Clearly, "People Let Me Get This Off My Chest," is the best solo album by a member of KISS.
ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLRIIIIIIGHT!
Finally! Don't forget to tease out the influence of Sean Delaney and Bob Ezrin! Looking forward to this - I have been listening to Love Gun and Ace Frehley Solo pretty regular these past few months...
How about reviews of the four simultaneous solo records? And perhaps a suggestion for a mix containing the best material from each?
Kind of a big task, but I heard Ace Frehley's "What's on Your Mind?" over at Recidivism and fell in love with it. It got me intrigued about Kiss, a band I couldn't care less about. Just a gloriously stupid power-pop song, with one of my favorite lyrics (and I'm omitting the second half of it, but so what): "I can't express the words to tell you 'bout the feelings I got." Awesome!
Finally! Don't forget to tease out the influence of Sean Delaney and Bob Ezrin! Looking forward to this - I have been listening to Love Gun and Ace Frehley Solo pretty regular these past few months...
Sorry, TRG, only the makeup-era studio and live albums. I may mix in commentary on those subjects, but only in context.
I _might_ do Killers.
Thankfully, I have never had a relationship with a lady as awful as the Peter Criss solo record, so I won't be taking that tack in my reviews.
Sorry, TRG, only the makeup-era studio and live albums. I may mix in commentary on those subjects, but only in context.
I _might_ do Killers.
Eh. My idea was stupid anyway.
Do you guys think KISS might have had a slight Doo Wop influence because of where they are from?
Vincent's solo work is appalling, and he seems to be quite a weird dude (although he's just another in a long line of people that Paul Stanley let Gene Simmons screw over in the name of KISS).Can you expand on this at all? I like to refer to Vinnie Vincent as The Most Evil Member Of KISS, but I can no longer remember why I started doing so. I think it was due to some rockumentary (or, more likely, KISSumentary) where Gene and Paul were doing sit-down interviews about the various independent contractors who have worked for them as part of KISS Co., and when they got to Vincent, they just looked at each other for a few seconds and then mumbled something about him being a problem. They may have also fired Ace three or four times during this segment. My memory is hazy.
Most songs on the album are co-written with a variety of songwriters, including Vincent for three songs and, er, Bryan Adams for one.I also wonder how that process works, when someone other than Gene or Paul but still employed by the band got a song on the album. Did Ace have to send his songs into the general KISS mailing address just like anybody else on the street and hope it got through Gene's people in the mailroom? Probably, right?
Entirely lacking in flutes and distant British voices, it must have sounded strange to the 20 people who bought it the week of its release. It's actually *good,* as well.What? How dare you. You better write at least 15,000 words on Music From "The Elder" to make up for that.
"Rock and Roll Hell" (which sounds like a song that Bryan Adams might sing if he wore bat makeup)I would have enjoyed his career about forty thousand times more if he'd done that.
The musicians' menu while in Bulgaria consisted of meat and vegetarian dishes. The four KISS members prefer chicken and lamb meat as well as different vegetable soups. They have insisted that their dinner is served in china plates and with silverware.
Most of the live tracks on Alive II were recorded during the band's August 26-28 residency at the Los Angeles Forum while on the Love Gun tour. The 3:00 PM soundchecks at the August 26 & 27 shows were recorded, and later used on the album (i.e. "Tomorrow And Tonight") with crowd noise being dubbed in later. "Beth" and "I Want You" were lifted from the aborted Japanese live album and used on the finished Alive II.
Although Ace Frehley was originally credited for lead guitar on the studio tracks, the remastered version released in 1997 confirmed what had been speculated by Kiss fans for years - Bob Kulick actually played lead guitar on three tracks ("All American Man", "Rockin' In The U.S.A." and "Larger Than Life"), not Frehley. Frehley's sole involvement for the studio songs was to handle all guitars and bass guitar for "Rocket Ride." Paul Stanley played all guitars on "Any Way You Want It" which was originally recorded by the Dave Clark Five in 1965.
In November 1972, the trio played a showcase for Epic Records A&R director Don Ellis, in an effort to secure a record deal. Although the performance went well, Ellis hated the group's image and music. On top of that, as he was leaving, he was vomited on by Criss's brother.
Seriously, the Dave Clark Five?
Seriously, the Dave Clark Five?
I don't know what this is supposed to mean. The Dave Clark Five rocks.
It's very surprising to me that no women are participating in this thread. I thought KISS fans were almost all professional women.
Tuna and peanut butter are both delicious, but I wouldn't like a tuna and peanut butter sandwich.
Tuna and peanut butter are both delicious, but I wouldn't like a tuna and peanut butter sandwich.
How about a bacon and peanut butter sandwich?
Tuna and peanut butter are both delicious, but I wouldn't like a tuna and peanut butter sandwich.
How about a bacon and peanut butter sandwich?
What, are you from Toledo?
Tuna and peanut butter are both delicious, but I wouldn't like a tuna and peanut butter sandwich.
How about a bacon and peanut butter sandwich?
What, are you from Toledo?
Pennsylvania, actually. Thanks for asking, though.
is it over already
According to Criss, photographer Joel Brodsky thought Kiss were literally clowns, and wanted to place balloons behind the group for the shoot. Brodsky, however, has denied this, chalking it up to imagination.
An amazing entry, buffcoat, but I can't help but think that would have been the perfect time to go into She instead of Cold Gin. As such, I'm not ready to declare who has the lead in the contest at this point.
This means the field is wide open, so I hope everyone is still working on entries, as I've spent most of my afternoon coming up with additional scenarios for later rounds, including a hostage situation, an historic moment in recent US history and a scenario involving KISS winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
Oh, and doing work. I've also spent the afternoon doing work.
Wes, is "God Gave Rock and Roll to You II" really your favorite KISS song? And is the Elder really your favorite KISS album?
Scenario 5: 1391 BC, Egypt. Paul receives word from security that a baby was found in a basket outside the stadium.
WELLL ALLLL RIIIIIGHT! Do you feel good? (light crowd response) I said DO YOU FEEL GOOD EGYPT? (louder response). I CAAAAN'T HEAR YOU! (response clearly dubbed from another concert). Now, I know alotta you out there got a special someone that you like to call "baby." AM I RIGHT, EGYPT? Now, let me get serious for a second here. I was talking to someone backstage, and he let me know that another kind of baby was found outside this here stadium. (Peter Criss rattler fill) Now, this little rocker was just bawling his lungs out in his wet little basket. I THINK WE GOT A LITTLE ROCK AND ROLLER ON OUR HANDS HERE! (light cheers) Now, what kinda woman would just leave a baby outside a rock and roll show? What kinda woman would abandon her little baby when the Pharoah has decreed that all newborns be put to death? WHAT KINDA WOMAN, EGYPT? (garbled screams) WHAT KINDA WOMAN? (louder, still garbled, screams) I'll tell you what kinda woman would do something like that! A HAAAAAARD LUCK WOMAN!
Scenario 5: 1391 BC, Egypt. Paul receives word from security that a baby was found in a basket outside the stadium.
WELLL ALLLL RIIIIIGHT! Do you feel good? (light crowd response) I said DO YOU FEEL GOOD EGYPT? (louder response). I CAAAAN'T HEAR YOU! (response clearly dubbed from another concert). Now, I know alotta you out there got a special someone that you like to call "baby." AM I RIGHT, EGYPT? Now, let me get serious for a second here. I was talking to someone backstage, and he let me know that another kind of baby was found outside this here stadium. (Peter Criss rattler fill) Now, this little rocker was just bawling his lungs out in his wet little basket. I THINK WE GOT A LITTLE ROCK AND ROLLER ON OUR HANDS HERE! (light cheers) Now, what kinda woman would just leave a baby outside a rock and roll show? What kinda woman would abandon her little baby when the Pharoah has decreed that all newborns be put to death? WHAT KINDA WOMAN, EGYPT? (garbled screams) WHAT KINDA WOMAN? (louder, still garbled, screams) I'll tell you what kinda woman would do something like that! A HAAAAAARD LUCK WOMAN!
1. Paul Stanley-Because he's one of the funniest human beings alive.
2. Lou Reed-Although, he released an album of music for tai chi, his work with the Velvet Underground is legendary.
3. Jimmy Page-"Come With Me" was atrocious. As was the movie Godzilla (1998).
During the recording sessions Ezrin resorted to numerous tactics designed to increase the quality of music Kiss recorded. Because none of the group were trained musicians, Ezrin halted the sessions at one point to provide lessons in basic music theory. In an effort to instill a sense of discipline, he wore a whistle around his neck and exhorted the band with sayings such as, "C'mon campers, let's get going!" When Simmons stopped playing early during the recording of an outro Ezrin yelled at him, saying, "Don't you ever stop a take unless I tell you!"
Rolling Stone referred to "bloated ballads," "pedestrian drumming," and "lackluster performances" in its review.
Buffcoat, when this project is complete, could you do the same for Blue Oyster Cult?
Buffcoat, when this project is complete, could you do the same for Blue Oyster Cult?
Buffcoat, when this project is complete, could you do the same for Blue Oyster Cult?
Because Shout it Out Loud is one of the best songs they ever wrote (if not the very best). And, whether or not they were just ripping themselves off, it's a much better song than Rock and Roll All Night. A few reasons for this:
The people have (not) spoken. Hiatus it is.
The album is also known for its striking cover: the front featured Japanese manga-influenced artwork, and the back cover showed individual band shots taken by Norman Seeff at a wild party, and a composite of all four band members' makeup designs. Everyone present at the session (with the exception of Simmons) was drunk for the entire photography session. Stanley was so drunk he had to be locked in his car. Paul's drunken state can easily be seen on the album's front cover as it appears Peter Criss is holding him up while Paul holds onto Peter's leg.
Anybody still reading these?All right! Are you having a good time, people?
The people have (not) spoken. Hiatus it is.I CAN'T HEAR YOU!! I SAID, ARE YOU HAVING A GOOD TIME??!!
Ace looks like someone's great Aunt sitting alone at a holiday function.
Love Gun tonight? On the next Best Show.
Love Gun tonight? On the next Best Show.
You mean, L0V GUN?
If I had Creatures of the Night, I would do Kiss: An Album-by-Album Critical Reevaluation Critical Reevaluation
The song was inspired by an event that took place during Kiss's Rock and Roll Over tour, when Frehley was nearly electrocuted. On December 12, 1976, Kiss performed a concert at the Lakeland Civic Center in Lakeland, Florida. During the opening number, Frehley touched a metal staircase railing, which was ungrounded. Frehley was knocked to the ground, and the concert was delayed for 30 minutes. The show was eventually completed, and Frehley claimed to have lost feeling in his hand for the remainder of the concert.
My granny, she said I was a hooligan
Runnin' 'round like a fool again
I went down to the candy store
If I had a nickel I'd buy some more
And I'm oh so sad, yeah, oh so bad
So sad, but it's true
Baby, what can I do
I'm a hooligan
Won't go to school again
I'm a hooligan
Won't go to school again, won't go, no
Awesome.
That was my favorite so far, I think.
I should probably save this for the CRCR (which is not actually going to happen), but you missed what is, I think, my favorite lyric from Hooligan:
Dropped out of school when I was 22
I mean, I think I get what he was going for here, but it makes it sound like he dropped out of college. Probably just a few credits short of graduating.
I cannot wait for the next few. You are a true hero, buffcoat.
"Wes" maintains that the band, led by Simmons, simply dragged Frehley off to the side and continued playing, presumably so as not to violate terms of the contract and therefore be forced to return some of the gate. I could find no corroborative reference to this sidebar.
"I Stole Your Love" includes the command to Ace to play "Gi-TAR!" which is something that Ace probably had become pretty used to by this time. Still, it must have been humiliating to have it included in the lyrics.
Gene's spoken word part is unbearably creepy.
I don't usually say things like this to girls your age, but when I saw you coming out of the school that day, that day I knew, I knew, I've got to have you, I've got to have you!Between the way emphasizes that second "I KNEW!" and the second "I'VE GOT TO HAVE YOU!" and the relative politeness of the first line, this is Gene Simmons at his best Gentleman Pervert. It's like Phileas Fogg moved into your neighborhood and was legally required to pop by your house to charmingly inform you of his past sexual offenses.
Quote from: Peter CrissMy granny, she said I was a hooligan
Runnin' 'round like a fool again
I went down to the candy store
If I had a nickel I'd buy some more
And I'm oh so sad, yeah, oh so bad
So sad, but it's true
Baby, what can I do
I'm a hooligan
Won't go to school again
I'm a hooligan
Won't go to school again, won't go, no
I knew you'd come to a shocking revelation while rediscovering The Elder!
you could make a mint printing cardboard love guns and putting them in $2 copies of the record
Based on this review, I think I will leave Dynasty (and solo Paul/Gene/Peter) out of my budding collection of Kiss records.
-Ajax
Based on this review, I think I will leave Dynasty (and solo Paul/Gene/Peter) out of my budding collection of Kiss records.
-Ajax
Ajax,
Songs #1 and #3 are must haves, and #2 is good. Definitely worth $2.97 on Itunes for those three. You can skip the rest.
Solo Gene is worth owning if only for how weird it is. More on that later.
Ace's take on "2,000/2000 Man" works well. It's faithful to the original while being a lot heavier. Hey, it's a hell of a lot better than the crap on side 4 of Alive II.
No! Don't download music! It's killing the record industry.
So says Chaim Witz.
Don't worry. This project will be finished, alongside Duke Nukem 3D.
Don't worry. This project will be finished, alongside Duke Nukem 3D.
I hope you don't actually mean Duke Nukem Forever...
Too lazy to even look it up. buffcoat, you have really let yourself go.
Too lazy to even look it up. buffcoat, you have really let yourself go.
Who are you? Bob Dole?
"From a marketing standpoint, the glut of Kiss merchandising that had cropped up in the late 1970s had led to a backlash from fans, who felt that Kiss was now more concerned with making money than with making music."
"The basic plot of Music from "The Elder" involves the recruitment and training of a young hero (The Boy) by the Council of Elders who belong to the Order of the Rose, a mysterious group dedicated to combating evil. The Boy is guided by an elderly caretaker named Morpheus. The album's lyrics describe the boy's feelings during his journey and training, as he overcomes his early doubts to become confident and self-assured. The only spoken dialogue is at the end of the last track, "I." During the passage, Morpheus proclaims to the Elders that The Boy is ready to undertake his odyssey."
"The version of Music from "The Elder" released in the United States and Europe contained a different song order than the one originally intended. This order was chosen in order to emphasize "The Oath" and "A World Without Heroes" as potential singles (the two songs started each side of the record). One effect this alteration in song order had was to disrupt the narrative flow of the album's story."
"Q Magazine ranked Music From "The Elder" 44th in their list of The 50 Worst Albums Ever."
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2tWsNqnfpk&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fbored.knockknockrecords.com%2Findex.php%3Ftopic%3D88761.0&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
Kids love Ace.
How would you spell Ace's dialogue?
How would you spell Ace's dialogue?
it's spelled "ack", right?
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2tWsNqnfpk&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fbored.knockknockrecords.com%2Findex.php%3Ftopic%3D88761.0&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
Kids love Ace.
The band filmed a promotional video for "Shandi," with Peter Criss. It was the last time Criss appeared with Kiss in any capacity until he performed with them at a Kiss Convention on June 17, 1995. In the band's authorized biography, Criss revealed that he was the last one left in the band's dressing room after filming, and broke down crying.
#14 - Unmasked
CODA: This is it for the studio albums, people. I’m thinking of doing the solos one album at a time. A Peter Criss song came up on my iPod this week and Jesus it was as bad as I remembered. I’m looking forward to that.
I bet you could turn this into a 33&1/3 digest, creating an entirely new format. Tom would ban you from the show, though.
Unmasked's cover also sticks it to Ace and Peter. Paul and Gene are both caught by the reporter out on the town with lovely ladies, but Ace and Peter are ambushed while going to the movies together.
Good find, Chinapig! I take it you noticed who conducted the interview?i hope Wurster read the questions as Gene
Ha ha ha! All the FOTs who skip this beautiful thread won't have any idea what our favorite drummer's been up to.
PS Ace actually comes off as a really good guy. Who knew? Of course, it's not hard to be the best *person* of the four, but a lot of the stuff in the interview shows him to be, uh, quite thoughtful.
PPS I bet when Gene reads that interview, he will call up Peter and scream at him for an hour.
You know, writing comes to me real easy these days, but it always has been like that for me. I write about my experiences in life. Go back and listen to “Parasite” or “Shock Me.” Some inspirations have been good, some bad, some life-threatening like “Shock Me.” [Laughs]
Eddie Kramer talked me into recording that song … and he was right! [Laughs] I was the first musician to play on the grounds of the new Yankee Stadium earlier this year. You’d never guess what song I performed!
I was hoping the interviewer's follow-up was going to be: "I give up. What song?" This was a nice interview and it's good to know that Ace sounds like he's got it all together. He should be a Best Show guest so he and Tom can discuss their mutual enthusiasm for roller coasters.
buffcoat, when you finally finish these I'm going to quit smoking.
I'm not kidding.
buffcoat, when you finally finish these I'm going to quit smoking.
I'm not kidding.
McPhee, our early contretemps over "Shout it Out Loud" aside, you're the most stalwart of the KISS: Album-by-Album posting crew. I can't hurry the process of finishing the solo albums (and the new tracks from KILLERZ), but I can wish you the greatest of luck in giving up the foul weed.
I do have a suggestion if you want to quit earlier, and I'm quite sincere. Purchase "Easy Thing," "Kiss the Girl Goodbye," and dear God "I Can't Stop the Rain" from your local MP3 store, and listen to them every time you take a first drag on a cigarette. You will build negative associations that will take a lifetime to undo.
I think your review of Hotter than Hell needs some revision. Yeah, the production is kinda shitty but songs like Goin' Blind, Got to Choose, Parasite, Hotter than Hell - these are all great tunes. Okay I haven't listened to side 2 yet but still. Side 1 alone is totally bad-ass. You said the live versions were better but what if it was 1972 and you hadn't heard the live versions yet? You would love this.
Going Blind alone should catapult it to the top of the Kiss list. It's pretty, it's heavy, and it's creepy, all at the same time.
-Ajax
buffcoat, when you finally finish these I'm going to quit smoking.
I'm not kidding.
McPhee, our early contretemps over "Shout it Out Loud" aside, you're the most stalwart of the KISS: Album-by-Album posting crew. I can't hurry the process of finishing the solo albums (and the new tracks from KILLERZ), but I can wish you the greatest of luck in giving up the foul weed.
I do have a suggestion if you want to quit earlier, and I'm quite sincere. Purchase "Easy Thing," "Kiss the Girl Goodbye," and dear God "I Can't Stop the Rain" from your local MP3 store, and listen to them every time you take a first drag on a cigarette. You will build negative associations that will take a lifetime to undo.
How will you feel, Buffcoat, if mcphee keeps smoking but develops very bad taste?
I think your review of Hotter than Hell needs some revision. Yeah, the production is kinda shitty but songs like Goin' Blind, Got to Choose, Parasite, Hotter than Hell - these are all great tunes. Okay I haven't listened to side 2 yet but still. Side 1 alone is totally bad-ass. You said the live versions were better but what if it was 1972 and you hadn't heard the live versions yet? You would love this.
Going Blind alone should catapult it to the top of the Kiss list. It's pretty, it's heavy, and it's creepy, all at the same time.
-Ajax
Ajax,
You make some good points. I thought my overall review of Hotter than Hell was positive, despite the fact that it sounds like - and in fact WAS - recorded partly in a toilet.
I've expressed my great fondness for "Goin' Blind." I would put it in my personal KISS top 5, along with "Black Diamond" and "Mr. Speed." "Parasite" is up there, too, and "Got to Choose" is very good.
As for pretending I hadn't heard Alive!, that would be counter to the whole purpose of the reviews, man. The whole point was to re-review them today and discuss them in that context.
You should try side 2, though.
Hotter than Hell is still a recommended album, but the versions of the songs on Alive! are just much better (probably had more studio work, too, which, you know).
I only mention it because I am working my way through the catalog as well, for the first time. I haven't heard the live albums yet, and Kiss (s/t) and Hotter than Hell are both pretty much amazing in their own right!
-Ajax
buffcoat, when you finally finish these I'm going to quit smoking.
I'm not kidding.
McPhee, our early contretemps over "Shout it Out Loud" aside, you're the most stalwart of the KISS: Album-by-Album posting crew. I can't hurry the process of finishing the solo albums (and the new tracks from KILLERZ), but I can wish you the greatest of luck in giving up the foul weed.
I do have a suggestion if you want to quit earlier, and I'm quite sincere. Purchase "Easy Thing," "Kiss the Girl Goodbye," and dear God "I Can't Stop the Rain" from your local MP3 store, and listen to them every time you take a first drag on a cigarette. You will build negative associations that will take a lifetime to undo.
How will you feel, Buffcoat, if mcphee keeps smoking but develops very bad taste?
Julie, I am confident enough in how horrible those three songs are that McPhee will be completely safe from liking them.
With all due respect to fans, isn't Kiss essentially shore trash with money?
With all due respect to fans, isn't Kiss essentially shore trash with money?
With all due respect to fans, isn't Kiss essentially shore trash with money?
Kiss are four guys with only a modicum of talent but a relentless drive to succeed who worked hard and created an awesome spectacle that captured the imaginations of millions over the course of 3 decades!
And this dunkin' donuts commercial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9tlj3xBf5w
-Ajax
I bet paul and gene made about 100k on that commercial while ace only managed a couple sips of that latte when Gene had his back turned
With all due respect to fans, isn't Kiss essentially shore trash with money?
Shore trash doesn't come from the city, Goober.
Plus, AHEM, if it's too loud, you're too old.
What KISS fans are you referring to, Auntie?
What KISS fans are you referring to, Auntie?
Sorry, I meant "fans".
Did youse KISS fans hear about the special show they're doing at Cobo arena in Detroit before it gets torn down?
#14 - Unmasked
CODA: This is it for the studio albums, people. I’m thinking of doing the solos one album at a time. A Peter Criss song came up on my iPod this week and Jesus it was as bad as I remembered. I’m looking forward to that.
Yes!
Please!
Do this!
And what was the tracklist on that tape? Do you remember?
Tape 2 Side B:
33. Rock and Roll All Nite (3:37)
34. Lick It Up (3:59) - Lick It Up
35. Heaven's On Fire (3:18) - Animalize (the first KISS LP I owned)
36. Thrills in the Night (4:18) - Animalize
37. Tears are Falling (3:55) - Asylum
38. Who Wants to Be Lonely (4:01) - Asylum
39. Deuce (3:32)
40. Hotter than Hell (3:11) (more overlooked songs to fill out the tape)
Very disappointed in you, amiright? .
QuoteTape 2 Side B:
33. Rock and Roll All Nite (3:37)
34. Lick It Up (3:59) - Lick It Up
35. Heaven's On Fire (3:18) - Animalize (the first KISS LP I owned)
36. Thrills in the Night (4:18) - Animalize
37. Tears are Falling (3:55) - Asylum
38. Who Wants to Be Lonely (4:01) - Asylum
39. Deuce (3:32)
40. Hotter than Hell (3:11) (more overlooked songs to fill out the tape)
It's pretty telling on their mid-80s decline that even the young Buffcoat (who climbed on board during that time) couldn't put together even one side of a tape of "hits" from that era without including some filler.
Were you also a fan of the mid-career slumping AC/DC during that time? I had a co-worker who was into this period of KISS records, but also brought to work his tapes of Angus and Co's least essentials: Fly on the Wall and Flick of the Switch.
Very disappointed in you, amiright? .
Very disappointed in you, amiright? .
Sorry! I haven't checked general discussion in a while!
Thank you for this - I'm putting together the tracklist on my ipod TONIGHT!
Maybe I should give your tapes a Critical Reevaluation...
I am sure that this amazing thread was responsible for a short audio-only dream I had this morning, which consisted of just a single sentence:
"A camera pan across the crowd during the band's performance of their hit ballad "Forever" clearly shows two males sharing sniffs off a bottle of amyl nitrate if slowed down"
I think it may have been in the voice of the Behind The Music guy, describing a live concert DVD.
Even then, there's a chance Gene and Paul don't let them show up at all and they have to watch through a window in the kitchen while perched on top of a dumpster.
Did you know that Ace has a Twitter account? His latest: "So now that Anomaly has sat in your stereos for a bit... what's your favorite track?" This kind of confidence is why I'm sure that Ace Frehley will receive a sterling critical evaluation when it comes up in this thread.
And from a few weeks ago: "Gotta love the Catman! Thanks Peter for calling Rockline last night."
There's also an account for Peter that has a really sad, tired-looking picture of the Catman as its icon, but it seems to be someone taking care of it by proxy for Peter, as the bio says "Hoping to have the real Catman here soon!" This does nothing to deter my belief that Peter Criss is the member of KISS most likely to be functionally illiterate. Gotta love the Catman!
Also stumbled on some weird Kiss videos:
Ace doing a bar band novelty song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeZlXJtLhMQ
Buffcoat:
The Paul solo LP is the only of the four that I still retain in my collection. I need to know whether to keep it or not. The world still awaits your ruling!
“what is perhaps his masterpiece, "Wildfire", a sentimental song about the ghosts of a woman and her horse. As a boy, he first heard from his grandfather the story of a ghost horse rescuing people in the desert. Years later, Murphey had a dream about this ghost horse and wrote the words and music the same day with songwriter Larry Cansler.”
Bravo!
I actually just listened to the Peter Criss solo album for the first time recently. It's every bit as bad as they say. It's an atonal soul record without the soul. Although he was a bit of a mess at the time with drugs which explains a lot of it.
Bravo!
I actually just listened to the Peter Criss solo album for the first time recently. It's every bit as bad as they say. It's an atonal soul record without the soul. Although he was a bit of a mess at the time with drugs which explains a lot of it.
When he finished the vocals for "I'm Gonna Love You" - the horrific depression that comes through the first time he says the title line in particular - how close do you think he was to ending it all?
Bravo!
I actually just listened to the Peter Criss solo album for the first time recently. It's every bit as bad as they say. It's an atonal soul record without the soul. Although he was a bit of a mess at the time with drugs which explains a lot of it.
When he finished the vocals for "I'm Gonna Love You" - the horrific depression that comes through the first time he says the title line in particular - how close do you think he was to ending it all?
'That's the Kind of Sugar Papa Likes' is the low point for me just for the title alone. I picture him at the sessions barely able to keep awake.
While Stanley was busy throwing the ball around, Gene Simmons was making friends with head cheerleader Melissa Codden. "[Simmons] was interesting because he was interested in what I had to say and when you're 16 not many people are interested in what you have to say."(http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0301/pg2_kiss108_576x.jpg)
espn.com has a story about KISS visiting a high school in 1975: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=arruda/100301_kiss
espn.com has a story about KISS visiting a high school in 1975: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=arruda/100301_kiss
Some pretty great photos, like this one:Was that just an awful snap, or did Paul travel around school grounds that day by holding on to a flying football?
(http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0301/pg2_e_kiss106_576.jpg)
That picture with the cheerleader probably would have launched Jerry Falwell's career if it hadn't been launched already.
Ace's "What's On Your Mind?" just came up on the iPod. It's a pretty solid song.
look at this sad thing
This might as well go here: A friend of mine who works for the TSA just called me all a-twitter because she'd just encountered Gene Simmons, whom she adores, for reasons even she doesn't understand. She said she was so excited to see him all she could say was, "Oh my god." To that, Shannon Tweed, through whose bags my friend was rummaging, said, "Honey, the first time I met him, that's what I said." At that, GS quipped, "And you still say it from time to time." He then did a little jig as he moved toward the gate.
Fin
For my friend, it was the voice that identified him.
Not a happy, KISS-loving board: http://www.kissawol.com/Forum/index.php?topic=7924.0 (http://www.kissawol.com/Forum/index.php?topic=7924.0)
I'm trying to figure out who would round out Peter Criss' jazz trio.
Not a happy, KISS-loving board: http://www.kissawol.com/Forum/index.php?topic=7924.0 (http://www.kissawol.com/Forum/index.php?topic=7924.0)
I was wiped out, wiped out, wiped out
I had my lights out, lights out, lights out
Was fallin' right out, right out, right out
Cause I was wiped out, wiped out, wiped out
Forum member buffcoat!
I have just read this entire thread and it is excellent!
Leaving aside the fact that “Gene Simmons” and “concessions” only belong in a sentence with the phrase “percentage of the”,Five stars!
Ace Frehley is a highly listenable album. I'd still put it fairly low in the totality of KISS' 70s work - above the Elder, Dynasty and Unmasked, but below Love Gun. It's a bit hard because I really don't like Ace's singing at all, but he writes good songs (at least he did up until Dynasty/Unmasked - and I'm not completely convinced he wasn't trying to sabotage the group at that point).
I would recommend, again, that you all put "Torpedo Girl" on a loop and see how long it takes you to pass out at work.
In terms of ranking KISS albums I think I'd actually put the Ace solo disc over Love Gun. Mainly because Ace didn't do an unnecessary cover of 'Then She Kissed Me'. But then again 'Wiped Out' is probably just as bad from another direction.
Would it be derivative of me to try the same sort of project with Blue Oyster Cult? Or for Omar to do King's X!? (yummy)
Would it be derivative of me to try the same sort of project with Blue Oyster Cult? Or for Omar to do King's X!? (yummy)
Go ahead, DfK. Not a fan of BOC, and don't know King's X, but I'll give them a read.
If I were going to do another band, I would probably do another makeup band with similar music. Maybe you've heard of them? They're called "The Cure." I've always been curious as to the real story of Robert "Fat Bob" Smith. Plus the arcs, children, the arcs!
Would it be derivative of me to try the same sort of project with Blue Oyster Cult? Or for Omar to do King's X!? (yummy)
Go ahead, DfK. Not a fan of BOC, and don't know King's X, but I'll give them a read.
If I were going to do another band, I would probably do another makeup band with similar music. Maybe you've heard of them? They're called "The Cure." I've always been curious as to the real story of Robert "Fat Bob" Smith. Plus the arcs, children, the arcs!
Dave from Knoxville! Buffcoat!
I am a pretty big BOC fan (up through Fire of Unknown Origin) and a super huge Cure fan (excepting 4:13 Dream!), and would love to hear you dudes' takes on these bands!
I have to tell you, I will never listen to Wild Mood Swings again.
I have to tell you, I will never listen to Wild Mood Swings again.
I like about half of it, but I don't blame you. It's not a very good album, but I guess the songs I like redeem it for me.
"Strange Attraction" by itself is pretty offputting!
I have to tell you, I will never listen to Wild Mood Swings again.
I like about half of it, but I don't blame you. It's not a very good album, but I guess the songs I like redeem it for me.
"Strange Attraction" by itself is pretty offputting!
I know what my top 3 Cure albums would be - what would yours be, placeholder?
What on earth am I going to say about Porl "Paul" Thompson and Laurence Tolhurst?
Wanted to add to the love for this thread. I just reread the entire thing, and it's easily one of the very best things to ever grace the Internet.
I don't feel ripped off for having spent $2 on a used copy.
... that CD where the current Kiss dudes rerecorded a bunch of old songs.
God help me, I bought a used copy of Sonic Boom out of a $2 bin last weekend.
I'd rate it a 6 out of 10. I don't feel ripped off for having spent $2 on a used copy.
Ha! I also figured out that I somehow skipped the Gene solo album, so I'll be writing that one up soon.
Ha! I also figured out that I somehow skipped the Gene solo album, so I'll be writing that one up soon.
That's a pretty embarrassing record, but I'll be damned if "See You Tonite" isn't great.
Ha! I also figured out that I somehow skipped the Gene solo album, so I'll be writing that one up soon.
That's a pretty embarrassing record, but I'll be damned if "See You Tonite" isn't great.
You like the solo version better than the Rock and Roll Over version?
Ha! I also figured out that I somehow skipped the Gene solo album, so I'll be writing that one up soon.
That's a pretty embarrassing record, but I'll be damned if "See You Tonite" isn't great.
You like the solo version better than the Rock and Roll Over version?
I'm talking about "See You Tonite."
You're thinking of "See You in Your Dreams," son. I agree that the Rock and Roll Over version is better!
Radioactive came up on iTunes the other day... that's not a bad pop/rock song. It was the single, right? Without all the hosanna stuff.
Holy Smokes - Long excerpt from upcoming Peter Criss memoir:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-book-excerpt-peter-criss-makeup-to-breakup-my-life-in-and-out-of-kiss-20121008 (http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-book-excerpt-peter-criss-makeup-to-breakup-my-life-in-and-out-of-kiss-20121008)
Holy Smokes - Long excerpt from upcoming Peter Criss memoir:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-book-excerpt-peter-criss-makeup-to-breakup-my-life-in-and-out-of-kiss-20121008 (http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-book-excerpt-peter-criss-makeup-to-breakup-my-life-in-and-out-of-kiss-20121008)
Wow, this look great. Is Paul the only one who hasn't written a memoir yet?
Jon Wurster's Facebook excerpts from the Peter Criss book have been hilarious.
Buff, can you review this?
https://soundcloud.com/christopher-armes/45-minutes-of-paul-stanley (https://soundcloud.com/christopher-armes/45-minutes-of-paul-stanley)
Awwllllraaiiggggghttt!!
I guess "soon" means something else to buffcoat.
Great post. I'm not the biggest KISS fan, but I'm ashamed that I didn't know such an album of highly erotic Polaroids existed. I'm sure KISS fans -- and enthusiasts of Gene Simmons's sex life -- are ecstatic over the thought of its possible release someday.
Any James Taylor record ... is heads and shoulders better than these solo LPs
Great post. I'm not the biggest KISS fan, but I'm ashamed that I didn't know such an album of highly erotic Polaroids existed. I'm sure KISS fans -- and enthusiasts of Gene Simmons's sex life -- are ecstatic over the thought of its possible release someday.
I concur! BRAVO!!! I am a huge KISS fan but have steadfastly refused to listen to the solo LP'S (save Ace's, which is great IMHO) for fear that they will kill the magic. This writeup is very satisfying to read, the next best thing to a listen? I would have bought them but the solo LP's are now fetching a steep price (if you can believe that!) and by steep I mean $10 which is too much for a shitty record that everybody knows is shitty and that shipped a billion copies (that never sold). These should be the cheapest of the cheap records but they are not! Any James Taylor record can be bought for $1 and is heads and shoulders better than these solo LPs but you gotta pay $10! No thanks!
-AG
As always, his poodle-textured black hair hangs to his shoulders, in a style one comedian suggested was inspired by Planet of the Apes. "This is all me – a lot of spray," he says, fondling the inert fur. "You're welcome to play around with it."
Simmons, meanwhile, says that Frehley and Criss "no longer deserve to wear the paint." "The makeup is earned," he adds. "Just being there at the beginning is not enough. You know, quite honestly, my hand to God? I would have preferred the same lineup all these years. But if I fuck up, I should be tossed out. And if you blow it for yourself, it's your fault. You can't blame your band members. 'Oh, look what happened to me. Oh, poor me.' Look at my little violin. I have no sympathy."
There were immediate signs of personality differences: Over a slice of pizza at their first meeting, Criss blurted out that he had a nine-inch penis, a piece of information that his colleagues didn't know how to process.
"Always business," Simmons says. "I hardly have any friends. Friendship is overrated."
Cyrus is jittery, outrageously friendly, all leather, denim and hair, with a thick Southern accent. He is star-struck by Simmons, though the feeling doesn't seem to be mutual. "This is the most overwhelming contribution to society," he says, gazing in awe at the knickknacks. "I stood in line in Huntington, West Virginia, to see you!"
Back by the Kaskets, Cyrus is talking about getting older, and mentions a former hard-partying lifestyle that put "heavy mileage" on him.
"But that was your choice," Simmons says. "You chose to do that, yes?"
"Well," Cyrus says, gearing up to unleash some tragic tales, "I had a rough time growing up."
Simmons cuts him off. "So did I," he says. "My mother was in a Nazi concentration camp. I came to America when I was eight years old, and I didn't speak a word of English."
It's peaceful here, though somewhere inside are a bunch of guns in case he has to shoot intruders. ("If you threaten me, I will take you out," says Simmons. "I welcome anybody who dares go over those gates.")
But they both bristled at their salaried status, and Criss was horrified when Frehley drunkenly confessed that the guitarist was making $10,000 more per night. Criss took to drawing a single tear on his cat makeup as the tours wound down.
. .the solo LP's are now fetching a steep price (if you can believe that!) and by steep I mean $10 which is too much for a shitty record that everybody knows is shitty and that shipped a billion copies (that never sold). These should be the cheapest of the cheap records but they are not!
-AG
jesus http://grantland.com/chuck-klosterman-kiss-hall-of-fame/ (http://grantland.com/chuck-klosterman-kiss-hall-of-fame/)
But why worry about "good" music even on the disc?
"Kiss once took an IQ test, and I was on top. I guess my brain was working good that morning – thank God for good genes. I think Paul got the lowest score. No, that didn’t surprise me. A frontman doesn’t have to be a genius, he just has to have the right moves."
Ace says he has an IQ of 163, and most people fall between the 70-130 range, which begs the question, why isn’t Ace one of the lifetime members of Mensa? But it’s not like I don’t agree with him. Especially after Stanley’s comments about Patti Smith earlier this week. Because anyone hates on Patti Smith is stupid. Duh. Unfortunately, just as I was applauding Frehey’s timely Stanley diss, Ace went on to detail his concern for the the upcoming End of the World Day on December 12th, 2012:
"The sun has an 11-year cycle and it’s coming towards an end, so they’re expecting more sun-spot activity, solar winds and solar flares that could affect computers and power grids. Some planets are aligning, from what I understand, so that could cause an earthquake and severe weather. So a lot of crazy of things could happen."
I would just like to say that this is my 6000th post and I am using it to push this thread to the top.
good god
You thought Vinnie wouldn't get the same treatment?
Vinnie Vincent is a goofy egocentric difficult stealing prick (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCBjULTT0RA#)
You thought Vinnie wouldn't get the same treatment?
Vinnie Vincent is a goofy egocentric difficult stealing prick (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCBjULTT0RA#)
You just had me watching 10 minutes of live Kiss videos from the mid-80s. Very tricky, Buffer.
You thought Vinnie wouldn't get the same treatment?
Vinnie Vincent is a goofy egocentric difficult stealing prick (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCBjULTT0RA#)
You just had me watching 10 minutes of live Kiss videos from the mid-80s. Very tricky, Buffer.
This is my mission in life, Fredrixxxxxxxxx.
Vincent Vincent, the "Ankh Warrior" and dude who dumps his leftover soup back into the group pot, has re-emerged:
http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-kiss-guitarist-vinnie-vincent-gives-first-interview-in-more-than-20-years-if-the-fans-want-me-back-i-cant-wait/ (http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-kiss-guitarist-vinnie-vincent-gives-first-interview-in-more-than-20-years-if-the-fans-want-me-back-i-cant-wait/)
FINALLY, they found the Voice for Peter's audiobook:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FVRhRvtpoU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FVRhRvtpoU)
Excellent review, Mr. Meat! A worthy addition to this, my favorite thread on the Internet.
Especially this fact: "At one point everybody left the stage but the bassist, who played a five or six minute solo."
I take it Ace didn't run down his former bandmates?
They're sort of becoming like wrestlers now, attacking each other viciously and then riding together to the next gig.