It was 1978 and KISS was one of the biggest selling bands in the world in terms of album sales and concert attendance. However, despite all the financial gain and public notoriety, there were members of the band who were growing discontent and wished to move on. It was Ace and Peter for the most part who wished to perform solo for a change. The group decision to disband temporarily so they could each record a solo album would prove to solve this dilemma for the time being, and just prior to these albums a comprehensive Greatest Hits would hit the shelves. In the vast KISS catalog this is the first such album of this type and it has long been referred to as one of the best hits compilations that they would release (there would be several more in the bands future). It would focus on the original classic lineup and feature music from the years 1974-1977 (or from the album KISS to Love Gun). The diehard KISS fan might have some issues with the re-mixed nature of some of these classics, but to others the Double Platinum record was a fresh take on some of their most cherished songs. A remake of "Strutter" was recorded and songs like "Calling Dr. Love" and "She" received different openings than what many fans were used to. I enjoyed this album quite a bit since it allowed the non-KISS fan the perfect chance to become a believer given its defined focus on so many of their best songs. On record, this spanned the length of two records and now on CD you got it all one disk. The enhanced production on the songs made it very easy to want to "Shout It Out Loud" even though this particular number would not be present on the album. It was a nice selection but during the formative years in the band there were so many staples so they did they best they could with the medium of the time. Releasing a three or four LP product might have been very bad. The original vinyl release was also an interesting thing to behold as it was a silver-mirrored & embossed cover with the bands faces inside along with an award from the group. It certainly stood out and this particular remaster does the exact same thing. The sad fact is that it would be the first step in a series of events in the bands existence that would find them falling from the same graces they were once given.
The KISS remasters are excellent in their overall sound quality but do not offer any additional or unreleased songs outside of what was on the original album. The original artwork is replicated and features the interesting graphics that often made up a KISS Album. If the artwork was limited, this is of course reflected as well. Music History fans will appreciate the included historical liner notes on the CD's inner section. Each release has information that is topical to the album and the bands history.
Song Listing 1. Strutter '78
2. Do You Love Me?
3. Hard Luck Woman
4. Calling Dr. Love
5. Let Me Go, Rock 'n' Roll
6. Love Gun
7. God Of Thunder
8. Firehouse
9. Hotter Than Hell
10. I Want You
11. Deuce
12. 100,000 Years
13. Detroit Rock City
14. Rock Bottom (intro)
15. She
16. Rock And Roll All Nite
17. Beth
18. Makin' Love
19. C'mon And Love Me
20. Cold Gin
21. Black Diamond
Added: August 18th 2006 Reviewer:Ken Pierce Score: Related Link:KISS Website Hits: 3290 Language: english
For information regarding where to send CD promos and advertising, please see our FAQ page.
If you have questions or comments, please Contact Us.
Please see our Policies Page for Site Usage, Privacy, and Copyright Policies.
It was 1978 and KISS was one of the biggest selling bands in the world in terms of album sales and concert attendance. However, despite all the financial gain and public notoriety, there were members of the band who were growing discontent and wished to move on. It was Ace and Peter for the most part who wished to perform solo for a change. The group decision to disband temporarily so they could each record a solo album would prove to solve this dilemma for the time being, and just prior to these albums a comprehensive Greatest Hits would hit the shelves. In the vast KISS catalog this is the first such album of this type and it has long been referred to as one of the best hits compilations that they would release (there would be several more in the bands future). It would focus on the original classic lineup and feature music from the years 1974-1977 (or from the album KISS to Love Gun). The diehard KISS fan might have some issues with the re-mixed nature of some of these classics, but to others the Double Platinum record was a fresh take on some of their most cherished songs. A remake of "Strutter" was recorded and songs like "Calling Dr. Love" and "She" received different openings than what many fans were used to. I enjoyed this album quite a bit since it allowed the non-KISS fan the perfect chance to become a believer given its defined focus on so many of their best songs. On record, this spanned the length of two records and now on CD you got it all one disk. The enhanced production on the songs made it very easy to want to "Shout It Out Loud" even though this particular number would not be present on the album. It was a nice selection but during the formative years in the band there were so many staples so they did they best they could with the medium of the time. Releasing a three or four LP product might have been very bad. The original vinyl release was also an interesting thing to behold as it was a silver-mirrored & embossed cover with the bands faces inside along with an award from the group. It certainly stood out and this particular remaster does the exact same thing. The sad fact is that it would be the first step in a series of events in the bands existence that would find them falling from the same graces they were once given.
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
