kiss

WTF Search Terms: SurstrΓΆmming edition

WTF SEARCH TERMS XXXVIII:Β  SurstrΓΆmming edition

Heyo, LeBrainiacs!Β  It’s time for more WTF Search Terms, those weird and wacky things that people typed into search engines to bring them here.Β  I’ve gathered 10 more for your enjoyment.

People often search for “naked lebrains”.Β  Should I be flattered?Β  Setting the record right, once and for all:Β  I have never, and will never, do porn.Β  I’m glad that you keep searching for it, but give it up will ya?

  • lebrain hot dee
  • www . sex photo lebraln fucking

This isn’t a how-to site, but I loved this next question.Β  It had to be from a Trailer Park Boys fan.Β  Nobody else would think of it.Β  Bless you, whoever you are:

  • i want to turn my living room into an ice rink

True north strong and free!

These folks also had some Trailer Park Boys questions:

  • in tpb europe do they throw up

It sure looked like they did, in Stockholm after opening a can of putrid of fish calledΒ surstrΓΆmming.Β Β Nothing appeared to be faked for the cameras!

  • what episode is the trailer park boys where they go to denmark

I know this is hard to believe, but it’s the episode called “Copenhagen”.Β  Because it’s the capital of Denmark.Β  C’mon guys, use your heads before asking Siri to find out for you.

  • trailer park boys europe wheres randy and lahey

Not in Europe.

  • trailer park boys quotes they’re canadians they don’t know any better

I plead the Fifth.

This next one is related to Kiss.Β  I wish this is what I titled from review of Kiss at the Ritz:

  • kiss shit fits at ritz review

And then there’s this, obviously triggered by “Kiss” and “Maiden” who I’ve reviewed, but I don’t know what this person was searching for:

  • I fear they kiss，gentle maiden

And then in the “Conspiracy Theory that Just Won’t Die” category…guess who’s back!?

  • joey tempest lookalike

 

Thanks for checking out these search terms.Β  Subscribe so you never miss any!

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: KISS Still On Fire – Dave Thomas & Anders Holm (1988)

TheΒ KISS RE-REVIEW SERIESΒ Part 37: bonus book review

Β Still On FireΒ – Dave Thomas & Anders Holm (1988 Melody Line)

In the 1980s, there were generally no Kiss books on the market.Β  If you found one, you bought it.Β  The only widely known Kiss book back then was 1978’s paperback Kiss by Robert Duncan.Β  I was lucky to find Kiss Still On Fire in Stratford Ontario on December 27, 1990 in a great little store called The Book Vault.Β  Still On Fire is very very unofficial, but it was unequalled in its time:Β  130 magazine sized pages, mostly in full colour, loaded with pictures, facts and a few errors.

Peppered with old interviews and article snippets, Still On Fire takes a balanced look at the band and isn’t afraid to get critical when it’s warranted.Β  It also attempts to take a crack at who played what on some of those tracks where it wasn’t quite clear.Β  For example, Ace Frehley is pictured on the front cover of Killers, but didn’t play on any of the new songs.Β  Still On Fire quotes a Paul Stanley interview.Β  Was it Bob Kulick playing lead on these tracks?Β  “Bob did come out, yes, but he didn’t play.Β  When I couldn’t handle things — and I don’t consider myself the ultimate lead player — another friend of ours came in and gave us a little help.”Β  The book states this friend was Robbin Crosby of Ratt, a claim that is not backed up in other sources.Β  Did Crosby play on Killers?Β  Who knows, but according to this book, he did.Β  Other books such as Julian Gill’s Kiss Album Focus claim Bob Kulick did play some onΒ Killers.Β  In other words, if you read something interesting in this book that contradicts what you’ve read elsewhere, take it with a grain of salt.

There’s a bit of content here about what Gene was doing in the 1980s outside of Kiss:Β  producing bands such as Black & Blue and EZO.Β  Gene was responsible for EZO’s fantastic single “Flashback Heart Attack”, co-written by James Christian of Simmons Record act House of Lords.Β  Gene was also working on movies but was having trouble finding the time.Β  Apparently Sergio Leone really wanted Gene Simmons for Once Upon a Time in America in the role of Max, ultimately played by James Woods.Β  Can you imagine?

Besides the ample photos, the most impressive feature of Still On Fire is the discography.Β  Though incomplete, Still On Fire attempts to document myriad Kiss bootleg recordings, including cover art.Β  There are also interesting promo and foreign releases, such as the Special Kiss Tour Album and Kiss – The Singles.Β  Side projects and solo albums are included, from major (Frehley’s Comet) to obscure (Bruce Kulick’s band The Good Rats).Β  A variety of singles, picture discs and videos are on display, fully illustrated.Β  All of this was completely new to me then.Β  Not to mention the titles of unreleased songs!Β  What the heck were “Don’t Run” and “The Unknown Force”?Β  (The Elder demos.)Β  This is also where you’ll find the most typos and spelling errors.Β  (I really want to hear this song called “Pick It Up”.)

Still On Fire isn’t definitive nor is it definitely 100% accurate, but it should still prove to be a valuable resource for your Kiss library.

3.5/5 stars

 

REVIEW: Vinnie Vincent Invasion – All Systems Go (1988)

TheΒ KISS RE-REVIEW SERIESΒ Part 35:Β Vinnie Vincent solo #2.

VINNIE VINCENT INVASION – All Systems GoΒ (1988 Chysalis)

Ex-Β guitarist Vinnie Vincent could have made it big as a solo artist.Β  He had the talent, and the songwriting ability.Β  What he didn’t have was self control.Β  It’s too bad, because his second album was far more accessible than the first.Β  With a movie tie-in with the lucrative Nightmare on Elm St. movie series, the Invasion was primed and ready….

And then the band split.

According to singer Mark Slaughter (on an instalment of the Eddie Trunk show), Vinnie told Mark that was going to fire bassist Dana Strum.Β  “Where does your loyalty lie?” he asked the vocalist.Β  Mark told him if Dana was going, he’d rather go with Dana.Β  So that’s what happened. Mark and Dana formed the successful Slaughter, while drummer Bobby Rock joined another huge band called Nelson.

This all came as a bit of a shock to fans, who expected the Invasion’s second album All Systems Go to take off.Β  It spawned two singles/videos that were right in sync with popular rock at the time.Β  Vinnie toned down his guitar excesses from the first album, and Mark Slaughter was obviously the kind of frontman born to rock.Β  A damn shame.

All Systems Go wasn’t a skimpy album:Β  11 tracks plus two CD-only instrumentals.Β  Vinnie took sole writing credit on every track, including the drum solo.Β  For extra fun, the tracks are not listed in order on the back cover and the instrumentals are unlisted.Β  This is a throwback to the way records were sometimes released in the 60s and 70s.Β  The tracks (including the instrumentals) are listed in the correct order on the CD itself.Β  This kinda sucks when you are actually listening to it and want to know which song is playing.

This is the album that lived up to what Vinnie was capable of, although he stated a preference for the first “uncompromised” first album.Β  “I should never have changed singers,” he said without mentioning Mark by name.Β  Mark’s sassy vocalizin’ dominates the album, which might have pissed off Vinnie.Β  His charisma and talent is immediately obvious on the sleazy groove rocker “Ashes to Ashes”.Β  A tight song with a good riff and a great chorus is all you need.Β  Vinnie’s solo is no less impressive, but much more innovative and suiting to the song.Β  Guitar heroism in the making…almost.

“Dirty Rhythm” brings more sleaze: faster, more cowbell and more Sunset Strip.Β  The Invasion had more talent than the average glam rock band of the day, and so this is pretty exceptional stuff for the genre.Β  Where they really succeeded was with the radio friendly stuff.Β  The Freddy Krueger crossover ballad “Love Kills” should have been massive. We the benefit of hindsight, we can see that Mark Slaughter was born to be a star. He was absolutely the right singer for these songs.

Goofy title aside, “Naughty Naughty” is a decent return to sleazy glam, and “Burn” rocks similarly.Β  “Heavy Pettin'” is an even worse title, concealing another good glam rocker.Β  Perhaps lyrics weren’t Vinnie’s greatest talent, but there’s not much else wrong with it.Β Β Guitar heroism returned on “The Star-Spangled Banner”, played by an orchestra of electric guitars!Β  It’s an apt intro for “Let Freedom Rock”.Β  It’s over the top fun, and the guitar solo would make Yngwie pee his leather pants.

The other single “That Time of Year” was just as good as “Love Kills”, if not better just because it’s not as dark. Its midtempo rock pseudo-ballad stylings were instantly likable.Β  It’s easy to imagine it as a hit, despite a glut of soundalike bands in 1988.Β  Vinnie’s solo verges of majestic.Β  It’s really hard to imagine was he didn’t like about this album.Β  It’s not a bad thing that the songs dominate over the solos; the solos are more impressive when they serve the song.

Had the band not split, and if they released a third single, it could have been “Ecstasy”.Β  Don’t forget, Vinnie wrote “Tears” which was a pop hit for John Waite, and even recorded by Peter Criss.Β Β “Ecstasy” is its spiritual sequel.Β  “Deeper and Deeper” also has pop qualities, but is clearly a rocker.Β  The point is this:Β  don’t underestimate Vinnie Vincent.

Out of the blue, the LP/cassette version of the album ended on heavy shred metal.Β  “Breakout” kicks ass.Β  If fans felt at any point that the album was going soft, then “Breakout” would have redeemed it for them.Β  The only real issue is a problem on many of the songs on this album: the production.Β  It’s thin, and the backing vocals tend to be shrill.Β  “Breakout” could be rib-busting with more crunch.

On CD, there are two instrumentals to close.Β  “The Meltdown” is a messy cacophony of drums and electronics.Β  You’ll be thankful it’s over.Β  Stick around for Vinnie’s acoustic tune “‘Ya Know’ – I’m Pretty Shot”.Β  What a diverse and schooled player he is.Β  From classical fingerpicking to blues and traditionals, is there anything he couldn’t do with just six strings?Β  Years from now, this is what Vinnie should be remembered for.Β  This one acoustic instrumental should establish him as a genius on the same level as Randy Rhoads and Yngwie Malmsteen.

Potential was almost fully realized here.Β  If the sound was thicker and the disc was trimmed for length, All Systems Go would be fully classic.

3.5/5 stars

#600: The Vault

GETTING MORE TALEΒ #600: TheΒ Vault

By now, surely you have heard that Gene Simmons is finally releasing his massive 150 song boxed set, TheΒ VaultΒ (1966-2016).Β  Gene has been talking about this box for over a decade, under the previous working title Monster.Β  Entirely unreleased, these songs are a treasure trove of things that fans have wanted for years.Β  Gene’s Love Gun-era Van Halen demos?Β  Supposedly here.Β  Along with “Feels Like Heaven” and dozens of tracks we’ve wanted in official quality.Β  In other words, TheΒ Vault box set is as much a must-have as the original Kiss Box Set itself.Β  A full track list has yet to be released, but we can be assured that there will be music that we have long sought on Vault.

Gene likes to promote his big ticket items in terms of what they weigh, as if that’s a reflection of value.Β  Vault comes in a safe that weighs 38 pounds.Β  The box also includes:

  • 10 CDs, 150 unreleased songs
  • In Gene We Trust “gold” coin
  • The very first Gene Simmons figurineΒ  without makeup (also without any articulation)
  • Deluxe book containing over 50,000 words and 160 pages of unseen photos from Gene’s personal collection
  • A “hand selected personal gift” (no exchanges)

All this for only $2000 USD.

“But Gene,” you might be thinking to yourself, “that’s not enough.Β  I want more!”

If you want more, you better be prepared to pay for it.

For $50,000, Gene will deliver your copy of Vault right to your home.Β  It’s called the “Vault Home Experience”, but only available in the United States:

  • You plus 25 friends get Gene in your own home for two hours
  • Pictures/videos/autographs
  • Intimate “Songs & Stories” session and Q&A
  • Signed “golden ticket”, exclusive T-shirt, USB stick (with song “Are You Ready”), and laminate pass
  • Each guest gets a laminate and T-shirt
  • Numbered TheΒ Vault (first 300 sold)

What’s that “Songs & Stories” session?Β  This is really “stories about songs”.Β  Gene won’t be singing live. The FAQ states that “if you have an acoustic guitar around, Gene may strum a few tunes for you and your guests.” “If” and “may”.

Don’t have $50,000?Β  That’s OK.Β  For just half ($25,000) you can get “The Producer’s Experience” in one of select US cities.

  • Buyer and one guest spend one hour in a recording studio with Gene
  • Buyer’s name appears as an “Executive Producer” on TheΒ Vault
  • Buyer & Gene listen to tracks and discuss TheΒ Vault
  • Photos/autographs (up to four items)
  • Guaranteed low numbered TheΒ Vault (first 500 sold)
  • Skype call from Gene

Think about it. You and a friend just need to raise $12,500 each!

Finally there is the basic $2000 “Vault Experience”.Β  These are all over the world, including two in Toronto (May 2018).

  • Gene hand delivers TheΒ Vault
  • Buyer and a guest meet Gene
  • Photos/autographs (up to two items – more “if he has time”)
  • Gene performs an intimate “Songs & Stories” session and Q&A
  • Signed “golden ticket”, exclusive T-shirt, USB stick (with “Are You Ready”), and laminate pass

It pays to read the language of this.Β  Gene’s “hand delivery” of the box set is really just you going to pick it up from him in one of a few select cities.Β  I picture it like Santa Claus at the mall.Β  Stand in line, get your few minutes with the old guy, a picture and your present (Vault).Β  The only true “hand delivery” is available for $50,000.Β  It’s also important to think about all the different activities squeezed in to a short period of time for you and all the other buyers. Each buyer is only allotted five minutes with Gene.

If you and 24 (American) friends pitched in $2000 each, you could in theory throw a two hour home party starring Gene Simmons.Β  That could make for a pretty cool bachelor blowout.Β  You’d still have to figure out who gets The Vault box set when you’re all done.Β  Maybe you could share it, with everybody getting it two weeks a year!Β  It’s your money, it’s entirely up to you.

Is it worth it?Β  I am sure these experiences will be sold out.Β  What if you can’t make it out to one of the Vault Experience locations?Β  In lieu of meeting Gene, you can have it shipped normally.

$2000 is a lot of money to most of us.Β  We music collectors are not loyal to just one band.Β  Gene may have released his box set, but other bands are also vying for our dollars.Β  This Christmas, Max Webster, Bruce Dickinson, the Sex Pistols, Whitesnake and more will have new box sets to sell.Β  Are we to budget all our money to just Gene this year?

I cannot.Β  I love Kiss, but not just Kiss.Β  No other artist I’ve ever loved has asked this much money for unreleased demos.Β  Yes, let’s put this into perspective.Β  It’s not the Wu-Tang Clan selling a new million dollar album to some pharma-jackass.Β  These are unreleased demos — stuff that either was never intended for release, or weren’t good enough for albums.Β  Incredibly desirable to collectors, but artificially inflating the price to $2000 not only puts them out of reach, but exaggerates what you’ll be getting inside.Β  To fans and collectors, it might be worth the money.Β  Play the songs for your buddies and they might wonder why the hell they were worth $2000.

At the end of the day, I just want the music.Β  An official, physical copy of the music.Β  At $13.33 per song, Gene is asking way too much for unreleased demos and a bunch of knick-knacks I wouldn’t buy otherwise.Β  I can’t pay that much, even for unreleased Kiss.

 

RE-REVIEW: KISS – The Ritz, NYC 12/08/1988

TheΒ KISS RE-REVIEW SERIESΒ Part 34:Β 

 – The Ritz, NYC, 12th August 1988Β (from 4 CD setΒ Radio Waves 1974-1988) (2015 American Icons broadcast release)

At last, we are at the end of the Crazy Nights era.Β  Radio broadcasts are the next best thing to a bootleg. Β Actually, strike that. Β Radio broadcast CDs are often better than bootlegs. Β The audio is usually decent because it’s a professionally recorded broadcast. Β They are almost always cheaper than an equivalent bootleg CD too. Β Broadcast discs are easily found on various Amazon sites and all over Ebay. Β Thanks to their abundance, sometimes you can even choose from multiple releases of the same concerts.

One such show is Kiss’ 1988 performance at the Ritz in New York in 1988. Β It’s a tight, hot Crazy Nights recording, but there are pros and cons to the different releases. Β There was a 2013 Gold Fish release of the Ritz concert,Β called The Ritz on Fire, reviewed here. Β Fans immediately noted that “Reason to Live” was missing, although others had “Reason to Live” on different releases. Β In fact The Ritz on Fire is missing two songs: Β “Bang Bang You” is the other.

To get all the songs, one recommended version is the 4 CD set The Very Best of Kiss – Radio Waves 1974-1988. Β Inside you will get:

  • Disc 1: Β Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, April 1 1974. Β We reviewed a better version of this showΒ with bonus tracks from ABC In Concert and the Mike Douglas Show.
  • Discs 2 & 3: Β Animalize Live Uncensored 1985. Β  Missing some of the stage raps, but including all the songs from the original VHS release.
  • Disc 4: Β The Ritz NYC 1988. Β All the songs, but missing some of the stage raps.

Nothing’s perfect. Β These broadcasts are quirky that way. Β You can buyΒ Radio Waves 1974-1988 to get all the songs from the Ritz show, but not all of Paul’s stage raps. Β You could, of course, compile the best of the two versions together into one custom complete concert. Β The sound quality is virtually the same. Β What about an official release? Β The only Kiss-produced media of this concert is a rare 11 song bonus DVD that came with Kissology Vol. 2, but only at US Best Buy.

Regardless of which version you buy, this concert has a good reputation with fans and it is easy to hear why. Β Eric Carr and Bruce Kulick rose to the challenge and gave a Kiss a hard, professional sheen. Β Meanwhile, behind the curtain stood Gary Corbett, thickening up the sound with additional Β keyboards and backing vocals. Β Paul Stanley was in his prime, hitting notes only dogs could hear. Β Meanwhile Gene Simmons was present in body if not spirit. Β Notably, “Shout it Out Loud” was performed at the Ritz, making it a rare 80s appearance of that song. Β “Dr. Love” was also something of a rarity at the time.

Choose according to your own preferences, but don’t be afraid to pick up some version of Kiss at the Ritz.

Today’s rating:

4/5 stars

Original mikeladano.com review: Β 2014/01/27

REVIEW: KISS – In the Land of the Rising Sun (live 1988 bootleg)

TheΒ KISS RE-REVIEW SERIESΒ Part 33:Β 

 – In the Land of the Rising SunΒ (Big Boy Records bootleg from 1988 tour)

If you are in the mood for some live Kiss from the late 80s, then your journey might just come to an end here: Kiss at the Budokan, Tokyo Japan, April 22 1988. It’s not the last live Kiss from 1988 that we’ll examine, but it’s decent. Β This 2 CD set boasts a more extensive track selection than Monsters of Rock, recorded in Germany in August. Β It’s an audience recording, but above average quality. Β It sounds like it is sourced from a previous vinyl generation.

In Germany, Kiss opened with “Deuce”, but in Japan, they didn’t even play it. Β Instead they opened with “Love Gun”, chased immediately with some “Cold Gin”. Β Therefore, it’s cool to have a couple bootlegs from this tour, to get a broader range of songs. Β Japan also heard “Bang Bang You” from Crazy Nights. Β Not a highlight to be sure, but a rarity that Kiss fans will want in their bootleg collection. Β In a strange twist, “Fits Like a Glove” is split into two tracks, just like it was on the Germany CD, made by a completely different company.

Bruce Kulick’s solo before “No No No” is much longer, leading us to think that the solo on the Germany CD was edited for length. Β This is the one to check out, to hear what kind of solo Bruce was playing in 1988. Β Kulick is continuously impressive. Β He always does justice to the original Ace Frehley (or Vinnie Vincent) ideas, but by playing his own solos with the right feel. Β His technique is all but flawless. Β This disc also has the Eric Carr drum solo and Gene’s bass solo intro to “I Love it Loud”.

There are plenty of tunes here that either weren’t played in Germany or just weren’t on that CD: Β “Bang Bang You” (see above), “Calling Dr. Love”, “Reason to Live”, “War Machine”, “Lick It Up”, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”, “Shout it Out Loud”, and “Strutter”. Β “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” hadn’t been played live since 1980.

Almost every bootleg CD I own has some amusing mistake or quirk that I enjoy picking out. Β This has a couple. Β The label can’t decide if it’s named “Big Boy” (inner sleeve) or “Big Apple” (disc itself). Β There are three “producers” and two “engineers” credited, for a bootleg CD. Β I guess Eddie Kramer wasn’t available. Β Kiss is credited on the disc as — not Kiss! — as the “Metal Boys of New York”! Β Finally, in order to appear that nobody was making money off Kiss’ back, it is claimed on the CD that this “promotional copy” is “not for sale”.

Don’t let that deter you. Β Buy it if you find it.

3.5/5 stars

 

REVIEW: KISS – Monsters of Rock (live 1988 bootleg)

TheΒ KISS RE-REVIEW SERIESΒ Part 32:Β 

 – Monsters of RockΒ (Mistral Music bootleg from 1988 tour)

Oh, live bootlegs! Β A fascinating and labyrinthine assortment of live Kiss bootlegs are out there, but don’t always expect the covers and song titles to match the actual contents! Β Kiss didn’t release a live album from the Crazy Nights tour, as was expected by many fans. Β An old Faces magazine from 1986 proclaimed, “Already there is talk of the next studio album, and Alive III.” Β Instead we have numerous bootlegs from this period to sift through.

This CD is without any notes, but fans pieced together that it’sΒ Schweinfurt, Germany, August 27 1988. Β Kiss opened with “Deuce” rather than “Detroit”, and the energy is electric. Β Bruce Kulick did a fine job of adapting his style to the old Kiss songs, and “Deuce” demonstrates that Bruce really was the right guy for the band. Β He’s awesome but he plays for the song and not himself. Β “Love Gun” is next, truly an awesome song, and with Paul at the peak of his vocal prowess, it rarely sounds better. Β Meanwhile, Eric Carr sings the backing vocals impeccably, but there’s an annoying electronic drum that he hits at the end of it, a very 80s touch that wasn’t necessary.

The Kiss classics you’ve heard a million times are great as always, but what about the newer material from Crazy Nights? Β It takes a while to get there. Β “No No No” and “Crazy Crazy Nights” are crammed back to back in the middle of the set. Β “No No No” acts as Bruce’s big solo too, which is fantastic, but the song isn’t. Β It’s a shambles, as if they don’t know exactly how to play it. Β “Crazy Crazy Nights” is much better, almost a classic. Β They follow that up with the also-recent “Tears are Falling”.

One cool surprise is a bit of “Heartbreaker” right before “Fits Like a Glove” which is strangely split up between two tracks. Β Another surprise is obtrusive keyboards. Β Since Kiss had an offstage keyboardist now, maybe they felt like they had to use him on songs like “Cold Gin” that totally do not need keyboards. Β In fact it’s like oil and water. Β The keyboards roll off the rock and roll like an annoying rain storm.

The CD has some audio issues, odd noises here and there. Β Ignore the track list on the back which is nonsense. Β You’ll find the real track information below for your convenience. Β At least the back cover credited keyboardist Gary Corbett, surely a rarity. Β For a real howler though, check out the front cover. Β That’s not Bruce, and that’s not 1988!

With all respect to Ace Frehley, the originator and influencer, I think Bruce Kulick is the finest guitar player that Kiss ever had. Β His solo career is certainly worth investigating, and so is live Kiss from his time in the band. Β Monsters of Rock is difficult to recommend over others, but if you find it within your price range, go for it.

3/5 stars

 

RE-REVIEW: KISS – eXposed (1987 video)

TheΒ KISS RE-REVIEW SERIESΒ Part 31:Β 

 – eXposedΒ (1987 VHS/2002 Mercury DVD)

“Hello. Β The show we are about to see is a rousing docu-drama. Β It will disgust some, and titillate others. Β But whether it disgusts you, or titillates you, it is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but…the truth.”

Kiss were on to something here. Β The concept of a home video release that was more than just a compilation of clips was fairly new. Β Kiss took the bull by the horns and put together a video that was all at once extremely sexist and innovative, offensive and invaluable. Β Only fans need apply; anyone who is sick of Gene Simmons’ schtick will bore quickly of his oafish humour. Β But when Kiss play it “straight” in certain interview segments, light shines through. Β The old memories and the old friendships are fresh and vivid.

Interviewer Mark Blankfield strolls up to the “Kiss Mansion” where all four members live Monkee-like together in one house with dozens upon dozens of beautiful women. The doorbell plays “Rock N’ Roll All Nite”, and Paul Stanley is confused. He thought the interview was scheduled for…not noon, but 12 midnight! Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck.

The KISS Mansion

Some of the scripted bits are actually funnier than you’d expect. Paul and Gene are natural clowns, and playing the role of disinterested rock stars tickles the funnybone. Β Blankfield keeps chasing them around, trying to get them to do some interviews. Β All the while, he encounters scantily clad babes in various states of undress, and a butler intent on keeping him away from them. Β Subjects of discussion in the scripted bits include nutrition and fitness. Β Learn about Joseph Kiss Sr., who came up with the vision of Kiss in 1773. Β Check out Paul Stanley’s workout video! Β Meet his best friend, a monkey named Sonny Crockett. Cut to a music video!

The music videos are something. In a scripted bit, Paul is surprised that they have access to the uncensored version of “Who Wants to Be Lonely”, which neither MTV nor MuchMusic were willing to play. Censors were offended by images of women in bikinis spraying themselves with hoses, even though I’m sure George Michael did something similar a couple years later. Every music video that Kiss filmed from “I Love It Loud” (1982) to the Asylum album (1985) is included, except “Thrills in the Night”.* Β All videos from eras prior to this are live and unreleased!

“Deuce” in San Fransisco

Live in Rio, from Kiss’ very last concert in makeup, it’s “I Love It Loud” with Vinnie Vincent! Β This is good quality video and audio from a TV broadcast. Β From the now famous bootlegΒ Kissin’ Time in San Francisco (1975), it’s a nuclear version of “Deuce” in black and white. Β It’s the first appearance of Ace Frehley and Peter Criss in this feature, and the rawness of the old band is a delightful contrast to the new. Β Then it’s “Strutter” at Cobo Hall in ’76, an Ace guitar solo from 1980, and “Beth” in 1977 with Peter Criss (and a pretty bad final note). Β Gene’s got a bass solo/blood spitting clip to show off, but the most interesting clip of the batch could be “Detroit Rock City” in Australia, 1980. Β Paul did the verse melody with a slightly different twist. Β “Rock and Roll all Nite” is included from the same show, which had Eric Carr on drums. Β “I Stole Your Love” and “Ladies Room” have the original lineup from the Love Gun tour; Kiss at their bombastic best.

Of the best of the “straight” interview clips is the question, “How did you two get together?” Β Paul and Gene start busking to “I’ll Be Back” by the Beatles, and suddenly you can imagine what they sounded like in 1972. Β They even sing bits of Gene’s more…obscure early material. Β “I love Eskimos…” Β “My mother is beauuuutiful…” Β (Hopefully we will hear these songs on Gene’s upcoming 150 track box set, Vault?) Β Another good question, to Gene, is “Have you gone Hollywood?” which he answers with candor.

Incredible special features

The very large issue with this DVD is the absence of Bruce Kulick and Eric Carr. Β They only appear in brief cameos, and get a couple lines a piece. Β That’s very unfortunate. Β And then there is the excessive objectification of women. Β It’s done as an obvious satire of the rock star stereotype, but not particularly well. Β Too bad. Β This isn’t Spinal Tap.

Some of the diehards would have preferred a home video with more music and less gags. Β Fortunately Kiss got the message when they eventually Β got around to a sequel.

3/5 stars

* It appears Β that “Thrills in the Night” must have been intended for inclusion at one point, because it’s in the songwriting credits at the end of the video.

Paul’s Beauties
The Archives

 

 

Original mikeladano.com review: Β 2012/08/03

REVIEW: Vinnie Vincent Invasion – Vinnie Vincent Invasion (1986)

TheΒ KISS RE-REVIEW SERIESΒ Part 30:Β Β Vinnie Vincent solo #1.

VINNIE VINCENT INVASION – Vinnie Vincent InvasionΒ (1986 Chysalis)

Where oh where did Vinnie Vincent go? The mercurial ex-Β guitarist with genius level skill resurfaced after 1983’s Lick It Up with his new band, the Invasion. Β Ex-Journey singer Robert Fleichman did the self-titled debut album but was quickly replaced for the music videos and tour with an unknown named Mark Slaughter. Β Rounding out the band were Dana Strum and Bobby Rock on bass and drums.

As I sat there listening to this album for review, a reader told me: “I could never get into VV Invasion.”

My brief response to him is my review:

Dude…it’s comical. Vinnie just goes full shred to the point of stupidity. Like seriously stupid: like some idiot just hammering as fast as he can, like a kid whacking off or playing video games. And then he gets the singer to go as high as possible. It’s shrill. You can hear the songs have good riffs, but virtually every song has something to it that ruins it.

1/5 stars