Category Archives: KISS
KISS – Love Gun
KISS – Love Gun [Remastered] (1997, Mercury Records/Casablanca Records)
Original Release: 1977, Casablanca Records
1. “I Stole Your Love” (3:04 )
2. “Christine Sixteen” (3:14 )
3. “Got Love for Sale’ (3:27 )
4. “Shock Me” (3:46)
5. “Tomorrow and Tonight” (3:38)
6. “Love Gun” (3:18)
7. “Hooligan” (2:59)
8. “Almost Human” (2:47)
9. “Plaster Caster” (3:28 )
10. “Then She Kissed Me” (3:02)
Band:
Paul Stanley – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Bass (“Love Gun”)
Gene Simmons – Lead Vocals, Bass
Ace Frehley – Guitar, Vocals
Peter Criss – Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Produced by: Eddie Kramer
An iconic hard rock record from an iconic hard rock band… And hey, guess what? The album sports an iconic album cover!
The great thing about KISS’ 1970s output was that the albums were short and sweet. The songs didn’t overstay their welcome (nothing touches the 4 minute mark here) and they usually kept the albums at 10 songs, so it really cut out the chance for filler.
Some of the band’s most well-known songs are here: “I Stole Your Love”, “Christine Sixteen”, “Plaster Caster”, “Shock Me” and of course my favorite KISS song — “Love Gun” (Paul has often said it’s his favorite as well).
“Hooligan” is another great lead vocal track by Peter Criss. I’ve always loved his voice and his songs always deliver on the KISS albums. It’s when he’s left to his own devices that his music becomes spotty. “Tomorrow and Tonight”, I have to admit, is pretty lame. It’s basically the band going for another “Rock And Roll All Nite” (“tomorrow and tonight, tomorrow and tonight, we can rock all day, we can roll all night…”). “Then She Kissed Me” is a re-working of The Crystals’ “Then He Kissed Me”. A lot of people have given this song a thumbs down over the years, but I think it’s pretty cool.
I don’t care much for “Plaster Caster” either, to be honest. It was written about Cynthia Plaster Caster, who was famous for making casts of um… male body parts. I’ve read rumors that this was written by Gene as a way to entice Cynthia to cast him, but I’m pretty sure if he called her up and asked, she would have done it. More than likely, it was just a song written to grab a few headlines and nothing more.
Highlights: “I Stole Your Love”, “Love Gun”, “Hooligan”, “Almost Human”, “Then She Kissed Me”
KISS – Unmasked
KISS – Unmasked [Remastered] (1997, Mercury Records/Casablanca Records)
Original Release: 1980, Casablanca Records
1. “Is That You?” … 3:57
2. “Shandi” … 3:35
3. “Talk to Me” … 4:01
4. “Naked City” … 3:50
5. “What Makes the World Go ’round” … 4:12
6. “Tomorrow” … 3:16
7. “Two Sides of the Coin” … 3:15
8. “She’s So European” … 3:30
9. “Easy as It Seems” … 3:24
10.”Torpedo Girl” … 3:44
11.”You’re All That I Want” … 3:02
Band:
Gene Simmons – Lead Vocals, Bass
Paul Stanley – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Bass
Ace Frehley – Guitar, Lead Vocals, Bass
Peter Criss – Drums (credited, did not play)
Additional Musicians:
Anton Fig – Drums (uncredited)
Vini Poncia – Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Percussion
Holly Knight – Keyboards (“Shandi”)
Produced by: Vini Poncia
There’s not a single KISS album that I don’t like. KISS is my favorite band and despite the disco pop found on this album, I still like it. It’s funny because if this was released by an actual disco/pop act, I’d have no interest it it. So, I know, I know… I’m biased. If pressed, I will admit that this is my least favorite KISS album, but it’s a guilty pleasure and I’ve always enjoyed the goofy comic book cover. Unmasked would’ve been a great album title for Lick It Up. Given that it would be another 3 years before they actually did unmasked, the title doesn’t really make a lot of sense (and all suspense that the title would bring is erased by the cover art).
With the success of “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” from Dynasty, KISS basically decided to an all album full of “I Was Made for Lovin’ Yous” and Dynasty producer Vini Poncia was back again to help the band achieve that.
This was the final album from the original four members, until the reunion. Peter Criss was not involved in the recording/writing of this album at all and he was gone from the band shortly after Unmasked was released (Anton Fig recorded the drums and Eric Carr would play on the ensuing tour).
Many of these songs could have actually been solid rockers had the album’s production not been given a disco pop sheen. I especially think “What Makes the World Go ’round” and “Easy As It Seems” could’ve been great traditional KISS rockers.
Though the album went gold in the U.S. in short order, it was not a success at all and the album’s lone single, “Shandi” failed to break the Top 40. Apparently, the album went over well internationally and “Shandi” was a HUGE hit for the band in Australia (where they played it every time they tour there).
Highlights: “Is That You?”, “Shandi”, “Talk to Me”, “Naked City”, “What Makes the World Go ’round”, “Easy As It Seems”
KISS – Alive II
KISS – Alive II [Remastered] (1997, Mercury Records/Casablanca Records)
Original Release: 1977, Casablanca Records
DISC 1
1. “Detroit Rock City (3:56)
2. “King of the Night Time World” (3:05)
3. “Ladies Room” (3:14)
4. “Makin’ Love” (3:13)
5. “Love Gun” (3:40)
6. “Calling Dr. Love” (3:35)
7. “Christine Sixteen” (2:45)
8. “Shock Me” (5:51)
9. “Hard Luck Woman” (3:06)
10. “Tomorrow and Tonight” (3:25)
DISC 2
11. “I Stole Your Love” (3:35)
12. “Beth” (2:24)
13. “God of Thunder” (5:16)
14. “I Want You” (4:14)
15. “Shout It out Loud” (3:39)
16. “All-American Man” (3:13)
17. “Rockin’ in the USA” (2:36)
18. “Larger Than Life” (3:59)
19. “Rocket Ride” (4:07)
20. “Any Way You Want It” (2:33)
Band:
Paul Stanley – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Gene Simmons – Lead Vocals, Bass, Guitar (“Larger Than Life”)
Ace Frehley – Guitar, Lead Vocals, Bass (“Rocket Ride”)
Peter Criss – Drums, Lead Vocals
Additional Musicians:
Bob Kulick – Guitar (“All American Man”, “Rockin’ in the U.S.A.”, “Larger Than Life”)
Produced by: Eddie Kramer & KISS
For their second live album (coming a short two years after their first one), KISS wisely featured no repeated performances. Only songs from the three albums they had released since Alive! (Destroyer, Rock and Roll Over, Love Gun) were showcased here. The end result is an Alive album that is almost as strong as the original Alive!.
The last five songs are studio tracks recorded specifically for this album. They’re a mixed bag. “All-American Man”, “Larger Than Life” and “Rocket Ride” are very good, but “Rockin’ in the USA” and their cover of The Dave Clark Five’s “Any Way You Want It” are awful. Don’t quote me on this, but I don’t think KISS has ever played any of those five songs live.
This was the first KISS album I bought. I was on winter break visiting some friends in Virginia and we went to Walmart just to browse. I had started to get curious about KISS and for whatever reason, this was the album I picked up. I didn’t like it at first. Even my friend mentioned “this album sucks” and it very nearly killed the deal from the get-go. But I hung in, picked up Psycho Circus and then went for the rest of the catalog. The rest is history, KISS is my favorite band.
Just like the original vinyl version, this 2 CD set included some rub-on KISS tattoos. It’s always a nice touch when a CD reissue tries to keep the charm of the vinyl.
I the album cover though and I always have. The Alive! cover is so iconic and it makes you go “WOW! This has got to be a killer show!” This cover has always looked very cheap to me and hasn’t held up over time.
Highlights: “Detroit Rock City”, “Makin’ Love”, “Love Gun”, “Hard Luck Woman”, “I Stole Your Love”, “God of Thunder”, “I Want You”, “All-American Man”, “Larger Than Life”, “Rocket Ride”
KISS – Alive!
KISS – Alive! [Remastered] (1997, Casablanca Records/Mercury Records)
Original Release: 1975, Casablanca Records
DISC 1
1. “Deuce” … 3:44
2. “Strutter” … 3:17
3. “Got to Choose” … 3:35
4. “Hotter Than Hell” … 3:12
5. “Firehouse” … 3:59
6. “Nothin’ to Lose” … 3:29
7. “C’mon and Love Me” … 2:53
8. “Parasite” … 3:22
9. “She” … 6:55
DISC 2
1. “Watchin’ You” … 3:40
2. “100,000 Years” … 11:59
3. “Black Diamond” … 5:51
4. “Rock Bottom” … 3:36
5. “Cold Gin” … 5:26
7. “Rock and Roll All Night” … 4:06
8. “Let Me Go, Rock ‘n’ Roll” … 5:46
Band:
Paul Stanley – Vocals, Guitar
Gene Simmons – Vocals, Bass
Ace Frehley – Guitar
Peter Criss – Drums, Vocals
Produced by: Eddie Kramer
This is one of those albums where there’s really not a whole lot left to say on the subject. It’s considered one of the best rock albums of all time and is perhaps THE greatest live album of all time. There’s a lot of fire and energy to these songs that wasn’t captured on the studio albums and that’s what helped prove to people that KISS was legit. Simply stated, this is the definitive KISS album and is a must have for anyone interested in the band.
Out of all the songs on this album, “Black Diamond” is my favorite track. The passion with which Peter performs this song gives me chills!
Highlights: “Deuce”, “Nothin’ to Lose”, “C’mon and Love Me”, “Parasite”, “She”, “100,000 Years”, “Black Diamond”, “Rock Bottom”
KISS – MTV Unplugged
KISS – MTV Unplugged (1996, Mercury Records)
1. “Comin’ Home” … 2:21
2. “Plaster Caster” … 3:17
3. “Goin’ Blind” … 3:37
4. “Do You Love Me?” … 3:13
5. “Domino” … 3:46
6. “Sure Know Something” … 4:14
7. “World Without Heroes” … 2:57
8. “Rock Bottom” … 3:20
9. “See You Tonight” … 2:26
10. “I Still Love You” … 6:09
11. “Every Time I Look at You” … 4:43
12. “2000 Man” … 5:12
13. “Beth” … 2:50
14. “Nothin’ to Lose” … 3:42
15. “Rock and Roll All Night” … 4:20
Band:
Paul Stanley – Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals
Gene Simmons – Acoustic Bass, Lead Vocals
Bruce Kulick – Acoustic Guitar
Eric Singer – Drums, Lead Vocals
Additional Musicians:
Ace Frehley – Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals
Peter Criss – Drums, Lead Vocals
Phillip Ashley – Piano on “Every Time I Look at You”
Produced by: Alex Coletti
Basically, this is Alive Acoustic. This album is, as you could already tell, a live recording of their 1995 MTV Unplugged performance. And it’s actually a pretty historical performance too, because we got to see Paul, Gene, Bruce, Eric, Ace and Peter all performing together. It also served as a major catalyst for Ace & Peter to return (which was more than likely already in the making anyway). The album itself was a success as well, going gold.
It’s a really cool performance. It’s nice to hear these songs in an acoustic setting (the band had been doing acoustic sets for the KISS Conventions so this is a tight performance) and it’s an interesting set list as well. Forget all the hype, lights, pyro and bombast– this album is a stripped down KISS proving that, despite the hate that comes from music critics, they were more than just makeup and marketing. Paul’s voice sounds phenomenal, he really hits a home run on “I Still Love You” and “Sure Know Something”.
This album definitely wouldn’t be of interest to casual KISS fans. It’s acoustic and it’s not a “greatest hits” set list by any means, but for die-hards, it’s a dream come true and I think it’s another classic live release from the band.
Highlights: “Comin’ Home”, “Do You Love Me?”, “Sure Know Something”, “Rock Bottom”, “See You Tonight”, “I Still Love You”, “Every Time I Look at You”, “Nothin’ to Lose”, “Rock and Roll All Night”
KISS – Music From “The Elder”
KISS – Music From “The Elder” [Remastered] (1997, Mercury Records)
Original Release: 1981, Casablanca Records
1. “Fanfare” … 1:21
2. “Just A Boy” … 2:25
3. “Odyssey” …. 5:36
4. “Only You” … 4:17
5. “Under the Rose” … 4:51
6. “Dark Light” … 4:18
7. “A World Without Heroes” … 2:40
8. “The Oath” … 4:31
9. “Mr. Blackwell” … 4:52
10. “Escape from the Island” … 2:52
11. “I” … 5:03
Band:
Paul Stanley – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Gene Simmons – Lead Vocals, Bass, Guitar
Ace Frehley – Guitar, Lead Vocals
Eric Carr – Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Additional Musicians:
Bob Ezrin – Bass
Allan Schwartzberg – Drums
American Symphony Orchestra – Ensemble
Produced by: Bob Ezrin
Honestly, this is one of my favorite KISS albums. Upon release, it was bashed by fans and critics alike and failed to be a commercial success, but has since found a home in the heart of many KISS fans.
At the time, it definitely wasn’t the album that the band needed. They were losing their hardcore fanbase and Music from ‘The Elder’ was just about the nail in the coffin that the band had been hammering with their disco flirtations from Dynasty and Unmasked. Instead of delivering a killer rock album to show the world and their fans they hadn’t gone soft, they gave the world a fantasy concept album based on a Lord of the Rings-inspired story idea from Gene Simmons.
There was a dual purpose to this release. The first reason was that KISS, instead of playing to and for their slipping fan base, wanted to critic cred. They wanted to be viewed as serious musicians. Secondly, the band also had plans to produce a movie, called The Elder, hence the “Music From” portion of the album’s title. The band brought back successful producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd’s The Wall, Alice Cooper’s Welcome to My Nightmare, KISS’ Destroyer) to help construct the album.
Having the perspective of being fresh ears to KISS at the time of buying this, I loved it, and I still do. Yeah, I’m sure if I was old enough at the time of this album’s release (it was released just days after I was born!) and a longtime KISS fan, I probably would’ve hated it at first. But many of those haters have come to respect the album for what it is.
Interest in the album was so poor, this is one of only two KISS album to not go at least Gold (Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions is the other one) and the band didn’t even bother to tour to support it. Oh well, the album was a serious commercial misstep for the band when they really needed to get back to meat-and-potatoes rock, but creatively, it’s enjoyable (though cheesy).
And can you imagine being Eric Carr? His first album with KISS and he has to play these songs and then he’s told they won’t be touring at all because the album tanked! This album was also the ‘final straw’ for Ace.
Highlights: All of it. One of KISS’ strongest albums top to bottom, in my opinion.
KISS – Lick It Up
KISS – Lick It Up [Remastered] (1997, Mercury Records)
Original Release: 1983, Mercury Records
1. “Exciter” … 4:11
2. “Not For The Innocent” … 4:23
3. “Lick It Up” … 3:56
4. “Young And Wasted” … 4:06
5. “Gimme More” … 3:44
6. “All Hell’s Breakin’ Loose” … 4:34
7. “Million To One” … 4:10
8. “Fits Like A Glove” … 4:04
9. “Dance All Over Your Face” … 4:16
10. “And On The 8th Day” … 4:03
Band:
Paul Stanley – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
Gene Simmons – Lead Vocals, Bass, Backing Vocals
Vinnie Vincent – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Eric Carr – Drums, Backing Vocals
Produced by: Michael James Jackson, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons
One of my absolute favorite KISS albums and it had a lot to do with Vinnie Vincent co-writing most of the album. Despite the struggle for power between Vincent and Simmons/Stanley, they made for a great musical force.
KISS in the 80s is extremely underrated, even by Gene & Paul themselves, but Lick It Up was the second punch in a great two-hit hard rock combo (1982′s Creatures of the Night is a definite Top 5 KISS album). Every song is full of bravado and great 80s metal. Despite starting the 80s with a solid, but very non-KISS album (Music From ‘The Elder’), the band was roaring by this point, full of the sex and sleaze they were known for in the 70s, but now with a more polished, faster and heavier sound. “Lick It Up” is the only non-make up song to have survived through the 80s and the reunion to still be played today.
It’s also a remarkable album in that it’s the very first without Ace Frehley (well, the first where he wasn’t credited as being a band member) and the first non-make up release. A must have for KISS fans and should convert those who like to bash anything done without the make up.
Highlights: “Exciter”, “Not For The Innocent”, “Lick It Up”, “Young and Wasted”, “Gimme More”, “All Hell’s Breakin’ Loose”, “Million to One”, “Fits Like A Glove”
KISS – Dynasty
KISS – Dynasty [Remastered] (1997, Mercury Records)
Original Release: 1979, Casablanca Records
1. “I Was Made for Loving You” … 4:30
2. “2000 Man” … 4:55
3. “Sure Know Something” … 4:01
4. “Dirty Livin’” … 4:27
5. “Charisma” … 4:25
6. “Magic Touch” … 4:42
7. “Hard Times” … 3:31
8. “X-Ray Eyes” … 3:46
9. “Save Your Love” … 4:40
Band:
Paul Stanley – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Gene Simmons – Lead Vocals, Bass
Ace Frehley – Guitar, Lead Vocals
Peter Criss – Drums, Lead Vocals (Credited for whole album, but played only on “Dirty Livin’”)
Additional Musicians:
Anton Fig – Drums (Uncredited, Tracks 1-3, 5-9)
Vini Poncia – Keyboard, Backing Vocals
Produced by: Vini Poncia
KISS met the Phantom and on Dynasty, disco met KISS. I actually enjoy this album a lot. Maybe it’s because KISS is my favorite band and I’m able to see bad anything that might be considered “bad” by them.
“I Was Made For Lovin’ You” is one of my favorite KISS songs but I’m not a fan of this version. The first time I ever heard it was on Alive III, where the energy level for the song is a lot higher than what was given here. “Dirty Livin’” is classic Peter.
Honestly, I don’t have much more to say about this album. It’s not a classic, but it has charm, though I could see where maybe it’s best left to the hardcore KISS fans.
Highlights: “I Was Made for Loving You”, “Sure Know Something”, “Dirty Livin’”, “Magic Touch”
KISS – Alive III
KISS – Alive III (1993, Mercury Records)
Track Listing:
1. “Creatures Of The Night” … 4:40
2. “Deuce” … 3:42
3. “I Just Wanna” … 4:21
4. “Unholy” … 3:43
5. “Heaven’s On Fire” … 4:02
6. “Watchin’ You” … 3:35
7. “Domino” … 3:47
8. “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” … 4:31
9. “I Still Love You” … 6:04
10. “Rock And Roll All Nite” … 3:33
11. “Lick It Up” … 4:18
12. “Forever” … 4:20
13. “I Love It Loud” … 3:40
14. “Detroit Rock City” … 5:11
15. “God Gave Rock ‘N’ Roll To You II” … 5:21
16. “Star Spangled Banner” … 2:38
Band:
Paul Stanley – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Gene Simmons – Lead Vocals, Bass, Backing Vocals
Bruce Kulick – Guitar
Eric Singer – Drums, Backing Vocals
Additional Musicians:
Derek Sherinian – Keyboards
Alive? Legendary. Alive II? Pretty good. Alive III? A nice representation of the non-makeup years that had a nice mix of 70s, 80s, and 1992′s Revenge album. I really like this era of KISS a lot. They ditched the day-glo tights and sequined jackets for black leather jackets and pants.
Of course, most (if not all) live albums are touched up in the studio, KISS live albums especially, and this seems to the case here once again. Out of all the Alive albums, this one to me comes off as the most polished.
Still a fine album, you can’t really go wrong with KISS live. This was also my first introduction to “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”. The live version of that has always been superior to the studio version, which is pretty wimpy.
Produced by: Eddie Kramer & KISS
Highlights: “Creatures of the Night”, “I Just Wanna”, “Heaven’s On Fire”, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”, “Lick It Up”, “Forever”
KISS – Creatures of the Night
KISS – Creatures of the Night [Remastered] (1997, Mercury Records/Casablanca Records)
Original Release: (1982, Casablanca Records)
Track Listing:
1. “Creatures of the Night” … 4:02
2. “Saint and Sinner” … 4:49
3. “Keep Me Comin’” … 3:55
4. “Rock and Roll Hell” … 4:12
5. “Danger” … 3:56
6. “I Love It Loud” … 4:15
7. “I Still Love You” … 6:06
8. “Killer” … 3:19
9. “War Machine” … 4:13
Band:
Paul Stanley – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Gene Simmons – Lead Vocals, Bass, Guitar (“War Machine”)
Ace Frehley – Guitar (credited, but did not play)
Eric Carr – Drums, Bass (“I Still Love You”)
(Uncredited) Additional Musicians:
Vinnie Vincent – Guitar (“Saint and Sinner”, “Keep Me Comin’”, “Killer”, “War Machine”), Backing Vocals
Bob Kulick – Guitar (“Danger”)
Robben Ford – Guitar (“Rock and Roll Hell” and “I Still Love You”)
Adam Mitchell – Guitar (“Creatures of the Night”)
Steve Farris – Guitar (“Creatures of the Night”)
Jimmy Haslip – Bass (“Danger”)
Produced by: Michael James Jackson, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons
One of my favorite KISS albums found the band playing at their heaviest. This is not hard rock, this is not glam rock, this is pure heavy metal, as far as I’m concerned. The album opens strong with “Creatures of the Night” and only takes a breather for KISS’ best power ballad, “I Still Love You”.
The music is loud and fast and I don’t think Paul’s voice had ever sounded better than it does on this album. “Keep Me Comin’” and “I Still Love You” are fantastic vocal performances by the Starchild.
I don’t think KISS has ever turned in a “bad” album, but they did at times suffer from filler. There is no filler here. Every song is like a punch in the face and as much as I love the band’s pop-metal direction for the rest of the 80s, I would’ve loved to have seen this heavier sound continue as well.
Highlights: Everything
