From: Resisted@aol.com

I just picked up a cassette copy of Psycho Circus. Before I offer my 2 1/2 cents on its contents, I would like to comment on bootlegs. First, it is a booted copy of a "soon to be released" commercial recording. This is the only boot of a commercial record I have ever bought. I am not against boots of material that may or may not be released to the public, videos included. I am, however, against the copying of material and reselling for a quick buck.

The guy who sold me this cassette didn't even seem like a fan. A slug is more like it. If his true intention was to offer fans an early listen to a record they will probably buy anyway, the least he could have done was seem more enthusiastic about it, or at least not charge $10 for something recorded on a $.99 tape. Hopefully these boots won't discourage people from purchasing the real thing, (I wouldn't want to see Gene's filing for bankruptcy).

The truth is I had to hear it. I am sure there is probably an army of people that would do the exact same thing.

Pyscho thoughts:

1. Psycho Circus - OUTSTANDING! Excellent production. A sonic jolt for the soul. I guess we know what the opening song is for the tour. "10"

2. Within - Great Gene song. Sounds like a "Creatures" out-take I hear Eric Carr flavored drums, mixed with a little of Gene's solo album. "9 +"

3. I Pledge Allegiance - Not a bad song, not a song I would want to hear on an "Alive IV" album either. "7"

4. Into The Void - Disappointing. Too much hype surrounding this song. Believe me, I think Ace is amazing too, but he's done better (Gene and Paul probably picked this one). "6+"

5. We Are One - Catchy tune. It is not typical Kiss, but it works great for this record. I like this one mainly because it is such a departure. "8"

6. You Wanted The Best - Alternate title: "You Wanted The Best And We Couldn't Deliver" It's a shame that the Kiss catch phrase will never sound the same to me again. Good music, grated cheese for lyrics. "4 -"

7. Raise Your Glass - Very Paul. The melodies are fantastic, the music is fist-in-the-air, true Kiss. After a couple of listens, this song has become my #2 favorite off the record. "10"

8. I Finally Found My Way - "Beth II", why? (Can I give negative numbers?) "0 -"

9. Dreaming - Misleading intro, very heavy. I expected to hear Gene singing next. Good power ballad. Excellent music. "8 -"

10. Journey Of 1000 Years - Unexpected. Superb lyrics and very "not Gene" music. I think this song would be great live. Unfortunately, I doubt I will ever hear it that way. "9"

Overall Psycho Circus is typical Kiss, in that it contains its share of great, fair and "what were you thinking?" songs. I am a happy guy today, Kiss is back. Psycho Circus "9 -"

One last thing. With all the talk of Peter and Ace performing very little if at all on the album, and the myriad of rumors surrounding previous records, do you ever wonder if we are all victims of the "Great Rock & Roll Swindle"? Think about it. If all the rumors had some bit of truth to them, such as Kiss Alive! being recorded solely in the studio, wouldn't you feel cheated somehow? I would.

I guess I still want to believe there is a Santa Claus.

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