Mike, I did this one as a 200 word shot…
The Lebrain Le-Rocks Series, Part 7 (CD)
I was the jazz kid, so KISS wasn’t really on my radar, though of course I knew the hits.
Listening to Love Gun, it’s obvious KISS have many talents. They can rock hard (I Stole Your Love), offer up concert fist-pumpers (Christine Sixteen), blues rock us happily (Got Love For Sale), and go weirdly funky (Almost Human). They even tribute Cynthia Plaster Caster and, oddly, cover Then She Kissed Me…
At the time of this release, KISS were hugely popular, and this one surely added to the growing legend. There’s a sense of theater to the rock that KISS plays, and it’s highly entertaining. I know they’re as much for the eyes as they are for the ears, so hearing this record feels like half the picture. Still, it’s good clean fun… though they still might want to invade your personal space, so be wary…
Simmons’ bass stood out for me on most songs here, as much as the guitars, anyway. Taken in perspective of 1977, this record deserved to be huge. It’s tons of fun, and carries their cheeky humour (Love Gun, after all) in that way that not-so-gently nudges you with an elbow.
Right on. Thanks heaps, Mike!
keepsmealive 
I think I’d go for Destroyer over this too but only just… Dressed to Kill and Dynasty are my fave 70s KISSes. And good call on Gene’s bass. He’s so underrated… always catchy, melodic lines.
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You’ve given me an idea for a post. Thanks!
I really liked Gene’s bass playing. I dunno if he’s underrated though, with all the people who love this band and he’s a constant band member…
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But he’s rarely discussed or praised in terms of how bass playing ability.
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True. We have only ourselves to blame for this OVERSIIIIIIIIIGHT!!!
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When I was 12 or 13, I had nooooooo idea what Plaster Caster was about.
Of the original six albums…I think this one MIGHT be their best.
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You and Plaster Caster AND Deke and Love Gun. KISS was soaring past the kiddies on this one hahaha awesome.
You like this one best, others say Destroyer… DISCUSS!
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Not Destroyer. Not even close! As for the discussion I’ve already done that, but I think I’m going to do a re-do on every single Kiss review at some point. Maybe in the spring, that series will be 5 years old. Might be worth redoing the studio albums anyway. I think my opinions may have slightly changed on some.
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A re-do? Dude, that’s a HUGE undertaking! But it would give you the opportunity to re-listen to all yer KISS stuff, so THAT would be worth it…
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I read my own stuff and I cringe. I’m sure a lot of people are like that. It would be a huge undertaking but I wouldn’t bother revisiting the crap greatest hits. Just the studio albums, most likely.
But it’s been niggling me for years. Especially when someone asks me a question about a review I did 4 years ago, and I say, “Jeez, what did I say about that album? Do I even agree with myself?”
A labour of love though — that must be stated for the record! It’s so enjoyable for me to run though Kiss and just talk about the band I love.
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Oh heck yes, man. I don’t go back and read what I wrote. It’s all shit! Hahaha. But I wouldn’t try to edit it, or go back and start over. It is what it is, I just wanna go forward, not backwards!
If you did do this, would you repost your originals with edits, or would you start from scratch?
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Scratch. Brand new and fresh. Don’t forget, my original Kiss series was basically just imported over from Amazon. Some of the earliest ones are word for word from Amazon. Some of those were written so long ago that they really do deserve another chance. I’d post links to the original reviews but I think my goal is to create something new and hopefully better and more consistent.
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Wowzers, well that’s the long road, but you’re right, if you’re not happy with them, it’d be fun to go back through it all again and update it.
Consistency? In blogging? What is this magic of which you speak?
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I’m consistently inconsistent.
Long road maybe, but truly a labour of love. I enjoyed doing the Amazon series, and when I imported all the reviews here, I listened to the albums again in order, and it was fun. You can bet I’ll do the same!
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Dude, you’re WAY more consistent than me. I don’t think you need to worry!
Labour of love, yes, and I hope you do it for yourself and your thoughts on those records only. Myself, I’d let bygones be bygones and just keep on moving forward. Of course, I know mine are all crap so I don’t care.
I wonder how many times you;ve heard those records, by now…
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SOme of the old ones…hundreds easily. Hotter Than Hell might be the one played most in my life.
I am doing this for myself in the sense that I want to do my “definitive” take on these classic albums. Finally wring out all my thoughts and get them down.
And then 5 years from now, probably say it’s crap and want to do it all again!
Just call me George Lucas…except I won’t delete the original cuts!
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Hundreds? Holy crap! That’s amazing. They really do owe you a debt of grattitude!
If you do this series over again, I will be first in line to read it. 🙂
Never go full Lucas, Dude.
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What can I say, I love Kiss! Not enough to pay $85 per doll…
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Man, I don’t think ANYBODY is gonna buy those dolls at that price.
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Nice review. Short and to the point. Love this album. With this one and Destroyer, I was hooked for life.
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Hey thanks! I really liked this one too, and you’re the third person to mention Destroyer, so when I’m in Toronto on the weekend I’ll be keeping an eye out for a CD of it…
Also, thanks for the compliment on the short post. I’ve been trying out 80 words posts for a while now. This one was 200. Mike did a challenge a while back for 200 word posts, so of course I had to take it further… anyway it stuck, with me. I really like the brevity factor, trying to be concise and say all you want in so few words. It’s a challenge I accept!
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I have enjoyed all he 200 word reviews. I might need to give it a try and see if I can get my point across in so few words.
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Go for it! And when you’re feeling really frisky, go for 80 words (the Hit & Run)!
Here’s Mike’s post on the challenge:
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Nice review, Aaron. Only recently got myself a couple of their albums and quite like this one. I do prefer Destroyer, though!
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Thanks, J.! Yup, this one’s good times fun. I have Destroyer Resurrected, but possibly an old original on LP. I need to look!
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Probably all you need, eh?
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Confirmed! I do have an original Destroyer on LP!
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Yas!
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I know! Super cool…
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Wowzers KISS reviews on the KMA! Love Gun is pretty decent. I still remember when i got this when i was 12 or 13 and in it came a cardboard Love Gun. At the time i thought WOW KISS are Bad ass they sing about Guns! LOL….little did I know!
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Haha I’ve reviewed KISS before, Deke, just not as often as you guys do! That cardboard love gun must’ve been really something. Ah, the innocence of youth, eh? Haha awesome.
I liked this album, though. Good KISS-ey fun!
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Yup i read your Unmasked review but it wouldn’t let me comment? Damn Censors!
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Whatchoo talking about, Willis? No way you’re blocked anywhere on this site! Lemme look into it.
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Yeah i was trying to click off the comment icon on wordpress reader and it wouldn’t let me comment…..
I had never read your Umasked review so it intrigued to no end! haha
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That’s so weird. I just went and checked and everything looked fine from here…
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i’ll try again….
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I loved this album too but not as much as Destroyer
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I have Destroyer here too, but it’s Resurrected… come to think of it, I may have the old one on vinyl… TO THE MAN CAVE!
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Confirmed! I do have an original Destroyer on LP!
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