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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 – 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 – Kiss
Kiss – Kiss [Remastered] (1997, Mercury Records/Casablanca Records)
Original Release: 1974, Casablanca Records
Track Listing:
1. “Strutter” … 3:10
2. “Nothin’ to Lose” … 3:27
3. “Firehouse” … 3:17
4. “Cold Gin” … 4:22
5. “Let Me Know” … 2:58
6. “Kissin’ Time” … 3:52
7. “Deuce” … 3:06
8. “Love Theme from Kiss” [instrumental] … 2:24
9. “100,000 Years” … 3:22
10. “Black Diamond” … 5:13
Band:
Paul Stanley – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Ace Frehley – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Gene Simmons – Bass, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
Peter Criss – Drums, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
Produced by: Kenny Kerner & Richie Wise
The Godfathers of Hair Metal have arrived! My absolute favorite band came charging right outta the gates on their debut. From top to bottom, outside of one track, it’s all classics and KISS has been playin’ ‘em in concert for decades for good reason. My favorite of all these faves? That would have to go to “Black Diamond”. Peter has a great raspy voice and did an excellent job on this dark song.
I went KISS crazy around 1998 (shortly after picking up Alive II and Psycho Circus) licking up all of the recently remastered albums along with the later stuff they didn’t bother remastering. Now, I’m a proud owner of all of KISS’ releases (I still say compilations don’t count).
This is not only the starting point of a legendary band, I would point to this album as a starting point for anyone interested in giving KISS a try.
Funny story about my first brush with KISS…
Back in the late 80s, at the skating rink in my hometown, there was a KISS pinball machine back in the video game/food section (circa Alive maybe?). I wouldn’t even go near it. They guys freaked me out too much with the black & white face paint and crazy costumes (especially Gene). I thought they were some evil REALLY heavy metal band. 
Highlights: Um… It’s the debut album from KISS. Every track is a classic… Well, except for…
Lowlights: “Kissin’ Time” (absolutely pointless promotional tool)
KISS – Psycho Circus
KISS – Psycho Circus (1998, Mercury Records)
Track Listing:
1. “Psycho Circus” – 5:30
2. “Within” – 5:10
3. “I Pledge Allegiance to the State of Rock & Roll” – 3:32
4. “Into the Void” – 4:22
5. “We Are One” – 4:41
6. “You Wanted the Best” – 4:15
7. “Raise Your Glasses” – 4:14
8. “I Finally Found My Way” – 3:40
9. “Dreamin’” – 4:12
10. “Journey of 1,000 Years” – 4:49
Band *deep breath*:
Paul Stanley – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar; Lead guitar on “Psycho Circus”, “I Pledge Allegiance to the State of Rock & Roll”, and “You Wanted the Best”; Bass on “We Are One”, “Raise Your Glasses”, and “I Finally Found My Way”
Gene Simmons – Lead Vocals, Bass, Rhythm guitar on “We Are One”
Ace Frehley – Lead Guitar (Credited as, but only actually played on “Psycho Circus”, “Into the Void” and “You Wanted the Best”), Lead Vocals on “Into the Void”
Peter Criss – Drums (Credited as, but only actually played on “Into the Void”), Lead Vocals on “I Finally Found My Way”
Additional Musicians:
Bruce Kulick – Lead Guitar on “Within” (intro)
Tommy Thayer – Lead Guitar
Kevin Valentine – Drums
Bob Ezrin – Fender Rhodes on “I Finally Found My Way”
Shelly Berg – Piano on “I Finally Found My Way” and “Journey of 1,000 Years”
Produced by: Bruce Fairbairn
Wow, giving proper musician credit has always been a pain on KISS albums and this is no different. I love KISS, but how sad is it that that Ace & Peter barely even played on this “reunion album”? Instead we get future “Space Ace” Tommy Thayer playing lead guitar and Kevin Valentine on drums. Sheesh.
This was my second KISS album. My first was Alive II. At the time, I read Metal Edge magazine religiously and I was just coming into my own as a rock/metal fan and they were constantly running articles and interviews with KISS, hyping their live show and this upcoming album. So finally decided to check’em out during “winter” (not Christmas!) break of ’98 with Alive II when I had some extra Christmas $$$ to blow. Honestly, I didn’t care for that album and I remember my best friend (who knew nothing of KISS either) commenting, “this album sucks”. I hesitantly agreed and it almost ended my love affair with KISS before it began. Later, it would grow on me, but I still don’t think it’s anything special.
ANYWAY, back to this album, all of Metal Edge’s constant hyping convinced me to try some new KISS, having already sampled 70s KISS, and again, I was fairly disappointed with Psycho Circus. I soldiered on, thanks to the KISS remasters that came out around that time and soon became a huge KISS fan, but this one still stuck out as lackluster to me as “Psycho Circus” was really the only song where they knocked it out of the park. To this day, it’s one of my favorite KISS songs.
While I would occasionally sample this album, it was still fairly average in my opinion, but in time it’s grown on me a lot. It’s nowhere near being KISS’ best. It’s not a great album at all, but I can safely say (in my own mind at least) that it’s a good album. “Psycho Circus” makes a VERY strong start for the album, but the problem is, it was the best they had to offer on this album. Still, Psycho Circus is full of rock ‘n’ roll anthems and love letters from KISS to us fans telling us that they’re back and more larger than life than ever. I seriously doubt this album won over any new fans for the band, despite the fact that this album went Gold, but it’s a serviceable effort for the diehards.
KISS found a great producer in Bruce Fairbairn, who is one of my faves, and has worked with other rock giants such as Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Poison, Scorpions and AC/DC.
By the way, the company that held the publishing rights to Alice Cooper’s ”I’m Eighteen” sued Paul Stanley & former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick citing “substantially similar” qualities between “I’m Eighteen” and the Stanley/Kulick-penned “Dreamin’”. The case was settled out of court.
Highlights: “Psycho Circus”, “I Pledge Allegiance to the State of Rock & Roll”, “Into the Void”, “I Finally Found My Way” (yes, it’s an obvious “Beth” ripoff, essentially “Beth Part II”, but I still dig it), “Journey of 1,000 Years”
