NEW RELEASE
A World With Heroes EP – A KISS Tribute for Cancer Care (Anniversary release)
You’ve heard me talking a lot about this one lately. It’s a release I’m really excited about. The record shows that I heartily approved of last year’s A World With Heroes (A Kiss Tribute for Cancer Care), assembled by Mitch Lafon. Proceeds went to benefit the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Palliative Care Residence in Hudson, Quebec. And it was a killer, killer CD as my 5/5 star rating attested to. To hear there was an EP coming featuring more Kiss covers, that peaked my interest. Lafon always makes sure that there are quality tunes, performed by artists we care about.
The Killer Dwarfs do “C’mon and Love Me” just right. I like that Russ Dwarf throws in some of Gene’s mannerisms in the chorus, but also sings it in his own voice. If you like Killer Dwarfs and Kiss, you will love this, guaranteed. Once again, the A World With Heroes series has delivered a solid Kiss cover that is valuable to fans.
“Calling Dr. Love” as performed by Crash Kelly is a real rarity. You had to pre-donate to the original compilation CD to get an mp3 of it. Now you can buy it on the EP. They turn in a fun version of “Dr. Love”. They make it a bit more pop rock in feel, and Sean Kelly absolutely nails Ace’s solo note for note. It’s uncanny. We all know Sean is a talented axeman, but that solo was flawless.
“Save Your Love” is an awesome Ace song, but Matt Bradshaw’s take on it is unique to say the least. He transforms it into a funky acoustic ballad. But it works! I was prepared to hate it but was pleasantly surprised. It’s bizarre how the song completely works in this format. This is an example of an intelligent, innovative cover — something that is rare these days. Brilliant cover. Seriously.
“Every Time I Look at You” was originally from the Revenge album. Some fans assume that Bruce Kulick played the guitar solo, but it was in fact Bob Ezrin’s old pal, Dick Wagner. Dick Wagner passed away recently, at age 71. This was his last song ever, which makes his version of this song that much more poignant. His quavering voice speaks of the years past, but much like a late period Johnny Cash album, it only adds character to the song. He sounds like a cross between Bob Dylan and Keith Richards. The guitar work is lovely of course.
The Dwarfs return with “Nothin’ to Lose” from the first album. Once again Russ nails the Gene mannerisms, while still sounding like Russ Dwarf. This one is replete with piano and cowbell (Piano is by Bruce Stephen Foster, who also played on the Kiss original!). I gotta be honest with you, I like the idea of the Dwarfs covering Kiss songs. They can do more if they want. They’re allowed.
Sudden Flames are a metal band from Quebec City. They heavy up “Coming Home” considerably. It’s one of my favourite Kiss songs ever, so it’s kind of funny to hear it with drums blasting away like this. Like “Dr. Love”, this song was only available to those who donated in advance to the original CD. Now you can get it on iTunes too. I enjoy hearing their Québécois accents, truly one of the greatest accents on this Earth.
I only wish this was a physical release.
4.5/5 stars
- “C’Mon and Love Me” – Killer Dwarfs
- “Calling Dr. Love” – Crash Kelly
- “Save Your Love” – Matt Bradshaw
- “Every Time I Look At You” – Dick Wagner
- “Nothin’ To Lose” – Killer Dwarfs
- “Coming Home” – Sudden Flames
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