Sonic Boom – KISS

Producer: Paul Stanley

Released: October 6, 2009

Rating: ****

When rating an album, I typically try to take everything into consideration. Things like, how long has the band been around? What was their last album like? When was it released? What do I know they are capable of? In the end, the final question remains, is it a good album?

By the time 2009 had rolled around I had long given up on the idea of a “new” KISS album. Quite honestly, I had also given up on being mad at the band and what they had done for the last 10 years. I was at peace being a KISS fan who enjoyed the music he grew up with, but who had also “outgrown” the band in recent years.

At some point toward the beginning of the year I started to hear rumours about a new studio album from KISS. Keep in mind, the last two studio albums this band released were Carnival Of Souls: The Final Sessions and Psycho Circus. Neither represented the band very well. The last good studio album this band released was Revenge and that was in 1992. My expectations weren’t low, I simply didn’t have any.

Over the summer I’d heard that Paul Stanley would be producing the album, no outside song writers would be used, the band would play their own instruments on every track (novel idea) and the album would be recorded in analog, not digital. This is where I started to pay attention. Afterall, these are the type of concepts that a band is built on.

About a month prior to the album’s official release, the band posted Modern Day Delilah on their website. This is a classic Paul song and it kicks ass! Faith had been restored. But was this regained interest in the “Hottest Band In The World” temporary? Not long after Modern Day Delilah was released, a picture of the album cover surfaced. HORRIBLE album cover. It almost seems like a rough draft or an after thought. In the end, I think it’s a poor man’s version of Rock N’ Roll Over, the album the band claimed Sonic Boom most resembled. The question is, how did they do?

For starters, this is a KICK ASS Paul Stanley album. His songs are the best on the album and he hasn’t written tunes this good since the mid 80′s. Never Enough is a classic Paul song, much like Flaming Youth. The song may be simple, but the musicianship is top notch. I wasn’t initially impressed with Stand, but the more I listen to this track the more I love it. To me, it’s a better version of God Gave Rock N’ Roll To You. The highlight of the album, to me, is Danger Us. This song is right up there with the best that Stanley has written. This tune would have fit in really well on Creatures Of The Night or Lick It Up. Actually, it sounds A LOT like the 4 new tracks from Killers. Closing out Sonic Boom is Say Yeah, a song title so cheesy I’d hate it just for that reason if the song wasn’t so awesome. It’s the albums Shout It Out Loud.

Clearly, Paul Stanley delivered on the promise of a great album which begs the question, what are the Gene Simmons song like. I would not classify his tunes as the best his written, but they certainly aren’t his worst either. I know that doesn’t sound like a compliment, but I don’t mean it as an insult. As a KISS fan I’ve learned that most of their albums lean one way or the other. There are great Paul albums and there are just as many kick ass Gene albums. That being said, Yes I Know (Nobody’s Perfect) and Hot And Cold are his best efforts. Quite honestly, they would have sounded right at home on Rock N’ Roll Over or Love Gun.

Eric Singer handles the vocals on All For The Glory which is okay. Eric has a great voice, I’m just a fan of the song. Tommy Thayer handles the vocals on When Lightning Strike, a song he co-wrote with Paul Stanley. It’s very much one of the albums pleasant surprises.

Song writing aside, what really makes Sonic Boom a special album is the musicianship and production. This album SOUNDS awesome. The production is top notch. Paul Stanley has produced some the band’s albums before, but this one sounds perfect. KISS have never been hailed as the world’s greatest musicians, but I’ve always contended that they are criminally underrated. The guitar work from Tommy Thayer kicks ass and this is without a doubt some of the best bass playing of Gene’s career. Paul sounds perfect (like he always does) and Eric plays his ass off.

Either you “get” KISS or you don’t. And if you don’t get them by now, you never will. If you are or ever have been a KISS fan, however, you will thoroughly enjoy Sonic Boom. The only thing that would make it better is if they followed it up next year with another kick ass album, rather than waiting another decade.

Misc Releases 2002 Through 2008 – KISS

After the Box Set I realized that there wasn’t much that KISS could do with their catalog that would encourage me to buy any additional compilation and/or live recordings. If the long awaited Box Set was supposed to unearth “never before heard” demos and rarities, I guess that meant I had it all. Coincidentally, it was at this point that Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons took a stance on illegal downloading and decided that a new KISS album was highly unlikely and indicated that there were no plans, immediate or otherwise, to record a new KISS album. Not-so-coincidentally, this is also when their label began releasing a string of compilation and live albums. This is often an indication that a label is trying to sever ties with an artist. Regardless, in 2002 I had decided that if KISS were intent on not releasing any new material, than I had resigned myself to the fact that I had probably purchased my last album from the band. A sobering thought since just a few years earlier I was purchasing everything with a KISS logo.

I don’t have any of these albums and can’t claim to have heard any of them either. I do, however, know everyone of these songs backwards and forwards and have reviewed all of the bands material in previous posts. I am simply going to rate each release based on the concept and tracks. Compilation packages do serve a purpose for the casual fan. If you’re just getting started, any one of these releases or any of their previous compilation albums will serve as a great introduction to the band’s music.

The Very Best of KISS – KISS

Producer: Bill Levenson

Released: 2002

Rating: ***

This seems to be a fairly decent representation of the band’s catalog. A lot of hits are included and other than, perhaps, New York Groove (a song I’ve always hated), these are all solid tracks. I’m not sure why they’d pick New York Groove over Shock Me, Rocket Ride or a better track from Ace’s Solo Album. Perhaps because he didn’t write New York Groove?

KISS Symphony: Alive IV – KISS

Producer: Mark Opitz

Released: 2003

Rating: **

At some point in the early 2000′s there was a trend where hard rock/metal bands teamed up with orchestra’s for live performances with a twist. I understand the vast contrast of musical styles should lend itself to some interesting results, but by the time KISS got around to the idea it was more of a gimmick. KISS gained popularity and a loyal fan base because they were original in their approach to live performances, not because they followed trends. Apparently, there are three performances (one without the orchestra, one with a partial orchestra and one with a full blown orchestra), so there are a few songs that are repeated within the release. The album was recorded in Australia, which is why they included Shandi, a huge hit down under. The song kicks ass and I wish they’d play it here. Calling this Alive IV is totally shady. Tommy Thayer appears rather than Ace Frehley and they could have easily released Alive IV from a recording made during the Reunion Tour.

The Best Of KISS: The Millennium Collection – KISS

Released: 2003

Producer: Various

Rating: **

The Millennium Collection was another post 2000 fad. It seemed every band had one (or more) of these releases. Pick your poison.

KISS Instant Live – KISS

Released: 2004

Producer: Various

Rating: *** 1/2

These releases get an “A” for effort. KISS recorded many of their shows from the Rock The Nation Tour and offered fans a souvenir of an actual show. Most live albums (including previous ones from this band) are taken from several shows to assemble the best possible and most fluid album. Diehard fans want to hear an actual concert from start to finish. It’s also very cool for fans to possibly own a live album of a concert they attended, rather than a live album recorded in a venue they’ve never visited. Unfortunately, these releases are out of print.

The Best Of KISS, Volume II: The Millenium Collection – KISS

Released: 2004

Producer: Various

Rating: *

And the award for longest album title goes to….. This is a follow up to 2003′s Volume I (although it wasn’t titled as such). This supposedly covers the “non make-up” years. Horrible representation of the music the band was making during that era. To top it off, the cover is a picture from the bands visual low point (Crazy Nights).

Gold – KISS

Released: 2005

Producer: Various

Rating: ** 1/2

The cow was now being milked on all four tits. That being said, this isn’t a horrible compilation. Yet, it only covers the band’s catalog through 1982. There is one track from each solo album and two (of the four) from the compilation, Killers. There is, however, no material from the “non make-up” years. Interesting considering, at this point, all of their music belonged to Mercury/Universal. Gold was another “series” of albums, covering various artists, much like the Millennium Collection. It is, however, an odd album title considering the band’s first Greatest Hits package was titled Double Platinum, an achievement far greater than gold.

KISS Chronicles: 3 Classic Albums – KISS

Released: 2005

Producer: Various

Rating: ***

The purpose of this release is lost on me. Casablanca (the band’s original label) did this in 1976. They packaged the bands first three albums in a release titled, The Originals, as a means to cash in on the band’s enormous success. What purpose does it serve 30 years later? For fans looking to add to their collection on a budget, I suppose this is appealing.

The Best of KISS, Volume III: The Millennium Collection – KISS

Released: 2006

Producer: Various

Rating: Zero

HORRIBLE compilation, covering the band’s music exclusively from the 1990′s. Who in their right mind would put together or want to listen to an album that includes Childhood’s End and Nothing Can Keep Me From You? No continuity found here.

KISS Alive! 1975 – 2000 – KISS

Released: 2006

Producer: Various

Rating: ****

Of the band’s post 2001 releases, this is probably the one I’d consider purchasing. essentially, this is all of the band’s live releases (Alive!, Alive II, Alive III) packaged with the proper Alive IV releases that was shelved in favor of KISS Symphony: Alive IV. Adding to the overall appeal of the collection are a few bonus tracks not found on the original releases and a “booklet”. Think of it as the band’s Alive Box Set.

 Jigoku-Retsuden – KISS

Released: 2008

Producer: Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley

Rating: Zero

This is a Japanese release only, which is a collection of songs that have been re-recorded (I have to believe this has something to do with royalties and previous band members). The same collection was included in the band’s 2009 release, Sonic Boom. I see no reason for anyone to buy this.

Ikons – KISS

Released: 2008

Producer: Various

Rating: *** 1/2

Another “A” for effort, this is actually an original way to approach a compilation package. A 4 disc set where 1 disc is dedicated to each band members songs. Cool enough. Anyone who has ever made a mix tape, burned a CD or created a playlist would probably enjoy this approach.

KISS Alive 35 – KISS

Released: 2008 & 2009

Producer: Various

Rating: *** 1/2

Much like KISS Instand Live, these albums represent an individual concert recorded in its entirity and are limited releases.

The Box Set – KISS

Producer: Various

Released: November 20, 2001

Rating: *** 1/2

I’m not sure when box sets became popular, but the first that I remember was Zeppelin’s 1990 S/T release. 19 Years ago, when I was in high school, this Box Set was a sensation. In retrospect, it was a economical way to get a lot of Zeppelin music. Not a bad thing.

One of my all time favorite bands, KISS, released their S/T Box Set in 2001. For some reason, I think I was expecting to get 5 CD’s of hidden music I’d never heard before. I was expecting to be blown away. Unlike Zeppelin, I’d been following KISS for quite some time prior to the release of the Box Set. I already owned every album leading up to the Box Set and plenty of bootlegs (sorry Paul and Gene). As they say, I’d heard it all. So why get the Box Set? Back then I was a completist and it was a Christmas present.

Did it live up to my expectations? If I were to judge this 5 disc, 94 track Box Set based simply on song titles I’d have to say that this is quite an awesome collection that accurately reflects a (then) 27 year career. Would I have made a different Box Set? Absolutely, and so would every other KISS fan and the same could be said for every Box Set that any band has ever released.

It’s all here. The bands greatest hits. The demos. The early stuff dating back to Wicked Lester. The “alternate” versions. So what is it I wanted? Like every diehard fan (of any band), I want new music. Box Sets are great, but honestly, they represent nothing more than the ultimate Greatest Hits package. For the most part, the rabid fan has had copies or versions of any “rarities” long before the idea of a Box Set has been thought of.

Where the KISS Box Set succeeds, naturally, is in the packaging. The case itself is nothing to speak of, but the book is phenomenal. A true retrospective of a bands career. The true highlight of the collection, for me, appears on Disc 3. Stanley’s Nowhere To Run, originally appearing on the Greatest Hits style package, Killers (1982), this is one of Paul’s greatest tunes (ever).

If you don’t own a lot of KISS albums and want to catch up, quick, this is a great way to get a broad overview of their career. I do feel the collection focuses mostly on the early years, neglecting some great tunes from the post make-up band(s). As a 26 year KISS fan I know what to expect. There are no surprises at this point, even with a Box Set.

Psycho Circus – KISS

Producer: Bruce Fairbairn

Released: September 22, 1998

Rating: **

Other than The Elder, I’m not sure any other KISS album as garnered as much attention, discussion and honestly, disgust, as Psycho Circus. It’s both the album diehard KISS fans had waited nearly 20 years for and the album they wish they’d never heard. The last album that the original line-up truly recorded together was 1977’s Love Gun. The last album marketed as a “band” album from the original line-up was 1980’s Unmasked. Either way, it was 20 years, give or take, since the fantastic foursome entered the studio to work their magic.

Psycho Circus was recorded hot on the heels of the enormously successful Reunion Tour. For the recording of this historic and monumental album, KISS (meaning Paul & Gene) enlisted the late Bruce Fairbairn to produce Psycho Circus who had produced Aerosmith’s triple threat series of albums; Permanent Vacation, Pump and Get A Grip. Probably a safe choice, although I am shocked that they didn’t ask Bob Rock to produce the album. They should have asked Eddie Kramer.

Psycho Circus was the band’s most calculated album and therefore, possibly, their most honest. I remember reading articles (can’t believe this album is 10 years old already) where Paul & Gene (who else) were talking about the album and how it was all about the fans and their relationship with the band. Cool. Neat stuff. In 1998 they could have recorded an album about their relationship with their dentist and I (and every KISS fan) would have bought it.

Psycho Circus is the band’s highest charting album (#3), but was only able to achieve Gold status in terms of sales. Hardly impressive considering the KISS Army is “millions” strong.

In retrospect Paul & Gene did what they had been doing for 15 years when it came time to record Psycho Circus. They called the shots, which included using session players. As the story goes Peter played on just one song and Ace played on two. Hardly a studio reunion fans had begged and prayed for.

But what about the songs? The album is a very cheesy attempt to celebrate the relationship that KISS has with its fans. Upon first listen I really enjoyed the album, but with each listen after that the album became less and less enjoyable. It seems artificial and forced. It’s everything that rock music should not be. It’s calculated and planned, which is how Paul & Gene like it.

So why a two star rating? Psycho Circus, the song, is not that bad, although it tries too hard to be Detroit Rock City.

Within is one of the albums best songs and it kicks major ass. Where Psycho Circus (the song) tries to be Detroit Rock City and fails, Within is a wonderful companion to God Of Thunder. This song is killler Gene. Possibly the last great song he’ll ever record. As much as the song kicks ass, it’s not the original KISS.

I Pledge Allegiance To The State Of Rock & Roll is a decent Paul song. It’s got a pretty cool riff and bass line. Paul can shit songs this good, so my expectations are always higher for the Starchild.

Into The Void is Ace’s sole song writing credit on the album. His voice sounds spectacular (am I the only one who thinks he has a very good voice?) and the song is pretty much what you’d expect from the Spaceman. The solo is okay, but far from his best work.

You Wanted The Best is by far the best song on the album and perhaps one of the best they’ve ever recorded. The entire songs features each member singing lyrics that take jabs at the other members. This is one of the hardest driving KISS songs in KISSTORY. Christ, the title alone rocks. This is truly the only song on the album where you can hear the signature Ace Frehley guitar licks. This is probably one of my top 3 favorite KISS songs of all time.

Beyond that the album sucks. Peter’s “song”, which he had nothing to do with writing, is awful. In all honesty, Within and You Wanted The Best are the only songs which make this album worth owning.

Psycho Circus is quite possibly the last studio album KISS will ever record (with any line-up). That being said, it was a supreme disappointment.

Carnival Of Souls – KISS

Producer: Toby Wright, Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley

Released: October 28, 1997

Rating: Zero

Should your favorite band be fortunate enough to have a career that spans decades they will certainly, at some point, let you down. KISS is 35 years into their career (yep, that’s right 1/3 of a century) and they have made several attempts to piss their fans off. Perhaps I am being a bit harsh.

In 1979 KISS released Dynasty, a rock/disco endeavor. The years have been kind to Dynasty and many KISS fans love this album.

KISS followed up Dynasty with 1980’s ode to Euro-Pop, Unmasked. The years have not been as kind to Unmasked, but I actually enjoy this album more than Dynasty.

In 1981 KISS released The Elder…….. this is not a good album by any means, but they certainly weren’t following any trends with The Elder. Regardless, I believe the fans are split 50/50 on this one. Either you love it or hate it.

1987 saw the release of Crazy Nights. This mess was KISS doing the synth heavy hair band style of the day. Just awful.

Now, there may be two schools of thought here. A) KISS are so unoriginal that they are influenced by flavor of the day styles and these albums are the result or B) Paul and Gene were sitting around and said, “Anyone can write this shit,” and wrote these albums to prove their point (The Elder is of course an exception here). The reality probably lies somewhere in the middle. Over a 35 year career a band is bound to be influenced by the flavor of the day especially at moments of weakness when a band has lost its way.

In 1995 KISS embarked on the hugely successful Kiss Konvention Tour. Before this they had finished the recording of Carnival Of Souls, the follow up to the higly acclaimed album Revenge. 1995 was also probably one of the biggest years for grunge.

Fans like myself were anxiously awaiting the release of Carnival Of Souls because Revenge was such a rock solid album.

Carnival Of Souls was shelved in favor of a full blown reunion tour with all four original members. KISS fans finally got what they wanted, but still wanted to hear Carnival Of Souls. Inevitably songs started to leak their way to the public in bootleg format. Gene and Paul, the greedy bitches that they are, had no choice but to release the album if they had any intentions of making any money.

I was immediatley disappointed. The album covers I had seen (at the Kiss Konvention Tour, no less) had been scrapped for an informal looking studio pic of Paul, Gene, Bruce and Eric.

No big deal, I can stomach that. The first song, Hate, is a likely follow up to fan favorite Unholy from their previous album, Revenge. It’s not a bad song, but it’s not KISS. It wreaks of grunge. Not a big deal.

Not until the next song, Rain. Opening with a grunge heavy riff, Paul Stanley moans the opening line, “Tell me what you want me to be, I can’t stand myself anymore.” Really. Are you kidding me? This coming from the Star Child? No thank you.

Had the rest of the album not been such an abomination the next song, Master & Slave, might have been acceptable. Unfortunately it’s the albums best offering and it never gets better than bad.

Am I being too harsh? Go listen to In My Head and get back to me. Over 10 years old and this turd is still steaming.

This album is an atrocity. Paul and Gene had spent so much time prior to this album criticizing grunge and the entire down on life attitude that those bands embraced that they had NO business releasing Carnival Of Souls. This is their worst album. Everything else I can handle.

Many of you have labeled Motley Crue sell outs for what many consider their stab at grunge, MC94/Corabi Crue release. I never got that. It’s a metal album. Not to mention one of the best there is. Carnival Of Souls, however, is a shamelss attempt to cash in on the sound of the day. KISS had done it before, but it was different. KISS was always an upbeat party band so the whole disco thing made sense. Grunge was the last style of music KISS had any business getting involved with.

I am sure many of you (assuming anyone is still reading this thread) will tell me I am full of shit and this is somehow the bands best work. You’ll never convince me that Carnival Of Souls is a good album. It sucks. If you are just discovering KISS I would avoid this album like you should avoid unprotected sex with a street walking whore.

Greatest – KISS

 

Producer: Various & Jason A. Linn

Released: April 8, 1997

Rating: ***

If a band is fortunate enough to sustain a career as long as KISS has, its fans will unfourtunately be subjected to multiple Greatest Hits packages. This one titled simply, Greatest, is the 4th official Greatest Hits package from KISS. If you count live releases (as I do) than Greatest is the 9th, ummmm, Greatest Hits package from KISS. For those totally anal statisticians (like myself) this could actually be considered the 12th Greatest Hits package if you include The Originals, The Originals II and The Best of The Solo Albums.

Greatest is a fairly decent best of package. Even a casual fan should know most of these songs and, for the most part, this release should give you a good idea of what to expect if you were to see KISS in concert at this point in their career (I refuse).

What makes this release most interesting (although not manditory) is the inclusion of Two Sides Of The Coin. WTF?!?!? So, they were looking for a 2nd song from Ace and rather than Shock Me they chose Two Sides Of The Coin??? Somehow I have a feeling it was the Spaceman’s way of fucking with the unflapple Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley ultra strict dictatorship known as KISS. I mean, was this song a “hit” anywhere? I can just picture Ace sitting in a band meeting, totally bored demanding, “Ack! Two Sides Of The Coin is as good as any other song we’ve recorded. Ack!” Maybe it’s me.

If you don’t have any other best of package from KISS, this is as good as they get. If you already own Double Platinum or Smashes, Thrashes & Hits there is no reason to buy this album.

You Wanted The Best, You Got The Best!! – KISS

Producer: Eddie Kramer & Jason A. Linn

Released: June 25, 1996

Rating: *

Meant to cash in on the bands HUGELY successful Reunion Tour, KISS released this album in 1996. Having no “new” material to speak of from the “original” line-up, KISS (and/or Mercury) felt it best to release a best of “live” album featuring “never” before released versions of 4 “Klassic” KISS songs. Also included is a somewhat odd album closing interview with Tonight Show host Jay Leno.

The 4 never before heard versions of Room Service, Two Timer, Let Me Know and Take Me are good (and more importantly great songs), but had been floating around for years in bootleg format well before 1996.

This album serves no purpose other than to kash in on the KISS Kraze that was sweeping the kountry. The CD does not represent a full koncert by any means and the band would never think of playing this kombination of songs (bekause fans would actually enjoy that).

The only thing of significance on this CD is the Jay Leno interview which in all honesty is a promotional piece for the tour. KISS had a few albums left to fulfill on their contract with Mercury. Greatest Hits and/or live packages are typically the best way for a band and lable to part ways. This CD is perhaps the best example of a band fulfilling a contract that I can think of. Total crap.

MTV Unplugged – KISS

Producer: Alex Coletti

Released: March 12, 1996

Rating: *****

On Rocktober 31, 1995 KISS fans were able to tune in to MTV and witness the unimaginable. For the better part of the year KISS had been “on tour” for the “official” KISS Konventions. I was fortunate enough to have attended their stop in Chicago and it is still truly one of my most cherished memories. The tour’s last stop was in New York. Having started in L.A. the KISS Konvention Tour had gained a ton of momentum and media coverage by the time it reached the Big Apple. Fueling the momentum from day 1 was the fact that Peter Criss brought his daughter to the first stop in L.A. and during that day joined “the boys” on stage for a few songs. The true highlight of the KISS Konvention was the question and answer session with the band that was followed by the all acoustic, all request performance by Paul, Gene, Bruce and Eric. Very cool.

Seeing an obvious opportunity to cash in MTV approached KISS and asked them if they’d like to film their stop in NYC for an installment of Unplugged. Tesla more or less was responsible for Unplugged (I don’t care what anyone else says) because of their album, Five Man Acoustical Jam. The premise was to take a band, strip them of their amps and slick production and, “Let’s see what you’re made of.” Ideally the songs would stand on their own.

Partially because of Peter’s appearance at the L.A. show, Paul and Gene saw this is an appropriate time for the original band to perform together, unmasked and unplugged. I kid you not, when Ace appeared on that stage, marched to the mic and asked, “What’s goin’ on!” in a way that only Ace is capable of a tear rolled down my cheek. This was history in the making.

What makes this album magical and a true must have is that KISS has been brutally critisized over the course of their entire career for being nothing beyond the make-up and the explosions. Critics have never been shy about lambasting this band for having no musical credibility whatsoever. This album should have (but didn’t) shut those critics mouths.

Unplugged is magical also because of the set list. Surely it was chosen for the setting (acoustic) but take a look at these unspoken gems

Coming Home
Goin Blind
Do You Love Me
Sure Know Something
A World Without Heroes
Rock Bottom
See You Tonight (what a GREAT tune)
I Still Love You
2000 Man

Unplugged sparked the Reunion Tour. Without Unplugged, who knows what may have become of the hottest band in the world.

I can sum up this album by saying, it is truly the last good album (live or otherwise) that this band has released.

kiss my ass – classic kiss regrooved

Producer: Various

Released: June 21, 1994

Rating: **

If my memory serves me right, this is one of the first “cover” or “tribute” albums of its kind. In 1994 I was still, for the most part, a KISS dork and purchased everything they slapped their name on. In 1994 I thought this album was a “worthy” purchase. In 2008 I can tell you I have listened to this album no more than 5 times over the last 14 years. Hardly a “must have”.

I suppose it’s interesting to hear how bands of the day such as The Lemonheads, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Gin Blossoms interpreted KISS classics, but how often do you plan on listening to a CD like this?

Album highlights include Anthrax’s cover of She and Garth Brooks cover of Hard Luck Woman.

If you happen upon a used copy of this CD for $3 or $4 feel free to pick it up. Beyond that, there is no point in purchasing this album.

Alivve III – KISS

Producer: Eddie Kramer

Released: May 18, 1993

Rating: *****

Call me crazy, but based on which one I listen to the most I would have to say that Alive III is my favorite in the series. Alive! is without a doubt the most successful of the bunch and possibly the bands most important album. For some reason, I think Alive III is their most listenable live recording from start to finish.

The album is a fair representation of what the band was playing on tour in 1993. They had recently resurrected such KISS classics as Watchin’ You, Hotter Than Hell and I Want You (because the album is just one disc, only Watchin’ You appears on Alive III), and they sounded spectacular on The Revenge Tour. To me, this is some of the best crowd noise on any live album and the band sounds tighter than ever.

My preference would have been that Eric Carr been alive to record Alive III but Eric Singer sounds awesome. Bruce Kulick, the consummate professional, is spot on. I know live albums are typically polluted with over dubs, but I’ve seen Kulick live 4 times and he does not miss a note.

In typical KISS fashion, half the experience of an Alive release is the packaging. The album cover is phenomenal and of course there is a kick ass live shot on the inner sleeve. My favorite is the inclusion of the KISS “Family Tree”.

The absolute highlight of the album, IMO, is without a doubt I Was Made For Lovin’ You. The version you hear on Alive III is far superior to the album version heard on Dynasty. Maybe it’s the lasers you hear in the background. Maybe it’s because I know it probably kills Gene to be performing the song. Or maybe it’s because it kicks ass.

Alive III didn’t propel the band into super stardom as Alive! did nor was it released at the height of their popularity as Alive II was. For whatever reason, Alive III is the one I listen to the most. If your a new KISS fan, this is one you shouldn’t miss.