KISS: An Album-by-Album Critical Reevaluation

[Spalding]

Thanks for this, Buffcoat.

I got my cut-out copy (poor Stanley) of the LP out and relistened. "Tonight You Belong to Me" sounds like it was expressly written as a set opener (a gong strike, even). "Wouldn't You Like to Know Me" - IS subpar power pop, but I think the best song on the album. Wish he had put together an album full of these.

"Hold Me, Touch Me" might have been brought about by "Beth" envy. Here's the guy that wrote most of the band's set, yet the only song of theirs on the radio (at the time) was a ballad by the drunken drummer. Paul is nothing if not competitive.

Notable info from the liner notes:

"Take Me Away" features the over the top drumming of former Vanilla Fudge member and future Wurster character Carmine Appice (and elder brother of Dio drummer Vinnie Appice):


Can't wait for Gene - let's keep this thread up at the top!

[buffcoat]

I know you write me sexy letters
And you send your picture for my wall
You found the hotel where I'm stayin'
You build up your nerve and then you call...

[ChrisRawk]

OH!  Speaking of Paul Stanley low-points...this is the funniest thing this side of 'People, Let Me Get This off my Chest':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4Mt60nwkCE

[buffcoat]

I saw with great sadness that classically trained Shakespearean actress Jean Simmons, OBE, did not live to see the completion of the review of her namesake's solo album. 


Is it even sadder that I remember her best from "The Drumhead," an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation than for her performance as Ophelia in Olivier's Hamlet?


Anyway, Godspeed Jeannie!

[Sarah]

Oh, this news makes me a little sad.  I think I first encountered her in Great Expectations, which movie I loved as a kid.  She made for a very pretty and very unpleasant Estella.

Ms. Simmons, I dedicate this, my 5000th, post to your memory.

[Spalding]

Let's not forget the other other recently departed Simmons, "Jumpin" Gene Simmons, original performer of "Haunted House:"

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBg0rnWTz3U[/youtube]

[AaronC]

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:


Of course, one really creepy one:

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."

[Christina]

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

that was terrific Aaron! Also nice to see Chris Connelly is finding work somewhere.

And Gene Simmons - wow. The depth and breadth of his douchiness never ceases to amaze. I guess it's good if you can still surprise people, right?

[ChrisRawk]

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

Great article!  It looks like KISS made some fontasies come true that day.

[Wes]

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?

[buffcoat]

That picture with the cheerleader probably would have launched Jerry Falwell's career if it hadn't been launched already.

[Christina]

That picture with the cheerleader probably would have launched Jerry Falwell's career if it hadn't been launched already.

I know. Seeing it instantly made my menstrual cycle go all wonky.

[Steeley Chris]

Ace's "What's On Your Mind?" just came up on the iPod. It's a pretty solid song.

[buffcoat]

Ace's "What's On Your Mind?" just came up on the iPod. It's a pretty solid song.

I agree, as you will someday see in my final full-length album review!

[ChrisRawk]

Ace's solo album has lots of great songs.  'Rip it Out', 'Ozone', 'NY Groove', etc.  Every song's a winner!