percussion Holly Knight - Keyboards on 2 |
 |
I know the common
way to write about this record is to slaughter it. The fans hated this album
even more than it's predecessor. But this was actually the first KISS-album I
listened to in it's entirety. I remember sitting in the living-room, borrowing
my parents record-player. With huge headphones, and a borrowed vinyl-copy of
'Unmasked' on full throttle, my life was complete! I loved the cover-art, and
read the comic-strip about a thousand times (still like it!). To me, the
thunderous opening riff sounded like a helicopter! Awesome stuff!! Today though,
some of the material has faded. I still love the album, and put it on every once
in a while, but now it's easier to skip some songs ("Torpedo Girl" for example).
Ace is really delivering the goods here. Two of
his finest offerings on one disc. Peter Criss though, is nowhere to be found. Although
he is on the cover, he had quit/been fired from the band (depending on who you
believe). Anton Fig, who also plays on 'Dynasty' and 'Ace Frehley', filled his
shoes on this one. "Is That You?" is a cover-tune, but the original
artist never released it on any album himself. He only demoed it, and since his
manager at the time knew Vini Ponia, the producer on 'Unmasked', he played Vini
the demo to see if he wanted to produce this artist. Vini opted to use the song
for Kiss instead. The artists name was Gerard
McMahon (aka Gerard McMann aka G Tom Mac), the man also responsible for the
monster hit "Cry Little Sister", from the cult movie 'The Lost Boys'.
Killer tracks: Is
That You?, Talk To Me, Tomorrow, Two Sides Of The Coin, What Makes The World Go
'Round
(MUSIC
FROM) THE
ELDER (1981, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons -
Vocals, Bass
Paul Stanley -
Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Ace Frehley -
Lead Guitar, Vocals
Eric Carr -
Drums
|
After losing
popularity because of the 2 last albums, KISS wanted to return to what they new
best. Thunderous rock 'n' roll! So they sat down and wrote a bunch of crunchy
riffs, and called Bob Ezrin, to see if he wanted to produce another masterpiece
for them. This is the guy that had delivered with 'Destroyer' back in '76.
Unfortunately he had been spending too much time with the acid-boys in Pink
Floyd, and had this grand idea about a concept album. Gene, being the movie and
superhero fan he is, immediately loved the idea, and soon had talked the rest of
the guys into it. Well, the rest actually being Paul, as Ace
were nowhere to be found, and new drummer, Eric Carr (taking on the role as the
Fox), had not much of a saying. The result was '(Music From) The Elder', a
record so pompous, and far from the KISS-sound as possible! Now the fans
believed the 4 masked heroes really had lost it, and this record is still the
only KISS-album that has failed to sell to platinum! But again, if you listen to
the record for what it's worth, and remembering that this is not supposed to
sound like the usual KISS-record, it is very much filled to the brim with
excellent songs. With no Catman in site, not one tune is bad! Gene shows how
emotional, and talented he is, and delivers quality stuff like "Only You" and
"I". His "A World Without Heroes" was a hit, and has later been covered by his
one time girlfriend, and label-mate, Cher. To me, 'The Elder' is a masterpiece!!
It is one of my all time favorite albums, in all categories! And I remember how
we almost believed it was the devil himself singing along on "Mr. Blackwell".
Man, KISS was larger-than-life personas, before the make-up went!
Killer tracks:
All of them!! Always make sure you play the whole record in one go!
CREATURES
OF THE NIGHT (1982, 1997) CASABLANCA/MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons -
Bass, Lead vocals on 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, Rhythm guitar on 9, Back-up vocals
Paul Stanley - Lead & rhythm guitars, Lead vocals on 1, 3, 5, 7, Back-up vocals Eric Carr - Drums, Bass on 6, Back-up vocals Vincent Cusano - Lead and rhythm guitars, Back-up vocals
Additional
musicians:
Bob Kulick - Lead and rhythm guitars on 3, 5 Robben Ford ··· Lead guitar on 4, 7 Adam Mitchell ··· Rhythm guitars on 1 Steve Ferris ··· Guitar solo on 1 Jimmy Haslip ··· Bass on 4, 5 Mike Porcaro ··· Bass on 1 (?) |
 |
With KISS'
decreasing popularity, co-founders Stanley and Simmons finally took action. They
fired their long-time manager, Bill Aucoin, and started another climb to the top
of the rock 'n' roll world! Unfortunately everything was still not fine under
the surface, or should I say surfAce! He was
quitting the band, and hospitalized after a major car-crash (accident is NOT the
right term for drunk-driving). So Gene and Paul decided to hire a bunch of
session musicians to get the record finished. Among them were the retuning Bob Kulick, Bryan
Adams(!?!) and one Vincent Cusano. Cusano later changed his name to Vinnie
Vincent, took on the role of an Egyptian ankh, and replaced the Spaceman. The
result was another killer KISS-record! The bombastic sound of the title track,
"War Machine" and "I Love It Loud" was unmistakably KISS-sounding, and they
spiced it up with the lovely ballad "I Still Love You". KISS had returned, with
a BANG!! No other record has ever had so cool drum-sound, as 'Creatures Of The
Night'
has!!
Rock
trivia: Bryan Adams co-wrote "Rock And Roll Hell" and "War Machine" for
'Creatures of the Night', 2 of the heaviest numbers Kiss have ever
recorded. Eric Carr also co-wrote the song "Don't Leave Me Lonely" for Bryan
Adams' 'Cuts Like A Knife' album.
Killer tracks:
Creatures Of The Night, Rock And Roll Hell, I Love It Loud, I Still Love You,
War Machine
LICK
IT UP (1983, 1998) MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons - Bass/Lead vocals on 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, Back-up vocals Paul Stanley - Rhythm guitar/Lead vocals on 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, Back-up vocals
Eric Carr -
Drums, Back-up vocals
Vinnie Vincent - Lead and rhythm guitar, Back-up vocals
Guest:
Rick Derringer - Guitar Solo on 1 |
And then the
magic was gone! Not musically, though, but visually. KISS decided to remove the
make-up, and go unmasked (they had no intention of that when they called their
album just that, some years in advance). They even collaborated with the newly
started MTV in giving them the exclusive event! The 2 singles from 'Lick It Up',
the title track and "All Hell's Breaking Loose", also became frequently played on the
music-video channel. I never quite got into this album, but I think it's much
better than their next 2 efforts. It contains some really heavy stuff, and
thanks to Vinnie Vincent, it still sounds fresh today. That man is a genius, and
it's a shame he insist on wasting his talent unto his ego. Gene was also staring
to loose it a bit, delivering nasty work as "Fits Like A Glove" and
"Dance All
Over Your Face".
Killer tracks:
Exciter, Lick It Up, All Hell's Breaking Loose
ANIMALIZE
(1984, 1998) MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Paul Stanley -
Lead & rhythm guitar, Bass, Lead vocals on 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, Back-up vocals
Gene Simmons - Bass, Lead vocals on 3, 5, 8, 9, Back-up vocals Mark St. John - Lead & rhythm guitar Eric Carr - Drums, Back-up vocals
Additional
musicians:
Desmond Child - Back-up vocals Jean Beauvoir - Bass on 4, 6, 7, Back-up vocals Alan Schwartzberg - Additional drum overdubs Bruce Kulick - Guitar Solo on 5, Lead guitar overdubs on 9 |
Said to be the
worst KISS album by most fans. Even the cover gets thoroughly slammed. But also
containing one of their biggest hits ever, "Heaven's On Fire". There are some
enjoyable tunes here, but also songs I would not remember even 3 minutes after
listening to the thing. Mark St. John had replaced Vinnie
Vincent, but was soon
replaced on the following tour, due to an illness causing his hand to
blow up like the Goodyear blimp! His replacement, Bruce Kulick, even did some
solo work, and overdubs on the actual album. I still say "Thrills In The Night" is one of
KISS' most underrated songs.
Fun fact: A live
version of the song "Heaven's On Fire" was recorded at Cobo Hall on December 8,
1984 as part of the 'Kiss: Animalize Live Uncensored' video and was later
released on the on the 'Hear 'n Aid' album. It is one of only two live tracks with longtime drummer
Eric Carr that Kiss has ever officially released.
Killer tracks:
Burn Bitch Burn, Lonely Is The Hunter, Thrills In The Night
ASYLUM
(1985, 1998) MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons -
Lead Vocals on 2, 4, 6, 8, Bass, Rhythm Guitar on 2, 4, Back-up vocals
Paul Stanley -
Lead Vocals on 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, Rhythm Guitar, Bass, Back-up vocals
Bruce Kulick -
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Back-up vocals
Eric Carr -
Drums, Back-up vocals
|
I have a
hard time finding tunes I like on this album. 'Asylum' is by far the worst album KISS ever
released. And this time I agree about the cover sucking too. Bruce Kulick
replaced Mark St. John for the lead-guitar spot.
Killer tracks:
Who Wants To Be Lonely, Tears Are Falling
CRAZY
NIGHTS (1987, 1998) MERCURY
|
KISS' biggest
selling record of all times is a calculated hit album. Paul had confronted Gene
about his lack of involvement in the band, and Gene seemed to understand his
friend. The result is a quite good record, and the next best one they released
without make-up (besides 'Unholy'). But the stinkers are hear as well. "No, No,
No" is the KISS tune I hate the most, it's as bad as "Fits Like A
Glove". "Turn
On The Night" is another hidden treasure, as it is quite regularly underrated.
Killer tracks:
Crazy, Crazy Nights, I'll Fight Hell To Hold You, Turn On The Night
HOT
IN THE SHADE (1989) VERTIGO
|
Line-up:
Paul Stanley -
Vocals, Guitars
Gene Simmons -
Bass, Vocals
Bruce Kulick -
Lead Guitar, Background Vocals
Eric Carr -
Drums, Background Vocals, Lead Vocals on 14
|
The masked four
was supposed to go back to their rock 'n roll roots on this album. And they
succeeded in recording a stripped down album, free of any commercial production.
Unfortunately they forgot to put any good songs on it. I mean, out of 15 songs,
I only remember 3. "Forever" is one of the best ballads the band ever recorded,
but one song can't excuse an entire record. Titles like "The Street
Giveth...", "Silver Spoon" and "Read My Body" will not be remembered as
KISS songs, in my
mind. Cool to finally have a tune penned and sung by Eric Carr though, namely
"Little Caesar". "Hide Your Heart" was later covered by Ace
Frehley and Bonnie Tyler!!
Killer tracks:
Rise To It, Hide Your Heart, Forever
REVENGE
(1992) MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Paul Stanley -
Vocals, Guitars
Gene Simmons -
Bass, Vocals
Bruce Kulick -
Lead Guitar, Background Vocals
Eric Singer -
Drums, Background Vocals
|
I had almost
forgotten all about KISS when this album suddenly appeared. And what a return it
was. 'Revenge' is full of crunching riffs, and hungry metal music. It may be the
hardest thing they ever released. Bob Ezrin was back in the producing saddle,
and Bruce Kulick compared the recording sessions to boot camp! KISS were back
though, and fans were eagerly awaiting a tour. "God Gave Rock...", first appearing
on the 'Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey'-soundtrack, is a slightly re-written
cover of an Argent classic. (Petra have also covered this tune.) New drummer Eric
Singer replaced Eric Carr, who died of cancer the year before. "Carr Jam
1981"
is a tribute to him, and is an unused drum-solo/riff, left off 'The Elder'. Ace
Frehley had already finished the song, and recorded it as "Breakout". A
friend of mine thinks that "I Just Wanna" sounds like a Beach Boys tune!!!
Killer tracks:
Unholy, Domino, Every Time I Look At You
May 9th 2002: Got
it signed by Eric Singer.
ALIVE
III (1993) MERCURY
|
Line-up:
Paul Stanley -
Vocals, Guitars
Gene Simmons -
Bass, Vocals
Bruce Kulick -
Lead Guitar, Background Vocals
Eric Singer -
Drums, Background Vocals
|
The tour for 'Revenge' was very
successful, so then it was time for another live offering.
'Alive III' contains almost nothing pre 'Alive II', and that is kind of the point,
isn't it? I really enjoy this disc, and opening with "Creatures
Of The Night" is just a
stroke of genius. Pulling out "I Still Love You" is another cool thing. Never
cared much for the US national anthem ending the show though. The European
version has the song "Take It Off" as an extra, compared to the US version.
May 9th 2002: Got
it signed by Eric Singer.
MTV UNPLUGGED (1996) MERCURY
|
The first time I
heard 'Unplugged' I didn't even bother to listen to the whole thing. I thought it
stunk. KISS going acoustic? Huh, what a joke! But the joke was on me, actually.
'Cause this album smokes. It really show that KISS is all about good
songwriting, and not about cranking the amplifiers to 11! Ripping through gems
like "Goin' Blind", "See You Tonight" and the awesome orchestrated
"Everytime I Look At You", you can't help being amazed! And when the four
current members
are joined by original members, Ace and Peter, they
really create magic! Who would have thought that "Rock And Roll All Nite" would still rock
without a Marshall wall? I will even forgive them the 2 stinkers "Rock
Bottom"
and "Sure Know Something", because the rest is KISStory! BUY IT, IT'S A MUST!
Rock
trivia: Originally they intended to let Ace sing "Shock Me", but when they
rehearsed it they quickly found out that the guitar-parts were unplayable
acoustically!
|
Line-up:
Paul Stanley -
Vocals, Guitars
Gene Simmons -
Bass, Vocals, Guitars
Bruce Kulick -
Lead Guitar, Bass, Background Vocals, Lead Vocals on 8
Eric Singer -
Drums, Background Vocals
|
'Carnival Of Souls' was recorded
before the reunion was a fact. And it seemed like they were never going to
release it. And not much were done to promote it either. I truly believe that if
they put this one out, and never reunited, KISS would be buried. This is a
trend following album, trying to sound a bit like grunge, and a lot like
Soundgarden meets Alice In Chains. Awful stuff, and not KISS at all. I wonder
whose idea this was, and it sounds to me like Bruce Kulick had more to say this
time than anytime before (just listen to his solo-album 'Audiodog'). He even
got his lead vocal debut on "I Never Walk Alone". I guess KISS released this one
after the Alive Worldwide tour only to put an end to all the bootlegs, and cash
in on the record themselves. Ken
Tamplin also contributed to this album, co-writing a song with Gene.
May 9th 2002: Got
it signed by Eric Singer.
Killer tracks:
Childhood's End, I Will Be There
|
CD1: PSYCHO
CIRCUS
|
 |
|
CD2: LIVE
|
After 17 years of
waiting, the KISS ARMY finally had a new album from the 4 original members. And
my hopes was apparently to touch, when I came home with this one. And the album
did indeed deliver. It really sounds like a mix of all KISS had released before,
and at the same time sounding classic KISS. The title track could just as easily
came off 'Destroyer', and "Journey Of 1,000 Years" could be on either Gene Simmons
solo-album, or maybe '(Music From) The Elder'. In hindsight the album is still
good, but my first impression was better than my opinion of the album now. I
also think they should have included some Peter written material. My version of
the album is a Special Tour Edition, containing a live bonus CD, recoded on the
first leg of the Psycho Circus tour.
Killer tracks:
Psycho Circus, We Are One, Raise Your Glasses, Dreamin', Journey Of 1,000 Years
Rock
trivia: The owners of the copyright to Alice Cooper's songs sued KISS for
plagiarism, claiming "Dreamin'" was a copy of "I'm Eighteen". Alice himself
would not have anything to do with the lawsuit, as he is a long time friend of
Gene and Paul. Alice once said, before KISS broke through; "Killer music,
but the image sucks."!!!!
SYMPHONY - ALIVE IV (2003) KISS
RECORDS/SANCTUARY| CD1:
ACT
ONE
ACT
TWO - with The Melbourne Symphony Ensemble
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons -
Bass & Vocals
Paul Stanley -
Guitars & Vocals
Peter Criss -
Drums & Vocals
Tommy Thayer -
Guitars
+ The Melbourne
Symphony Orchestra
 |
|
CD2:
ACT
THREE - with The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
|
 |
The album is a double CD, divided into 3 acts. Disc 1 makes out Act 1 and 2, while disc 2 is Act 3. Confused? It gets worse. Act 1 is basically KISS churning out some of their best known rockers, straight up like on any other KISS concert. I suspect this was to warm up the crowd, and not fully assault their senses from the start. OK, so you might argue that everything KISS do is an assault on your senses, but I think you understand what I'm getting at. They do a pretty good job, and the sound on these recordings are superb! Maybe you can complain that you can hear Ace missing. But at least Tommy Thayer can pull the lead work of without making it sound out of key.
Act 2 brings in what they call The Melbourne Symphony Ensemble. It's not the full orchestra, but a handful of selected strings and horns etc. They render through some of the bands most known ballads, like "Beth" and "Forever". It is so cool to hear "Beth" being performed in a similar fashion to what was on the "Destroyer" album, without the help of a CD player in the background. The live orchestration really lifts this song way up. "Forever" also suits this setting well. In my opinion Act 2 is the best part of this CD.
Act 3 sees a full blown 60 piece Symphony Orchestra playing together with the masked 4. They go through a set of the most classic KISS tracks, such as "Detroit Rock City", "Do You Love Me" and "Rock And Roll All Nite". But unfortunately this does not work out so well. Some places the band drowns the Symphony Orchestra, while other places it's the other way around. And on most parts it just sounds too much, and noisy. The only exception is "Great Expectations", where the addition of a children's choir also makes it sound very similar to the original, yet adding the adrenalin of a live-recording. Kind of funny to that the band chose so many songs off of the "Destroyer" album. An album originally saturated with Bob Ezrin's orchestration additions.
If you are a KISS fan, you already have this album. Die-hards, myself included, buy and own everything this band releases. But this album is not a necessary addition to anyone else's collection. "Alive IV" doesn't hold a candle to the first 3 "Alive" albums. It's more of a curiosity than a great live album.
SONIC BOOM (2CD/DVD) (2009) ROADRUNNER RECORDSCD1: 'Sonic Boom'
|
Line-up:
Gene Simmons -
Bass & Vocals
Paul Stanley -
Guitars & Vocals
Eric Singer -
Drums & Vocals
Tommy Thayer -
Guitars & Vocals
 |
CD2: ' Kiss Klassics'
|
|
DVD: 'Live In Buenos Aires'
|
Who would have
thought that we we get to hear a brand new Kiss album again? To tell you
the truth, I didn't even care. But I'm glad that 11 years after 'Psycho Circus',
we now get treated to 11 brand new songs. Now, 'Sonic' Boom' has gotten some
flack, both for the title, and for the cover, created by the infamous Michael
Doret. I'm sure the band thought it would be cool to get the guy who designed
the classic 'Rock And Roll' cover back in action. But the result leaves much to
be desired. However, in the end it is the music that counts.
And musically,
I'm glad to say, Kiss haven't sounded this vital since 1992's 'Revenge'
album! 'Sonic Boom' is every Kiss-fans wet dreams coming true. They have
gone out of their way to recreate the magic of those classic albums from the
70's and the '80's. The songwriting is to the point, and very classy. Even the
production sets me back at least 25 years, without sounding dated. Take note of
that all modern bands going for a crispy sound, ending up with a sterile
product. It is possible to sound warm without compromising any of the production
values. The ball opens with "Modern Day Delilah", a Paul Stanley penned 80's
throwback of epic proportions. Then Gene is playing some 'Russian Roulette', a
song that could have been on any of the late 70's, early 80's Kiss
albums. "Never Enough" takes it up a notch again, and makes it clear that Paul
is the one that keeps the Kiss wheels rolling, musically. This song is
probably the most vintage sounding, and would have been a perfect fit on 'Rock
And Roll Over', f.ex. There are no ballads here, and the album is also
noticeable in that all of the 4 members are features as lead singers. Eric
Singer steps up to the plate on the magnificent "All For The Glory", while Tommy
sings on the Ace-like "When
Lightning Strikes". In fact, Tommy is doing a great job emulating his
predecessor all through the album, ripping through solos, riffs and licks that
the Spaceman would have been proud of. I also think Eric is underplaying to
sound more classic Kiss. 'Sonic Boom' is a modern day classic, and the
one of the best albums of 2009, for sure!
'Sonic Boom' is
sold as a 2CD, 1 DVD set. The second CD contains 15 re-recorded Kiss
classics, originally released in Japan only in 2008 as 'Jigoku-Retsuden'. The
band really kept the songs as close to the original recordings as possible, even
making it hard to hear much difference on the first listen. I really wished they
would have spruced up some of the material, maybe even recording a more rock
oriented version of "I Was Made For Loving You". As it stand only "Black
Diamond", with Eric singing Peter's parts, sounds different. The DVD includes 6
classic tracks, recorded live in Buenos Aires.
Rock
trivia: Kiss were sued by Alice Cooper's
lawyers, claiming copyright infringement. Apparently they found the song "Dreamin'",
from 'Psycho Circus', to be a total rip-off of the Cooper classic, "I'm 18".
Thus I wonder how long it will take Bruce Springsteen's lawyers to take
Kiss to court, as the song "Say Yeah" reminds me more than a little of
Springsteen's "Radio Nowhere".
Killer tracks:
Modern Day Delilah, Never Enough, Yes I Know (Nobody's Perfect), All For The
Glory, Say Yeah
Kiss
also appear on:
V/A - 'Music From The Motion Picture
"Detroit Rock City"'
Ace Frehley guest appearances:
V/A
- 'Spacewalk - A
Tribute To Ace Frehley'
V/A - 'Pondus - Flat Fuzzpedal'
Bruce
Kulick guest appearances:
Audiovision
- 'The Calling'
Paul Stanley - 'Live To Win'
Lordi - 'The Arockalypse'
V/A - 'Metallic Assault - A
Tribute To Metallica'
Avantasia - 'The Wicked Symphony'
Avantasia - 'Angel of Babylon'
V/A - 'Bat Head Soup - Tribute To Ozzy'
V/A - 'Gods Of Thunder - A Norwegian
Tribute To Kiss'
Mark St.John guest appearances:
Tamplin & Friends
- 'An Axe To Grind'
Eric Singer guest appearances:
Avantasia - 'The Metal Opera
Pt. II'
V/A - 'Metallic Assault - A
Tribute To Metallica'
V/A - 'Bat Head Soup - Tribute To Ozzy'
Kiss
tribute
albums:
V/A - 'A Tribute To The Creatures Of The Night'
V/A - 'Gods Of Thunder - A Norwegian
Tribute To Kiss'
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