From: Brian

Hello fellow fans. First off - I'll just get to the point; should you buy the new KISS record when it hits the stores on September 22nd? In my opinion, YES. Trust me, if you waited in line to buy such sleepers as "Crazy Nights" and "Hot in the Shade", then at least go out and pick up a copy of what is surely one of their best albums to date.

My story - doesn't matter (so, I'll tell you anyway) - I've been an in and out closet KISS fan for many years (easy to do when the "Rise to It" video is on MTV and people know you love them). The first album my parents bought me in the store was the big one, Alive back in 1976 - when I was a toddler. My first record. Bought KISS records (and crap) all through the days. Will always love them, but I can't glorify them to divinity, like some. It's hard to when we (the fans) have been let down so many times; let's face some facts here. They've fucked up many a' time.

Speaking of facing some facts, before I give my review of their new record, let me point out a few things:

1) They're just a group. Very cool, very good, but just some guys in grease paint and leather drag, but funnier. So, relax.

2) They are KISS, it's not Chopin, it's not James Joyce, it's not lobster or champagne. It's rock, comic books and a burger with fries. All American - but you couldn't do much better, except for a pickle and coleslaw.

3) They are really funny, intentionally and not. Sometimes, as a fan, it can hurt - I know.

4) They do have talent and display it, but are not the most original guys - so don't be upset when they sound a bit like everyone else during every damn time period. It's like Depeche Mode (translation - FAST FASHION) Get it, it's KISS ? That's what they do and that's what they've excelled at - but they did it and do it well. Keep that in mind, even COS and Unmasked.

5) Winding up and integrating the prior four items and as a strong reminder ---> It's supposed to be fun. Enjoy it at face value.

Now to be a hypocrite for a bit, I'm going to put "face-value" aside and tell you what I think of the songs (ANALyze) - one by one. PS - I don't think it's fair to say where I got the files (if you haven't already) - but you are welcome to e-mail me and I'll clue you in on a source so you can here them.

HERE"S MY BREAKDOWN (of the songs), not in proper track order :

PSYCHO CIRCUS:

First off, it starts with an intro. No shocker - "Destroyer" had one. The circus/carnival music kicks in, making you think of evil clowns (Pennywise-Poltergeist) and all that stuff. Then, the gong is hit. Peter Criss is expanding his range on percussion. Just kidding. He's not THAT bad - he's just not too good, but OK on this record (if this is really him - which it likely is). Hey - just had a thought, maybe Gene really did overdose and die and it's an imposter - like the one from "Phantom", maybe Gene is now with the real Paul McCartney? Nevermind. The music strums up and Paul Stanley lets out a yell. If you love this band the way I do, it'll make you laugh. Not as classically funny as the one from "Master and Slave", but made me smile -- it let me know, yep, this is a KISS record and Paul's at the helm - again. The lyrics are real beauties (I'm kidding) - but the song's really catchy. Chorus is tolerable, you'll hum it and the Ace solo's pretty good. He is definitely low key on this record. Overall, this song really does not sound like anything that's being put out today. Its sound is quite uniquely KISS in that American-Frankenstein kind of way they amalgamate. It gets kind of cheesy though - yeah, believe it. There's a part where they "bring it down" and Paul speaks vocals in a low, reverbed voice. It's kinda dumb, but it leads to a good build up! Even though my review isn't bubbling with obvious enthusiasm and great things to say about this song, it really does grow on you. I love it. It does the trick - let's you know that they are back, but not the same. And like everyone has said in every other review. They have to open the new show with THIS song - not "You wanted the best..." one. Watch they'll start with "Deuce" or "Detroit Rock City" again, "...uh, we thought that's what the fans wanted", yank, yank, yank. But back to the point - cool starting point of a record and an era.

WITHIN:

Another intro on song 2 ! This time it sounds like the intro to "Blackened" from Metallica's Justice mixed with that crazy guitar looping from the end of NIN's "Mr. Self Destruct"- then the song hits and it's Alice in Chains/Soundgarden - all the stuff that the fans hated about "Carnival of Souls". I know that it's "fan-correct" to hate "Carnival of Souls", but I don't. I think (despite fashion envy on the record) there was some really good material - some original stuff too ! I really think that the record (COS) deserves a more open listen. "I Will Be There" and "Seduction of the Innocent" are wonderful. "Hate" 's really war and nazi and "In the Mirror" is a great Paul rock song. Back to the point - I like this one too, the one Hard Gene on the album, as another called it the "demon song" - yeah exactly ! One imposter point suspicion and it's not Peter Criss--> When you listen to this song, can you hear Ace Frehley anywhere on it? I hear him on most of this album, albeit quiet, but I don't hear him at all on this one. Honestly, I hear Bruce Kulick or someone else. It's not Ace's style, that I've ever heard, and I don't picture him playing it at all. Back to the song - neat change in direction at about the three minute mark. Listen to this song like you haven't heard others like it and you may find some fresh perspective. It's no classic, but it's pretty good. Worth listening too before judgin'. Who knows, you (the individual) may like it?

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE STATE OF ROCK -N- ROLL:

Oh my god, no. ---> That's the first thing I thought when I saw this title ----> OK - Paul's gonna play the church of rock and roll and the concert hall's my temple, the fans are the congregation and "the two little guitars forming one BIG guitar" How many of us have heard this bullsh!t from Mr. Stanley before? Makes you really want to puke (the pukerist) - it's like Spinal Top, "...if life is a radio, turn it up to.... eleven (duh)" So, you can see, I had my prejudices against this song from the get go. It only pleasantly surprised me by NOT being the armpit of the album that I thought it would be, but in my un-humbled opinion, it is THE LEAST BEST - but tolerable. I don't think I'll ever find myself humming this one or thinking how cool it would be to see this done in concert - and it will be too. DARN ! That'll be when I try to find the bathroom. Paul Stanley has won me over as he's my favorite KISS member, used to be Ace. I really do respect Paul Stanley - although he does make me laugh, it's in a good way. But, I really have to recoil when he writes something super cheesy, like "X in Sex" - which was too damn catchy, I have to confess. Paul's really talented and I admire his work. Not just that he writes like 40 - 50% of the material, consistently, but because his work is good. And I must admit the same sometimes goes for Gene, although Paul is not the one who sang "...I'm gonna put my log in your fireplace". Even at age 12, I thought that was the ultimate in retarded. Well, here I go again. The point. The album jumps over this one and keeps going. Hallelujah- lord be praised. This songs disappears, ....invisible and with justice for all. Next.

INTO THE VOID:

This is a cool rock number - the one where Ace gets his star on the record. It's a good one too. It's KISS and Ace, though better than the solo stuff he did. " I - have trouble walkin", something like that and who can forget "Dolls", I'm still trying. It's sad when the cream-puffy Tom Howarth songs were more enjoyable. But, that was then and there were one or two good ones, somewhere, in there. Ace fanatics will not like to hear me speak of the Comet/Bad Boy years this way. Uh-huh, they sucked. "Into the Void" keeps with the spacely theme and it's the other hard-rocker, aside from "Within". Ace's voice is tolerable, the Edith Bunker effect is toned down a bit - but laughably noticeable in "You wanted the best..." Endearing though. Unlike Rush, there was no mention of the Rocinante. Cool song, highlight. Must play live. Ace classic - have to play on tour. Who wants to hear the romantic poetry of "Shock Me" one more time, but "Rocket Ride" would be great ! This is a great Ace song. End of story. I, like everyone, just wish that there was a bit more of an Ace Frehley presence highlighted throughout the album - one flaw it has and this song reminds you of that. But, you do have to balance Ace out though, do you really want to hear stuff like "The Acorn is Spinning" on a KISS record? Point made.

YOU WANTED THE BEST:

OK, I must admit, this was the other prejudice song (of two) that I was wary of when first listening to the MP3 files. Surprise, I liked this one. People have complained in other reviews that it sounds a bit contrived. No ! On a KISS record? Go on? The record is named "Psycho Circus" isn't that another "Oh boy..." to get you thinking of contrived ? That's almost the theme. The guitar starts out teasingly like Rock and Roll All Night, but takes on a new direction - good. It's a fun number. All four singing (about something) and declaring their unity - though not really noticeable (or important) on this record. It may matter if they do another record. What's so appealing about this song? It's fun - just fun. Another common complaint on this one is the chorus. Yeah, barfbag. It's great though. They start off with "You - wanted -thebeeeeeeeeesst", then there's no vocals (almost like a pause, contemplating what to say next) and next comes "...and-you-got-thebeeeeeeeesst". Now, how can you not just laugh and love it. They are living, breathing Spinal Tap - Paul's vocals even conceded to that in "Spit", using the one Spinal Tap line. Too much. God, I love this band - though I secretly wish it was Eric Carr at the drums with Peter's voice and sharper personality. Anyhow - Paul's vocals are outrageous. I could've just died "they'll have to drag you kickin' and screamin' off the stage" ---> Peter's vocals were "tough" ----> Gene's were "make up - break up/ Killer-thing" again - same style -----> and Ace "...songs that made the Hit Pah-rayayde!!!!!!" Loved it. Another classic part is after Ace's second display of whining, Paul's vocal's answer back "That's right". Reminded me of EnVogue's "My LovIn' " - you know the part where one Vogue says "I spredz for the needy and not for the greedy" and the other Vogue says "um-hum, that's right"? It's like that. Paul Stanley, like Prince, wants to be a black women. I wish them luck.

DREAMING:

But! My favorite KISS/black-chick wannabe comes back with what I think is the best song on the record, "Dreaming". I'm not even sure why I like this one so damn much. It's just kind of refreshing to hear it. It reminds me of something off "Lick it Up" or "Asylum", but still I love this one. Nothing sensational about the playing - good playing. Better than average vocals and lyrics and a catchy chorus. Paul's notorious for infectious ditties and songs too. When I first heard this song and the style in which it was presented, I feared some 80's falsetto/hairband screeching - but alas, none. Just rock vocals. Cool ! I'll concede that it kind of sounds a bit like some Aerosmith - like "Read my Body" did Def Leppard. Cheap shot, won't go further with that. Old style, but somehow new and very creative. I just love listening to this one.

I FINALLY FOUND MY WAY BACK TO YOU:

Back to contrived. Who didn't see this one coming? Oh, reunion. Peter Criss back in band. Wonder what kind of song he'll sing if they cut a new record? I wonder? Oh, a ballad ! Contrived? But, he did a really good job on it, and so did Paul Stanley. Peter's voice really does add something to the song/record. There should also have been more of it, like Ace, on the record. His voice was very sweet and mild - big improvement - not raspy like on Beth. I like to exaggerate this by doing my "Beth" Louie Armstrong style. At least they should have let him do "Rock Me Baby-98' " - no, on second thought.

All right - there are influences and there is borrowing. No piece of art is an island either. We all share, learn and grow. Even KISS has. But, this song sounds way too much like "Still Crazy after All These Years" by Paul Simon. Still a good song though. Chick and softy song, a GOOD ballad - Peter does something that Paul's vocals cannot - gives it earthiness. Despite what I believe to be a partial rip-off. Even, if not deliberate, that sub-conscious thing could explain it (hide it). It's really too similar at points not to suspect. Do yourself a favor and listen to both. It's not "Ice, Ice Baby" - but a little lacking because of the coincidence. It sounds exactly like it, then turns away short of saying "Still Crazy After All These Years". Turns nicely, I must say. I still like "Every time I look at you" a bit more and "Beth" is pretty too. But, this one will grow on you. I hum it all the time now. Good song. Interesting juxtaposition of vocals at points with Peter Criss/Paul Stanley. It is Paul's song, but Peter's vocals - good idea.

WE ARE ONE:

I like this one too. I have to listen to it more. This one is a soft-rock number. Gene's singing, not growling and it is more of a foot-stomper. Like noticeable on "Carnival of Souls" - there are some good lyrics here too. The lyrics try to explain maturity, sympathy, love, understanding and self-worth without being as tacky as some on "The Elder". This is a good one. I'd be curious to hear Simmons solo stuff, if it were more like this and less like his KISS solo record. You could point out GreenDay/Hootie/or some 70's throwback like Supertramp or something, but I think this one is really quite original in performance and lyrics and enjoyable. This is another one of the reasons why I think that this record is really one of the better ones they've done - along side of "Rock and Roll Over", "Alive", "The Elder", "Creatures", "Asylum" and "Revenge/COS". This song's individuality is also another reason why I feel the album is disjointed, like "Dynasty" and "Unmasked" - but it's still different than those. It's good, but it's more of their eclectic allowances and not their standard rock. This is more Simmons than a group thing - though you hear Paul in the background and I guess Ace and Peter somewhere. Great song no matter what. RAISE YOUR GLASSES:

Here's a toast to having an open mind. Despite the dominant negative press on this one, I loved it. Another album highlight. Does sound like Bon Jovi, a couple of songs in particular. Sounds early 80's, somewhat mid-80's. Anthemic pop number from Mr. Stanley. The chorus isn't that bad. But, it can bring to mind images of everyone across the U S of A holding hands, raising their glasses and maybe even finding time to do jumping-jacks to the chorus of the song. That was my impression. But, still - it's a good song. It's like the sister song to "I Pledge Allegiance...", but interesting. It goes on about how he/we made it despite all and that hard work can pay off, but you'll never know unless you at least try. Good point. Interesting part too, in the last minute or so. Paul's vocals are muffled down, the music lower-soft and more vocals intertwine. Neat. I didn't really mention yet, but another plus to the whole album is the greater emphasis on harmonies - and I'm not talking "Sure Know Something", more subtle than that. This song won't get any respect cause it's cheesy - go figure, that makes no sense - and it's style is not "in", but perhaps in a retro-sense it may be enjoyed?

...and last but not least JOURNEY OF 1,000 YEARS:

True what everyone says. They've NEVER done anything like this before. It works. It mystifies, and keeps your attention. I think that by adding the "Psycho Circus" theme music in the last third or so really bastardizes the song a bit. Like sticking a cheap label on it to try to keep some continuity to it. The album isn't put together like a slab of head cheese. Don't get me wrong. It's good and it all fits together - like a KISS record. But this last ditch piece of "stitching" really doesn't work. The song should have been let be, to finish off the record. The song starts of with light guitar strumming continuously and working with what I call "plunging bass" and some bell noises and echoing symbols. It's not too entirely original. Some of the ideas remind me of "Disarm" by the Pumpkins - again don't get me wrong. Gene Simmons singing "When the Bell Rings" for Wicked Lester would be 300 fold better than that schnozzly, whiny crap Billy Corrigan tries to feign off as emotion and art. Simmons sings well again - again sounding more solo than KISS, but still falling within eclectic KISS scheme. Really cool song. Same band, similar, but not the same. We should be thankful.

Well, that's my review in a nutshell. I could go on and on and I'm sure I'll think of much more to say later, but too late. I realize that I did dish a bit o' dirt in my review. I'm critical and an insensitive ass - but I'm honest. This is my opinion. I hope you notice some of this too and I hope that you go out and enjoy their new record. It's a real good one. Again, like everyone probably already told you. If you want "Destroyer" or "Love Gun", listen to them again. It's not here and thank God for that. Would you want to play the same stuff over in different incarnations? I wouldn't. I have to admire them for putting out another record (period) and more so for a good one. If you don't like it, that's cool - but it's worth listening to and may even be somewhat accepted by the rest of the world - though I don't foresee it - those idiots just don't get it. They don't understand what made Santa Claus special or what gives people something to believe in or a reason to go on living - FUN, Dammit !

Have some, enjoy this record.

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