KISS – The Box Set

The reason for me listening to hard rock/ heavy metal,or whatever you want to call it, is because of KISS. Growing up in the 70’s/ 80’s, you either loved the band, or hated it. I loved em’. For years I could only afford or get cassettes/ albums a few times a year ( my birthday, for Christmas and if I had saved up some pennies- VERY seldom…). On the top of my list were always a couple of Kiss records. It took me quite a few years to get a complete back catalog, but it was worth it. Certainly helped my dentist-record ( still haven’t had a hole in my teeth…)I mean, why waste your money on sweets when there were KISS records, t-shirts, books, magazines to buy? The priorities some kids have…
Returning from the record -shop with this big box, gave me a buzz I haven’t had in years. Imagine five CD’s with you boyhood heroes, 30 of the tracks unreleased stuff and a big black book, with pictures and stories about the songs! Yup, I had every reason in the world to smile. But is it worth the stack of cash I had to pay? The answer is: Yes.

The facts

The box is full of well known songs, with excellent sound( have they done another remastering since the last flock of re-releases?). You get the lowdown on the inspiration, lyrics, studio-secrets and the, well…songs, by the band themselves. Very interesting.
One of the interesting aspects of the box is that you also get to hear obscure demos from both Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, as well as their demos made with Eddie Kramer, before the first album.
You also get live versions, demos and unreleased songs from the band. The quality of the tunes is variable, but remember that that’s not what this is about. We get a glimpse of what’s inside the KISS-vault, and for that I’m grateful. I bet there is more stuff in there…

The verdict

If you are a KISS fan, you’ve already got it, and this review is pointless to you. But it’s rather nice to have someone agree with you, isn’t it? And…for those of you who are still thinking about making the investment,… just do it. After all, that nice man at the Metal Express Radio said you wouldn’t be disappointed, and you won’t.

Highlights

The existence of this box.

Now, could we get another round of the albums, re-re-released with bonus tracks, extensive liner notes and lot’s of pictures? Please!