Universal (29 CD or 29 7” box)

Now this is a very limited but seriously lavish box set – but then Kiss never did things by halves, especially during the makeup years. This set covers the classic era, considered by many (myself included) the best. There is SO much classic stuff here, and it covers the band’s career from the first album up to when lead guitarist Ace Frehley was replaced by Vinnie Vincent.

The first single Nothin’ To Lose is a little pedestrian by later standards, and Kissin’ Time (which I do rather like) is a tad cheesy but then it’s onto Rock’n’Roll All Nite (both studio and live versions) and Strutter and, well, you know all the period hits.

The Surprise hit Beth and the disco hit I Was Made For Loving You are all a great listen, as are the singles from the four solo albums.

Kiss were never really a solo kind of band, better known for their glam riffs, but Ace Frehley does pull some good solos and a lot of decent guitar work.

Most of the vocals are split between Simmons and Stanley, but there are a handful of tracks sung by Criss and Frehley (not just the solo singles). And if you explore deeper there is the odd track where bass is played by Frehley too.

The full track listing is below but it’s worth noting that the solo singles are as originally released, with mask insert and on coloured vinyl. Most of them come in picture sleeves, some are European variations.

The tracks are:

Nothin’ To Lose / Love Theme From Kiss

Kissin’ Time / Nothin’ To Lose

Strutter / 100,000 Years

Let Me Go Rock’n’Roll / Hotter Than Hell

Rock And Roll All Night / Getaway

C’mon And Love Me / Getaway

Rock And Roll All Night (live) / Rock And Roll All Night

Shout It Out Loud / Sweet Pain

Flaming Youth / God Of Thunder

Detroit Rock City / Beth

Beth / Detroit Rock City

Hard Luck Woman / Mr Speed

Calling Dr Love / Take Me

Christeen Sixteen / Shock Me

Love Gun / Hooliga

Shout It Out Loud (live) / Nothin’ To Lose (live)

Rocket Ride / Tomorrow And Tonight (live)

Strutter ’78 / Shock Me

Hold Me Touch Me / Goodbye (Paul Stanley)

New York Groove / Snow Blind (Ace Frehley)

Radioactive / See You In your Dreams (Gene Simmons)

Don’t You Let Me Down / Hooked On Rock’n’Roll (Peter Criss)

You Matter To Me / Hooked On Rock’n’Roll (Peter Criss)

I Was Made For Lovin’ You / Hard Times

Sure Know Something / Dirty Livin’

Shandi / She’s So European

Tomorrow / Naked City

A World Without Heroes / Dark Light

I Love It Loud / Danger

This is as extravagant as you’d expect from Ki$$ but looks a lovely set. Some fantastic music but so OTT in both packaging and price it’s only for the hardcore. The music is well exploring by cheaper means if you can.

The only omission (this is NOT a complete singles set) are the 2 12” singles issued with the extended 8 minute version of I Was Made For Loving you.

****1/2

Joe Geesin

 

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Power Plays w/c 15 April 2024

ENMY The Ledge (FiXT)
KAROBELA Get Hard (indie)
KATH & THE KICKS Neptune (indie)
THE BEE TELLERS River Poem (Black Sand Records)
LAUREN FREEBIRD Like A Bomb (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 15 April 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 KATARINA PEJAK – Pearls On A String (Ruf Records)

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