From: Tommy

PSYCHO CIRCUS

A few days ago I was fortunate enough to get a listen to the new studio record that the four origional members of KISS have recoded this spring and summer. I was very suprised at some of the songs that they chose to put on it. That doesnt mean that they are bad or good, its just that I was suprised at the direction some of them took musically. You have to be the judge and decide for yourself. Here goes..

PSYCHO CIRCUS-- This song has already been floating around on the internet and the response that I have heard is positive. It starts off with carnival music and then goes into the song. The song has a very 80's feel to it and Pauls vocals have never been better. I like this song as it is one of my favorites and should be a hit among the fans

WITHIN---- This song is sung by Gene and is one of the heavier songs on the record. It sounds like it could have been on CARNIVAL OF SOULS because it has a very dark edge to it. The verses have Gene playing a bass lick with the drums going along with it. I think this is Gene's best song on the album.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE--- Another song sung by Paul. This one is a good tune as well. Ace has some great licks in this one. His guitar solo is one of the better on the album. It has his trademark written all over it. This one should also be a fan favorite and possibly a single.

INTO THE VOID--- This is the only song sung by Ace on the album. It sounds like the kind of stuff Ace was doing in his post-KISS days. Another great solo by the Spaceman and his vocals have never been better.

WE ARE ONE---- This one is hard to describe and one of the more different tracks on the album. During the verses Ace is playing an Acoustic guitar. It seems like this one could have been off of Gene's solo record. It has almost has a BEATLE-ish sound to it. You might not like it cause it doesnt sound like the other material on the record. You have to make your own decision on this one.

YOU WANTED THE BEST--- In this song each band member sings a line in the verses. Its the anthem on the album but I dont think its one of the stronger tunes here. Its nice to see the guys all sing on the same song but I dont like the chorus that much.

RAISE YOUR GLASSES--- This one is a gem sung by Paul. Great lyrics and song writting. Also, it has that 80's rock sound to it. The bridge in this song is second to none followed by a great catchy chorus. One of the best, if not the best song by Paul on the record depending who you ask. Also great solo by Ace, classic riffs. The song ends with the chorus repeating with Paul singing his own thing, kind of like in WHO WANTS TO BE LONELY. If you tend to lean towards Paul's song, you will love this one.

I FINALLY FOUND MY WAY---- This is the only song sung by Peter on the album. Its the ballad on the album but its not one of the better things on the record. This tune sounds like it could have come off of Peter's solo lp LET ME ROCK YOU. Peter's vocals arent bad but the song didnt grab me. I give it an A for effort but its not one of the better songs on the record.

DREAMING--- This is the last song on the album that Paul sings. Its not a bad song but I like his other ones better. It reminds me of some of the stuff he did on his 1978 solo record. Its my least favorite Paul song on the record but its still a good track.

JOURNEY OF 1000 YEARS---- The last song on the record and its sung by Gene. To me it has an ELDER kind of feel to it. It has its own sound to it, not like the other stuff on the album. It might even remind you a little of GREAT EXPECTATIONS. Not one of Genes better efforts in my opinion.

So thats the latest album by KISS. You have to listen to the songs and make your own conclusions. Its a good record and Pauls songs are the more catchy of the bunch. Thanks and enjoy the songs!!

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