CD REVIEW: KISS – Kiss 40

Label: Universal Music

Release Date: May 27, 2014

Rating: 10/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Kiss has done it again.  They have released yet another compilation disc that rehashes old tracks… or have they.  This time around, the band took the time and evaluated each disc and offered up a compilation, KISS 40, that visits each disc in the bands career, including live discs and previous compilations that features new tracks.  Now, some will argue what exactly the best track from each album is, but culling catalog and picking hits makes sense.  The fact that some fans may be introduced to a track or two they aren’t familiar with is a nice aspect.  This gives everybody a nibble and allows them to go back and visit the whole meal, so to speak, if they aren’t familiar with a specific album or era.

The real bonus is the inclusion of the previously unreleased “Reputation” from 1977.  This song has bits and pieces that shook out of this track and wound up on Love Gun and even Gene’s solo album, but it doesn’t negate the fact that this is a decent song in its own right.  Sure it sounds different and not as heavy as some of the other tracks from Kiss’ catalog in the ’77 era, but this is a demo.  Another sweet spot on the collection is the addition of three live tracks recorded between 2004 – 2010.  “Deuce” from the Rock The Nation tour is crisp and demonstrates how tight the band was operating at that time.  Moving to “Cold Gin” recorded at Cobo Hall in Detroit (yes – I WAS THERE) the bands staying power and musicianship come through from the first notes until the last.  The true gem is the recording of “Crazy Crazy Nights” from the Sonic Boom Over Europe tour.  The band has never sounded more cohesive live.  You can actually hear in their playing how much fun they are having.  This is hands down the best 2-disc compilation the band has released to date.  I can’t wait to see what audio nuggets the band launches on the fans next.

Tracklisting:

CD1: Nothin To Lose – Let Me Go, Rock N Roll – C’mon And Love Me – Rock And Roll All Nite – God Of Thunder – Beth – Hard Luck Woman – Reputation – Christine Sixteen – Shout It Out Loud – Strutter ’78 – You Matter To Me – Radioactive – New York Groove – Hold Me, Touch Me – I Was Made For Lovin You – Shandi – A World Without Heroes – I Love It Loud – Down On Your Knees – Lick It Up – Heaven’s On Fire

CD2: Tears Are Falling – Reason To Live – Let’s Put The X In Sex – Forever – God Gave Rock N Roll To You II – Unholy – Do You Love Me? – Room Service – Jungle – Psycho Circus – Nothing Can Keep Me From You – Detroit Rock City – Deuce – Firehouse – Modern Day Delilah – Cold Gin – Crazy Crazy Nights – Hell Or Hallelujah

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Category: CD Reviews