From: KIDGEO3@aol.com

Just got my Psycho Circus tape today and before I give my song by song review, I wanted to mention a few things. The quality of the tape I received was excellent, no background noise, no hissing, so it made the experience that much more enjoyable. Secondly I really feel that TWStewart over analyzed this album. I'm 33 years old, have been a KISS fan for a very very long time (from about Hotter Than Hell on). I have been through good and bad KISS albums, and believe me, I would not pull any punches just because these guys are my heroes. On to my review......

PSYCHO CIRCUS:
What an intro!!!! This was missing from the radio version and what a pleasure hearing the song with such clarity! I can imagine the house lights going off and the circus intro music starts playing and the place goes CRAZY!!! As in my previous review of this song, Paul is awesome, Gene's bass is great, Ace is on the mark and Peter on the drums (yes Peter) is great. GRADE - A

WITHIN:
Although this may not be the typical demon fare we are all used to, the song is still unmistakably Gene. I like the intro, the guitars are good too. Not a catchy tune, nor one that will see the light of the next tour, but a very good Gene tune. We have to remember, Gene is in his 40's, the demon growl does not come as easy anymore. GRADE - C

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE:
WOW....Paul is back, I'm sorry, I have to disagree with the other review of this song. This is a classic Paul rocker. Yes, the lyrics are a bit self indulged, but can guys in their mid forty's pull off singing about sex and partying?? Ace is great on this track, and the chorus is catchy. GRADE - B+

INTO THE VOID:
ACE is back baby......this is a straight ahead kick you in the ass Ace tune. Great guitars, great solo and it has all the markings of a classic Ace track. Borrowing from his solo career a little, but if you listen, you pick out other KISS classics in this track. GRADE - B+

WE ARE ONE:
Once again the demon is hibernating, however, this is one of the better tracks on the album, it could even be released as a single. The lyrics (to me) are great and it paints a picture of the sensitive side of Gene. GRADE - A-

YOU WANTED THE BEST:
I had to sit down for this one. This song (mark my words) will be one of the all time classic KISS tunes! I love the trading off of vocals in the versus, cool idea. Peter sounds fantastic here. This will most definitely be on the set list for 98/99 tour. Second best track on the album (to me). GRADE - A+

RAISE YOUR GLASSES:
Bonjovi???? I think not!!! Trust me after listening to this tune just once, you will be singing the chorus to yourself all day and all night. Yes, the lyrics are a bit corny, but who cares, the song rocks. This could also easily translate to a live song. Paul kicks major ass here. GRADE - A.

I FINALLY FOUND MY WAY:
Don't be surprised if this song becomes a mini Beth. It has all the markings of a B-side. But don't let that fool you. Peter shows just what he brings to this foursome...soul! Great tune. GRADE - C.

DREAMIN':
I'm not quite sure that TStewart felt he had to compare these songs to other bands??? Very confusing to me. This songs sounds like it could have been on Pauls solo album. It is very good. The guitar sound is strong, the chorus kicks ass! Its great to hear something like this rather than the unfortunate Carnival Of Souls....Welcome back Paul, we missed you. GRADE - A.

JOURNEY OF 1,000 YEARS:
This is the only song that I really did not enjoy on the album. I can put aside my need for the Demon, if the song is good....not here. I can't believe, they didn't have anything better that this from Gene for the album. What makes it worse is that it ends the album?!?!?!? GRADE - D-.

OVERALL RATING - B+ Is this the album I expected? No...... It was more!! Vintage KISS is very evident on this album along with a fresh new KISS sound. Not an 80's KISS, not a 70's KISS, but a combination of all plus new and exciting things. Look, it would have been very easy for them to crank out some son of Love Gun, or sister of Rock & Roll Over, but that would have been insulting to the real KISS fans. They knew we wanted and deserve the best and thats what we got. This album will debut at #1 on Billboard.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW!!!

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