The live streaming concert, which you can watch below, is part of the Live on Letterman series and comes just one day after the band — whose lineup now includes founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, along with drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer — released their latest album, Monster.

The set will feature songs from the new album, as well as some of their classics.

Watch the band perform live below.

[cbs-dot-com-video]QBhXPQT54ssy4WQkGGCJSuEx1HkdeWkV[/cbs-dot-com-video]

The live streaming concert, which you can watch below, is part of the Live on Letterman series and comes just one day after the band — whose lineup now includes founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, along with drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer — released their latest album, Monster.

The set will feature songs from the new album, as well as some of their classics.

Watch the band perform live below.

[cbs-dot-com-video]QBhXPQT54ssy4WQkGGCJSuEx1HkdeWkV[/cbs-dot-com-video]

The live streaming concert, which you can watch below, is part of the Live on Letterman series and comes just one day after the band — whose lineup now includes founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, along with drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer — released their latest album, Monster.

The set will feature songs from the new album, as well as some of their classics.

Watch the band perform live below.

[cbs-dot-com-video]QBhXPQT54ssy4WQkGGCJSuEx1HkdeWkV[/cbs-dot-com-video]

The live streaming concert, which you can watch below, is part of the Live on Letterman series and comes just one day after the band — whose lineup now includes founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, along with drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer — released their latest album, Monster.

The set will feature songs from the new album, as well as some of their classics.

Watch the band perform live below.

[cbs-dot-com-video]QBhXPQT54ssy4WQkGGCJSuEx1HkdeWkV[/cbs-dot-com-video]

The live streaming concert, which you can watch below, is part of the Live on Letterman series and comes just one day after the band — whose lineup now includes founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, along with drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer — released their latest album, Monster.

The set will feature songs from the new album, as well as some of their classics.

Watch the band perform live below.

[cbs-dot-com-video]QBhXPQT54ssy4WQkGGCJSuEx1HkdeWkV[/cbs-dot-com-video]

The live streaming concert, which you can watch below, is part of the Live on Letterman series and comes just one day after the band — whose lineup now includes founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, along with drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer — released their latest album, Monster.

The set will feature songs from the new album, as well as some of their classics.

Watch the band perform live below.

[cbs-dot-com-video]QBhXPQT54ssy4WQkGGCJSuEx1HkdeWkV[/cbs-dot-com-video]

More KISS News On WCBSFM.com

Read More On WCBSFM.com:

• Warren Haynes On What To Expect From His Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration Tour
• Schools Incorporating Twitter During Graduation Ceremonies
• Mr. G’s Wet Thursday Forecast And Photos From Weather Education Day At Citi Field
• Win Tickets to Raceway Park’s NHRA Toyota Summernationals
• Win Tickets To See The Turtles
• Aretha Franklin Postpones Tour To July

The live streaming concert, which you can watch below, is part of the Live on Letterman series and comes just one day after the band — whose lineup now includes founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, along with drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer — released their latest album, Monster.

The set will feature songs from the new album, as well as some of their classics.

Watch the band perform live below.

[cbs-dot-com-video]QBhXPQT54ssy4WQkGGCJSuEx1HkdeWkV[/cbs-dot-com-video]

The live streaming concert, which you can watch below, is part of the Live on Letterman series and comes just one day after the band — whose lineup now includes founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, along with drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer — released their latest album, Monster.

The set will feature songs from the new album, as well as some of their classics.

Watch the band perform live below.

[cbs-dot-com-video]QBhXPQT54ssy4WQkGGCJSuEx1HkdeWkV[/cbs-dot-com-video]

The live streaming concert, which you can watch below, is part of the Live on Letterman series and comes just one day after the band — whose lineup now includes founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, along with drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer — released their latest album, Monster.

The set will feature songs from the new album, as well as some of their classics.

Watch the band perform live below.

[cbs-dot-com-video]QBhXPQT54ssy4WQkGGCJSuEx1HkdeWkV[/cbs-dot-com-video]

http://www.facebook.com/KISS?ref=ts&fref=ts

http://www.kissonline.com

WOO HOO! A new KISS record! Ok, ok, I know it’s not the complete KISS (Peter and Ace will ALWAYS be missed by me) but this record is quite good. I felt like a little kid again listening to this record. The songs seem back in their classic KISS format. I have always liked the fact that KISS used all four members as lead vocalists on various songs. Granted there is only one Tommy Thayer and one Eric Singer lead vocals the two songs are amazing. “Outta This World” is a fitting tribute to the “Space Man” persona. Tommy’s vocals are solid and his playing is reminiscent of KISS of old. “All for the Love of Rock & Roll”  is easily my favorite track on this record. It takes me back to a day when life was fun and everyone was having a good time. Eric handles the vocals perfectly keeping the “Catman” alive and well. Gene and Paul remain steadfast as always leading KISS as they have from day one. So, thank you KISS thank you for a MONSTER record. Do yourself a favor and pick a copy up, even if you haven’t’ been a fan This record might change that!
1. “Hell or Hallelujah”   (vocals) Stanley 4:07
2. “Wall of Sound”    (vocals) Simmons 2:55
3. “Freak”  (vocals)  Stanley 3:35
4. “Back to the Stone Age”  (vocals)  Simmons 3:01
5. “Shout Mercy” (vocals) Stanley 4:04
6. “Long Way Down” (vocals) Stanley 3:51
7. “Eat Your Heart Out”  (vocals)Simmons 4:06
8. “The Devil Is Me”  (vocals) Simmons 3:41
9. “Outta This World” (vocals) Thayer 4:29
10. “All for the Love of Rock & Roll” (vocals) Singer 3:21
11. “Take Me Down Below” (vocals) Simmons, Stanley 3:24
12. “Last Chance”  (vocals) Stanley 3:05

the Hellion

Here’s a link to my Amazon page:

http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Barr/e/B003L0R7X4/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1349693434&sr=8-1

Brace For Impact:

Introduction

 While working on this book I have started and stopped more times than I can remember. Someone close to me told me to write about the dark underside of the life I’ve led. We all have a dark underside; it’s just that some are darker and dirtier than others. When I first envisioned this book it was to talk about all the undeserved ass kickings life had thrown at me. But the more I tried, the words didn’t come. The stories were lame, and had no soul.

It’s not that my life hasn’t had soul, or texture, or the most vivid colors on the planet, it’s just that the way I first envisioned this book was bullshit. Yeah we all get our ass kicked sometime, big deal, that ain’t a book I wanna buy. When I talked to my partner she called me on my bullshit. What I was churning out was crap, unworthy of the time I had wasted putting the words down. I had to dig deep, and find the real meat that was on the bone. But the problem with that was, where the dark, gritty meat that was and is my life was, was where I had wronged so many people in my selfish, Dionysian, self absorbed, bullshit, rock and roll life. That’s a scary beast to face down, the wrongs you have perpetrated on those around you. It’s the rest of the world that needs to brace for impact.

There are a lot of days in my life that I regret, that I wish I could take back, but not only can I not take them back, I am now revisiting them and they haunt me. I keep asking myself, is a fucking book worth walking back down those dark passages of yesterday?  But maybe this is about more than just another bullshit rock and roll book. Maybe this will be the catharsis that will purge the demons from my past. They haunt me at night, and at random moments where something will remind me of them and take me back to a point in time and I relive it, again and again. There are a lot of painful memories, and I have kept turning from them like you would a bright light first thing in the morning. Never taking ownership for all that I have done.

All my life I have never looked back at the damage I have done, the lives I have shattered. It’s easy when you keep moving forward and tell yourself it’s not your fault, but when you finally slow down for even a minute, you can’t hide from yourself no matter how hard you try. Reliving these moments in time and facing them has been one of the hardest things I have ever done. Every word hurts, every memory is excruciating, and magnified tenfold as I examine it for all the details, all the dark and gritty truths about myself and the world I created around me.

So here I am, about to go down the dark passages that have made up the sum content of my life so far. You may or may not like what you see here, and you will more than likely think less of me for all I have done, but here we go. I invite you to meet my demons, like I said, maybe this book will be cathartic, and maybe, just maybe, my demons will finally leave me alone. God I hope so.

The photo that will become the cover:

http://www.amazon.com/We-Are-Road-Crew-Vol/dp/1450538673/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1349464836&sr=8-3&keywords=we+are+the+road+crew

http://www.amazon.com/We-Are-Road-Crew-ebook/dp/B006RUU8Z4/ref=la_B003L0R7X4_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1349291067&sr=1-7

One year ago I discovered the Music of KISS (the rock band not love songs). Even though I had known about them for a Long Time I did not consider myself a fan but on discovery of their music I became a fan and for about 3 to 4 months I was listening to their music and almost nothing else (no Metallica, Saxon or Black Sabbath). Now that a year has passed I thought I would give you my top 5 KISS Songs.

For those of you not in the know KISS are a Legendary American Rock Band and while their music is not Metal is sometimes considered it but they are more Heavy/American Rock. However if you look at them you will see that they are not an ordinary band. KISS are well known for wearing face paint and Dark (Black and White) Flamboyant Costumes. They also introduce some theatrics to their shows (inspired by Alice Cooper), mostly from the Bass Player which includes blood spitting and fire breathing. While they may be odd compared to other bands around the world, they are one of the most successful acts in the world. They have also been featured in several Music Top Lists. Not only this but they have one of the largest Fan followings in music (referred to as the KISS Army). They are:

Paul Stanley – Lead Vocals and Guitar

Gene Simmons – Bass and Vocals

Eric Carr/Peter Criss/Eric Singer – Drums and Backing Vocals

Mark St. John/Bruce Kulick/Vinnie Vincent/Ace Frehley/Tommy Thayer – Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals

Together they are KISS.

5. Detroit Rock City – Not to be confused with one of their films Detroit Rock City is usually used as the opening song for the band when performing live. The song begins with a heavy riff and then turns into a loud vibration before once again entering the riff. For most of the song it is just a vibration but during parts there is some riffing. Then about halfway through there is a sweet and not so heavy riff before the song re-enters its combination of riffs and vibration while also combing some more of the solo. Detroit Rock City while not being as heavy as some songs is in itself an Amazing Song.

4. God Of Thunder – Possibly The Heaviest of Heavy Songs, and that is not just for KISS. The song is sung by Simmons and is almost telling a story as it is sung. While it could be considered a song about Thor it is technically a song about Zeus because it does mention a lot of stuff from Greek Mythology. The song is mostly Heavy through riffing instead of vibration even though it does feature some but the solo this time around is a lot more dark but that does fit in with the style of the song. I have said many times that if I was a Professional Wrestler I would use this song as my Entrance Theme. It is a Great Song.

3. Rock and Roll All Nite – What is seen of as more of an anthem to both Rock and Roll and KISS, Rock and Roll All Nite really shows what kind of music KISS is, not metal just Good Old Rock. While many fans consider this to be KISS’s Best Song and their favourite as a result I think it does not compare to some other songs. But that does not mean it’s bad. While still featuring some vibration like with Detroit Rock City it is more riffy and is music that gets you off your feet and want to move, sing, shout, dance, scream to the power of the guitar when it’s used in this context (genre wise) and like all Good KISS songs it features a Solo. Enough stalling let’s just hear some Good Old Rock.

2. Psycho Circus – Back in February and March when I was mostly Angry I thought about doing a Top 5 Songs That Gets The Anger Out, and this was always going to be in it. Very riffy, Very heavy and some vibration. The song is a combination of different styles so such as you get lots of acts at a circus you get lots of styles of music in this, there is some Heavy and later on there is some calm. The song also features one of the best Guitar Solos in Music (particularly when you combine it with the images in the music video). The song has an amazing Music Video which combines many images with the music that is accompanying it (like the circus again). All in All it is an incredible song (the song is also featured in an amusing video involving Michael Jackson) and well worth a listen even if you are not a fan of KISS or this genre of Music. Go on Treat yourself and Listen to this Fantastic Song, also keep an eye out for the Rocket Powered Guitar (apologies if an advert pops up, just skip it).

1. I Was Made For Loving You – While more like a disco track than a rock song, I Was Made For Loving You is a Fantastic Song. It is quite possibly the most viewed Music Video on YouTube. It is very hard to describe how it is played because of its disco sound. There is hardly any vibration and is very riffy, but very quick. The music’s opening has a great sound which sets it up ready for Stanley’s intro which brings the heaviness. The song continues like this for most of the song then goes into a heavy solo in two parts, opening with a Fantastic Bass Solo and then into a Great Guitar Solo. The song’s lyrics also make it a fantastic Love Song too (so in some way it works with the band name). The chorus in particular is something anyone can join in with. But more than that the sound of the music has a sort of Je ne sais quoi (something you can’t put your finger on) about it. Something about this song which makes it Fantastic, but I don’t know what. Well at least it is there, because without it it would not be my Favourite KISS Song.

GENEPOOL (That rocket powered Guitar did inspire me for an idea for Arbitrary Stopframe).

Paul Stanley, KISS. Photo credit: Sandy Dhaliwal

The American glam-metallers brought their stadium-sized show to London’s Wembley Arena.

The KISS army were out in full force for the band’s final UK date on their Sonic Boom over Europe Tour. Upon reaching Wembley Arena I was greeted with the sight of excited fans from across all ages congregating outside the venue; mixing with one another and making friends. From toddlers in kids’ size KISS t shirts to fifty year old veterans in the full on costumes and make up, the crowd were just the friendliest bunch; bringing with them a real buzz and genuine atmosphere. Happily posing for snaps and sharing stories with me, many revealed that they had travelled from all over Europe for tonight’s gig, while some had even attended every show on the tour!

Just before nine the band made their spectacular entrance, creating a frenzy amongst their family of fans, as they were lowered to the stage by a hydraulically operated platform in true KISS style theatrics. Dressed in their trademark rocket-man glam get ups, ‘The Starchild’ Paul Stanley (vocals), ‘The Demon’ Gene Simmons (bass), ‘The Catman’ Eric Singer (drums) and ‘The Spaceman’ Tommy Thayer (guitar) illuminated in front of their neon backdrop as they rocked out with opener Modern Day Delilah from their latest release Sonic Boom. Blasting through guitar driven classics including Crazy Crazy Nights, Calling Doctor Love, Black Diamond, Lick It Up and Love Gun, it was more than evident that their forty year back catalogue was meant to be seen and heard live.

With their much loved enthusiasm, energy and charm as well as some impressive pyrotechnics and confetti cannons, the New York four-piece played up to their comic book characters; which at one point saw Simmons spitting blood and flying to the rafters to play out a solo. Stanley didn’t fail to impress either, as he swung across a trapeze wire and through the crowd to a centre placed rotating podium; only to belt out I Was Made For Loving You whilst spinning on the platform. It was at this point that star of the show Stanley was positioned opposite myself, and for a moment he decided to point at me in the audience! I am still not entirely sure why he singled me out but I was definitely taken aback at the time! An impromptu rendition of Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love as well as the archetypal Stanley banter continued to keep us entertained while the other members sat at the side, letting the frontman revel in the spotlight.

Detroit Rock City proved a big favourite of the night as a closer, while encore numbers God Gave Rock and Roll to You and Rock and Roll All Night had the devil horns in the air and the whole place singing.

While the band maybe pushing sixty, KISS put on an unrivaled and unforgettable performance. They truly are like no other and long live their reign as one of the best rock and roll bands on the planet!

www.kissonline.com

Thanks, Ken

http://theroadcrew.wordpress.com/

http://www.cafepress.com/roadcrewstore

Gallery : Click on an image to view fullscreen

http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Barr/e/B003L0R7X4/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d20_al1?_encoding=UTF8&refinementId=618073011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_r=1QDPH1EMNGTWC61VNRDR&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470939031&pf_rd_i=507846

Here is a picture of my three girls….

Thanks !!

We’re not done yet!  Part 48 of my series of Kiss reviews, leading up to the release of Monster!   See belore for my original 2009 review, unaltered.

KISS - Sonic Boom (Walmart exclusive versions — my original review from 2009)

This album was hyped as the the return of classic KISS.  Is this the best album since the 1970′s? Personally, not for me. I think both Revenge and Creatures are stronger — heavier, more aggressive, more challenging. However, Sonic Boom is really strong. Paul Stanley’s concept of having all 4 band members write and record without outside help is exactly what KISS fans had been asking for since the semi-disasterous Psycho Circus. It may not be the original members, but this is real KISS and this is real rock.

The production isn’t rough like I was expecting — I was hoping for something more akin to Jack White, since Paul chose to record analog. There are glossy harmonies and background vocals (check out “Stand” and “All For The Glory”) that are very unlike 70′s KISS and more like what happened later on with Revenge.

What grounds this album in the 70′s is Tommy Thayer, who is the star of the show here. Not only does he get a lead vocal (all four members do) but he demonstrates why (whether you like it or not) he was chosen to replace Ace Frehley. Basically, he cops Ace’s style, including several signiture Ace licks. How you feel about this is up to you. KISS have obviously wanted him to sound as much like Ace as he can, and that’s exactly what he does here on Sonic Boom. The result is a series of guitar solos that sound familiar, but are still catchy as hell.

The songwriting here is solidly above average. Paul and Gene write together — something that happens very rarely these days. Along with Thayer they have crafted a series of rock songs (no ballads!) that pay homage to KISS’ past catalogue. Moments of Rock N’ Roll Over are shaded with things that sound like Creatures, Revenge, Psycho Circus and even melodies that could have come from Crazy Nights. So while the press have misled us into thinking this was some 70′s retro-fest, it’s not that at all. Have you heard Angel of Retribution by Judas Priest? This is the same deal. Sonic Boom pays tribute to past KISS sounds, it re-grounds the band. In retrospect that is probably exactly what KISS needed to do. Maybe if they make another album (we can hope!), they will take another step forward like Priest did and come up with something more unique.

Interestingly, at least one song here does actually date back to the 70′s. “Hot and Cold” was written by Gene for Rock and Roll Over in 1976, except back then it was called “Rotten to the Core”. He re-demoed it several times for consideration on various Kiss albums until finally the chorus was re-written as “Hod and Cold”, and included here. So if you think it has some of that “Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em” vibe, that’s why. Both songs were written at the same time!

I was disappointed about some blantant ripoffs here, riff-wise.  “Never Enough” is “Nothing But A Good Time” by Poison rewritten.  This is nothing new, unfortunately.  Somtimes it worked, sometimed it didn’t.  Going back further, if you’re a KISS fan you already know that “Deuce” was ripped off from the Stones, and “I Just Wanna” is “Summertime Blues”. Alice Cooper sued them for using the riff to “I’m Eighteen” on a Paul song called “Dreamin’”  This has been happening since day one.  Come on, guys.

I won’t comment too much about the bonus CD, Kiss Klasssics, since I have already reviewed the Japanese import version that came out in 2008. What this is, is greatest hits re-recorded.  It’s fine — songs were re-recorded so KISS could use them on movie soundtracks and whatnot without having to pay off Universal. No big deal. The sound is OK. “Hotter Than Hell” sounds better than the original, but the rest sound too even and sterile. It’s hard to re-record a group of songs that span two decades, because the originals all have different sounds and vibes. However, again Thayer shines here, because he can nail the Ace solos as well as Kulick’s fantastic “Forever” solo — something even Ace wouldn’t be able to do.

Highlights:
“Modern Day Delilah” — simply catchy as hell, and featuring a really great Paul vocal.
“Yes I Know (Nobody’s Perfect)” — the best Gene song on the album, and one of the most 70′s-sounding. Simply infectious!
“All For The Glory” — Eric Singer shreds on his first official vocal (aside from Black Diamond on the re-recorded disc) and his voice is a nice raspy replacement for Peter Criss’.
“Say Yeah!” — my current fave. It just has this epic vibe to it, a great melody, and a chorus ripped off from “She Loves You” by the Beatles. (If you’re gonna keep stealing, steal a diamond, not a lump of coal.)

Still, pretty much every song is good. I like some better than others but there’s nothing dreadful on here. No “I Pledge Allegiance To The State of Rock and Roll” (which I hated), nothing that bad, no filler in particular.

The bonus DVD is pretty cool. 6 songs, played heavy and mean. KISS have proven that they still deliver the goods live. The live versions always seem superior to the studio versions. “100,000 Years” in particular just rocks. And hey, it’s free!

On a side note, I also picked up one of the “instant live” albums from the Montreal October 1 show. And yes, “Modern Day Delilah” kicks butt live. Pick one of these discs up as a companion piece to Sonic Boom.  (Mini review:  Paul’s voice is getting hoarse, really bad.  He’s gotta take it easy on the vocal cords!  The raps between songs are great and I love when Paul speaks French (better than I do) and gets them to “booooooooooo!” the mere mention of Vancouver!

Good effort, KISS. Hit one out of the park next time!

4/5 stars

Here’s some new pics too, just for the fun of it.

KISS – Jigoku-Retsuden (2008) (Translated from Japanese: Intense Transmission from Hell)

After touring for several years with a lineup consisting of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer & Tommy Thayer, Kiss finally layed down a studio album, their first with this lineup.

Except it wasn’t a studio album of new original material.  It was re-recordings of past hits, and only available in Japan. It was recorded so Kiss could use these new versions any time they wanted to commit a song to a film or TV commercial without Universal taking a slice of their pie.  From a business point of view, it made sense.  And later on, the band ended up giving this CD away for free, as a bonus disc called Kiss Klassics within the Sonic Boom album.

I firmly believe that the original versions sound superior (except for, arguably, “Hotter Than Hell”) because they are more raw and have individual character. The original recordings all had different sounds or flavours to them. This is partly because they were all recorded in different studios for different albums, years apart, and sometimes because the band members varied from track to track. Here, they all have roughly the same sound which I would describe as “sterile”. Not bad, certainly, just lacking in something special.

Most crucially, there are bits and pieces you miss from the original recordings. Eric Carr’s signiture “1-2-3-4″ drum thunder in the second verse of “Forever” was a highlight of that song for me in its original guise, and nobody else plays it like he did. Gene and Paul’s voices, while still strong, are noticably different. The vocal parts vary enough that you will miss certain nuances that you have emotional attachment to. On the positive side of the vocal front, Eric Singer sings his very first lead vocal on a Kiss studio album, (“Black Diamond” to be specific) which is cool. Tommy Thayer also nails pretty much all his solos, regardless of the originator.

Some versions included a DVD with concert footage previously released on Kissology 2, from Budokan Hall 1977. This (of course) is the original Kiss lineup. The tracklisting for it is in the gallery below; this DVD is region 2 encoded.

3/5 stars

KISS - Alive! 1975–2000 (2006, 4 discs, Best Buy bonus CD, iTunes bonus track)

This is it folks.  This here is the only way to get your Kiss Alive on.

All tracks are digitally remastered of course, and all albums are complete, not truncated.  They managed to squeeze both Alive! and Alive II onto single discs without editing out any music or banter.  Alive III (1993) makes up the third disc.  The fourth CD is the previously unreleased album, Alive IV – The Millenium Concert.

This concert, from December 31, 1999 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, was to be released in 2000 but shelved.  It was released for the first time in this box set, and remains exclusive to this box set.  I’m not too keen on it myself.

I think the Millenium Concert sounds dull and uninspired, and maybe that’s part of the reason that it wasn’t released in 2000.  The band are playing by-the-numbers versions of the songs with few surprises. Perhaps this was an indication of the deeper problems setting in within the original Kiss lineup again.  The production also sounds over polished, and the crowd noise distracting.

One song from this concert, “Rock And Roll All Nite”, was included in the Kiss Box Set as a sneak preview.

There were bonus tracks included on the discs to render obselete your original versions (and entice you to buy them again).  The second CD includes the radio edit version of “Rock and Roll All Nite (Live)”.  The Alive III CD finally includes the Japanese and vinyl exclusive track, “Take It Off”.

When I first pre-ordered Alive IV back in 2000 before it was shelved, I pre-ordered the Japanese version which was advertized to have three bonus tracks:  “God of Thunder”, “2000 Man”, and “Detroit Rock City”.  These three songs remain bonus tracks, exclusive to different versions of this box set.

There was a Best Buy limited edition that contained “2000 Man” and “God of Thunder”.  But somebody screwed up and put the wrong CD inside the first few thousand copies.  Those unfortunate buyers received the regular disc of Alive IV, no bonus tracks.   This was rectified by sending those customers a fifth CD, the corrected version of Alive IV.  I paid $100 for my copy with fifth CD included.  It is pretty rare.

iTunes have their own bonus track, which is “Detroit Rock City”.  When I bought the song, it was available on its own for $1.29 or whatever.  Prior to this, you had to shell out $40 to buy the whole set again, just to get that one song!

5/5 stars

I’m amazed that I’d never heard “KISS Alive!” or “KISS Alive II,”
which are both considered classics. This four-CD set not
only includes these albums, but also the less popular
“KISS Alive III” and “KISS Alive: The Millennium Concert,” that
was recorded on New Year’s Eve, 1999. With the exception of
one song, the later album was the only disc of previously
unreleased material, which made this set an expensive
purchase for KISS fans who already own “KISS Alive, Volumes I-III.”
Then again, everyone knows how effective Gene Simmons and
Paul Stanley are at marketing and merchandising. George Lucas
(of Star Wars fame) has nothing on these guys!

But I digress. I must admit that not only did I find these “live”
albums MUCH more effective than their studio counterparts,
I actually really liked them. Who knew? All of the seemingly
infantile songs from KISS albums, such as “Hotter Than Hell,”
“Dressed to Kill,” “Destroyer,” and “Love Gun” were obviously
great templates for the “live” treatment, because the guys
really do rock. Admittedly, KISS’ reputation was always built
upon their “live” act, yet they kept cranking out studio albums,
one after the other.

I’m also aware that it’s an open secret that these albums may
be studio “concoctions,” as are many “live” Rock albums, but the
results speak for themselves. A lot of the credit should go to the
legendary sound engineer/producer, Eddie Kramer, who was
responsible for the first three “KISS Alive!” albums. The sound was
great and artificial or not, I got a “live” performance experience.
Need I add that these were audio discs, without the band’s
well-known, spectacular visuals?

Sets like these are tailor-made for someone like me, who’d
never heard any KISS “live” recordings, especially now that the
remastered original albums are available. This set also provided
an overview of KISS during a 25-year period. In the case of
“KISS Alive III” from 1992, drummer Eric Singer and lead guitarist
Bruce Kulick replaced Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, respectively.
In many ways, I preferred Kulick’s playing to Frehley’s. As KISS
fans know, “KISS Alive II” is only 75 percent “live,” as the fourth
side of this 1977 original release featured songs recorded
in the studio.

After hearing these sets, I now “get” KISS, perhaps in spite
of myself. I’m really pleasantly surprised. This fold out, four-CD set
is accompanied by a nice booklet with color photos, an essay
by Ken Sharpe, and comments from the band members and
their associates. Any fan of Hard Rock, including those like me
who never took this band seriously, should check out their
“live” stuff, and “KISS Alive! 1975-2000” is the perfect
place to start.