A bootleg that everyone seems to have, or at least
have heard at some point.
BEWARE: there are a lot of copies out there
and like any bootleg, sometimes the quality can be pretty bad. The
fact that the original was never fully mastered doesn't help, so don't
count on good sound quality. For most people, though, it is enough
just to HAVE these songs in your possession.
Without Ace and Peter, the Wicked Lester
album doesn't feel like the early KISS albums, obviously, but you can sense
the beginnings of what would become that KISS "sound". Taken as a
separate entity from the KISS catalogue, Wicked Lester does have
its moments.
Sweet Ophelia has that bad 70's porn music
sound with the "wocka-wocka" guitar riff. Paul turns out a good vocal
performance though. Keep Me Waiting sounds like something
off of Paul's 1978 solo album. I'm willing to bet that he wrote this
one. Like She, Love Her All I Can doesn't sound a lot
different from the later KISS versions; they are simplify "electrified"
for the KISS sound. However Love Her All I Can has an absolutely
dreadful vocal track! And what's with that hockey arena keyboard
in the middle of the song? It's a good thing that KISS decided to
alter this one before recording it for Dressed To Kill in 1975.
Simple
Types sees Gene take a turn behind the mike for leads. Pretty
bad stuff, indeed! Most interesting is the version of She found
here; it is a cross between Jethro Tull and The Moody Blues--very psychedelic
sounding with, of all things, a flute, being a dominant instrument in the
mix. Too Many Mondays sounds like a Crosby, Stills, Nash and
Young throwaway but is one of the better songs on the album. What Happens
In The Darkness is one of the peppier songs found here and features
that distinctive Paul Stanley lead vocal. When The Bell Rings
has Gene and Paul sharing the lead vocal duties on a passable song. Molly
is another pretty good song; very catchy. (We Want To) Shout It Out
Loud, an old Hollies song, has Gene singing lead again on a song that
you would NEVER expect Gene to be singing lead on. A sweeping ballad,
this song lets Gene display his vocal talents much like he does later on
with 1981's A World Without Heroes. The final song,
Long,
Long Road, is a nice ballad performed by Paul complete with harmonica.
This is another one of the better songs on the album. It could easily
be performed today without seeming dated.
The Wicked Lester recordings really are a must-have
for any true KISS fan. It's like getting your hands on an early manuscript
of a great piece of literature; you can see (or in this case hear) what
the artist had in mind before honing it into the masterpiece. The
titles of the songs are all assumed; none of them have "official" titles
since the recordings were never packaged for release. Hearing the
Wicked Lester sessions is so strange because Paul's and Gene's vocals are
easily recognizable yet they don't sound like KISS!
The Wicked Lester demos will likely never see the
light of day officially (it is rumored that Gene and Paul each have a copy
of the original recording); then again Carnival of Souls made it
to your local store and they said the same thing about it, too. Inclusion
of these songs on the long-awaited KISS box set would be the best idea
rather than releasing them as an independent package. Finally, everyone
could have these songs, in their true form, rather than hearing them as
umpteeth-generation copies.
Interesting facts:
This is the original demo record cut by KISS in 1973
that lead to them getting a record deal with Casablanca. Four of
these 5 songs would appear on KISS' self-titled first album; the fifth
(Watchin' You) would show up on the next KISS release, Hotter
Than Hell. These songs are very raw but greatness truly can be
heard. These 5 songs are some of KISS' best and obviously they did
something right because look what happened!
Deuce is actually better than the version
which would appear on KISS' self-titled album in 1974. Gene's scream
is more blood-curdling and Ace's guitarwork really shines. Cold
Gin is the rawest of the demo tracks. It sounds like a jam version
of the song rather than the polished version which appears on KISS.
Strutter
is sped up a bit but otherwise it is pretty much the same as the official
version on KISS. Ace's solo is a good one, though, and the
vocal harmonizing stands out as well. Watchin' You is also
very good. There are more vocal stylings here by Gene than in the
Hotter
Than Hell version but it doesn't quite measure up to the final recording.
Finally, Black Diamond is just as good as the version on KISS.
Peter's vocals complement this song like no other except maybe Nothin'
To Lose. In this version, his gravelly-voice accentuates the
raw, edgy feel that KISS' music had in their early years.
KISS' demo recording is truly a quintessential inclusion
in any TRUE KISS fan's collection. It captures the
image that the band was trying to convey: raw, hard rock and roll with
a truly original gimmick. I love the early incarnation of the makeup,
especially Gene's huge eye-makeup and Paul's rather scruffy, bloated appearance.
Rating:
Strutter (Stanley/Simmons)
(3:10)
Great countdown on drums at the beginning of the song from Peter.
Ace's guitar solo really is the stanout on this song though. This
mid-tempo rocker is one of my favorites from KISS' early years. Lyrically,
Strutter
sets the pace for many of KISS' songs that would come after--WOMEN!! Rating:
A+
Nothin' To Lose (Simmons)
(3:27)
Nothin' To Lose is a great cut. Peter's bluesy vocals
add a raw touch to the chorus and his drums have never sounded better.
I'm still up in the air on what "I thought about the back door" is all
about? Are the boys saying that if she won't agree to sex you up
the old-fashioned way, try another...ummm, route?! Rating: A
Firehouse (Stanley)
(3:17)
This song is a much slower tempo but it doesn't lose any momentum.
Gene's bass line really rumbles throughout the song and the siren at the
end is a quirky touch. Rating: A-
Cold Gin (Frehley)
(4:22)
For me, this is one of KISS' greatest songs...EVER! The opening
riff, then the drums, then the bass...great stuff. Gene's vocals
and Ace's guitar are the real standouts on this song. Ace's solo
here is one of his best. Great drum coda from Peter too. The
subject matter of Cold Gin certainly foreshadows Ace's behavior
a few years later, too! Rating: A+
Let Me Know (Stanley)
(2:58)
This is not one of KISS' classic songs but for some reason, I have
always found it one of my favorites from the album. The lyrics are
silly, there really isn't anything fancy to speak of...that is until about
2:10. The band harmonizes "...then you'll let me know-ow-oww-owww,"
which breaks into a great jam session to close out the song. I wish
the band would have explored this further because it seems like a cool
riff that just couldn't find a place. Rating: B+
KISSin' Time (Mann/Lowe)
(3:52)
Ever heard that old saying, "All good things must come to an end"?
Well, here it is. This cover of Bobby Rydell's 1959 hit song was
reportedly done to fulfill some obligation and it shows. It just
doesn't fit the rest of the album. Whoever decided to put this on
an otherwise perfect album should have been fired. Definitely the
low point of the album. Rating: D
Deuce (Simmons)
(3:06)
Alright, we're back on track with Gene blasting through KISS' best
song. From the opening riff to the "wahowww" of Gene's bass, no other
song comes close. And the scream that Gene lets out after Ace's brief
solo...what can I say?! This version is unbelievable but to see the
band perform it live is a real experience! Rating: A+
Love Theme From KISS (Stanley/Simmons/Criss/Frehley)
(2:24)
This is a good grooving instrumental that lets the band's musicianship
stand out, especially Gene's bass. The low-end of this song is definitely
its strength. Rating: B
100,000 Years (Stanley/Simmons)
(3:22)
Gene starts this bizarre song out in fine fashion with the instantly
recognizable bass line. Peter's drumming really shines here,
as well. Great vocal outing from Paul on one of KISS' forgotten gems.
Rating:
A
Black Diamond (Stanley)
(5:13)
This song is one of KISS' all-around best musically. The opening
acoustic intro with Paul in full falsetto glory segues into a crunching
groove with Peter handling the lead vocals. Every member gets a chance
to shine on this song vocally and musically. Eventually, the song
winds down around 2:35, and leads into Ace's searing solo, a cool drum
refrain and finally the slow, distorted fade out. A real victory
for KISS! Rating: A+
The one that started it all! Musically, it is hard to beat KISS. This album contains SOOO many GREAT songs, that it is easily my favorite album from the band (followed by Rock and Roll Over and Hotter Than Hell). The hard, raw edge is there and will be found again on Hotter Than Hell before the commercialism and success sets in.
Interesting facts:
Got To Choose (Stanley)
(3:54)
A weak choice for the album opener (Parasite would have been
my choice) but not a bad song, otherwise. Definitely unlike any other
song in its structure, Got To Choose has a slow groove with an odd
falsetto chorus from Paul and harmonies by Gene. The best part is
the last 40 seconds where the song winds down with "who's your baby". Rating:
B
Parasite (Frehley)
(3:01)
One of my early KISS favorites. The rough guitar part makes for
one of KISS' heaviest songs. Gene's vocals really add to this song.
Ace really deserves the credit here for writing yet another GREAT song
(and giving himslf a killer solo, too)! Rating: A+
Goin' Blind (Simmons/Coronel)
(3:36)
Another one of KISS' early forgotten songs. I love this song
and other than the MTV Unplugged special, I have never known the
band play it live. The song is such a departure at this point from
the rest of the KISS material that it deserves to be commended. The
bizarre lyrics and Gene's even more outlandish vocals add to some fantastic
musicianship, especially Ace's guitar work. For the doubtful KISS
fan, I strongly recommend giving this song another chance. Rating:
A+
Hotter Than Hell (Stanley)
(3:31)
Simple song dealing with more female woes. The chorus and bridge
are great, while Gene's bass and Peter's drums again dominate. Also,
an excellent vocal from Paul. Rating: A
Let Me Go, Rock 'n Roll (Simmons/Stanley)
(2:14)
Great song performed live by the band. Quick and to the point,
with high energy and a rousing backbeat with focus on Ace's scorching guitar
throughout. Rating: A-
All The Way (Simmons)
(3:18)
The structure of this song has always puzzled me with it's staccato
beats and strange intro. Not a bad song overall, but certainly one
of the weaker ones on this album. Rating: C+
Watchin' You (Simmons)
(3:43)
Simple but strong intro riff from Ace and Gene's powerful vocals make
this song one of my favorites on the album. More odd lyrics here
but the song doesn't suffer because of the strength of the music. Rating:
A
Mainline (Stanley)
(3:50)
Absolutely dreadful. Peter's delivery of this song makes it one
of my least favorite KISS songs ever. The song seems poorly structured
and it still surprises me that Paul wrote this. The song is just
bland. Even Ace's solo is uninspired. Wasn't there SOMETHING
better that could have been substituted? Rating: D-
Comin' Home (Stanley/Frehley)
(2:37)
I can honestly say that I didn't give this song a second thought until
I saw the band play it live on MTV Unplugged. Upon further listening,
I realized that this is a really good song! Rating: A
Strange Ways (Frehley)
(3:18)
Peter's raspy vocal, and especially Gene's crescendo at the end of
the song, makes this one for me. Crank up the subwoofer for this
one: a thumping bass groove throughout really rattles your spine.
And listen to Ace's solo!! Like Goin' Blind, this song is
a true "diamond in the rough." Rating: A
Released only 8 months after KISS, Hotter Than Hell is nearly as good the first album. Even though Hotter Than Hell is often considered one of KISS' most forgotten albums, there's just something about this album that has always appealed to me (no, it's not the naked women on the back cover). The only weak points here are Mainline and All The Way. Overall, I feel that it outshines such later classics as Destroyer and even Love Gun. The allure for me is not only the songs but the fact that KISS was a struggling group trying to get noticed. The sound of Hotter Than Hell is raw and lacks the slick production of KISS' later albums, which for me is a major strength. It's still about the music at this point; not what the families were taking their kids to see, circa 1978-9.
Interesting facts:
)
means "strength", "power", or "authority" and appears on 1987's Crazy
Nights, as well. Eric Carr used this symbol in his drum setup.
1/2
Room Service (Stanley)
(2:59)
Not exactly a classic song, it is one of the better ones here.
This song explores the groupie phenomenon that the band was beginning to
face. Ace has a smokin' solo and the chorus has a catchy feel to
it. Rating: B+
Two Timer (Simmons)
(2:47)
Gene brings a slow, sleazy groove to this song. Is it good?
No, not particularly. In fact, this is one of my least favorite Gene
songs ever. It just doesn't strike a chord with me. Rating:
C-
Ladies In Waiting (Simmons)
(2:35)
This second outing from Gene is far better than Two Timer, and
carries on the theme so far on this album of women. Ace has
a good solo here but otherwise, there isn't much to discuss. Rating:
B-
Getaway (Frehley)
(2:43)
This peppy song has Peter taking over vocals and the result is good.
The chorus is the weakest part of this song but the rest of it has a great
groove. Another cool solo from Ace, as well. Rating: B+
Rock Bottom (Stanley/Frehley)
(3:54)
Finally we have a song that is not either average or awful! Ace's
two-minute, 12-string intro is magical and as far as I am concerned is
one of the finest pieces of music he has ever written. Once the kick
drum begins, this song takes the listener to another level again.
Paul's powerful vocal leads us through one of KISS' most underrated songs.
Rating:
A+
C'Mon And Love Me (Stanley)
(2:57)
One of the better songs on the album. Simple with a catchy chorus.
Sums up the KISS formula: Keep It Simple Stupid! Rating: A
Anything For My Baby (Stanley)
(2:35)
Aside from the opening drum beat that sounds EXACTLY like Rock
And Roll All Nite (give it a listen if you don't believe me), this
song is one of my favorites on the album. Paul's lead vocal is the
standout on a catchy song that went nowhere. Rating: B+
She (Simmons/Coronel)
(4:08)
A re-tooling of one of Paul & Gene's Wicked Lester songs.
The opening of this song is amazing. Ace's guitar work has never
been better and Gene and Peter really tear up the rhythm section. Listen
to the two of them around the 2:30 mark of the song. Then Ace kicks
in with another solo. CLASSIC!! Rating: A+
Love Her All I Can (Stanley)
(2:40)
Another borrowed tune from the Wicked Lester days. Relatively
unchanged from it's original version, this song is one of my favorites
on the album. Listen to Peter's cowbell--nice touch. The guys
harmonize nicely but sadly, this is one of those songs that never really
caught on. Rating: A
Rock And Roll All Nite (Simmons/Stanley)
(2:49)
KISS' signature song. Twenty five years later, it is still a
party standard and closes every show the band plays. Unfortunately,
it has been overplayed to the max and suffers because of it. Still,
the simplicity of the song can't be denied as it's chorus is anthemic and
Peter's drumming helps bring the song home. Rating: A
With another speedy release (13 months after KISS and only 5 months after Hotter Than Hell), the lack of originality and new material really begins to show. The first half of Dressed To Kill is sub-par at best. Only the second half saves it, making this is a decent album. Dressed To Kill has several songs that are true classics including KISS' signature song, Rock and Roll All Nite, which is still a party staple almost 25 years later. Though nearing overkill several times during the band's career, RARAN embodies what KISS wanted for their fans: a fun and memorable experience summed up in under 3 minutes. Unfortunately, Dressed To Kill is one of KISS' weaker albums padded with mostly forgettable tracks. Two Timer and Ladies In Waiting are 2 of Gene's worst make-up era songs. His singing on Two Timer is enough to make you choke. Room Service and Anything For My Baby are only slightly above average. This is the worst of the first three KISS albums, but it is still listenable...and not even close to their worst album of all time.
Interesting facts:
1/2
This is the album that broke KISS and made them a
household name. With quadruple platinum sales, Alive! sold
more copies than anyone ever dreamed! Heralded by many as the best
live album of all time, Rock and Roll All Nite (Live) was released
as a single and the album began selling like mad.
Deuce opens Alive! with an energy
that surpasses the original version on KISS. Deuce
sets the pace for a fantastic hour-and-a-half of KISS at their best: LIVE!
Firehouse
whips up the crowd with the siren wailing at the end of the track; Parasite
has never sounded rawer; and 100,000 Years allows Peter's drumming
to shine. She gets a real kick in the ass having the end riff
of Let Me Know tagged on, coupled with Ace's ripping solo.
Paul's narrative and Peter's percussion gets the crowd whipped up for Cold
Gin and it's a real hoot to revel in its 70's cheesiness. Closing
with Let Me Go, Rock N Roll,
Alive! leaves the listener wanting
to hit rewind/repeat on his or her stereo to start all over again.
I'm not usually a fan of live albums but Alive!
stands heads above the rest.
Interesting facts:
