KISS

I got a good dose of watching a buncha episodes of Gene Simmons Family Jewels on A&E yesterday, and now I'm in the kISS mood. Of course I know the big songs. The only CD I've had was Smashes Thrashes and Hits, but I always hated it because it goes off in random order. Starts off with some 70s then 80s then back to 70s, blah. If I buy a compilation, I prefer it to be somewhat chronologically correct.

So now I want some more legit KISS. I so far started with their first album from iTunes, a mere $8.99. I'll probably end up with a few early ones and that infamous KISS ALIVE fulfill my needs. So, suggestions on what early ones to get?

Destroyer

I was a Kiss Army member in the '70s. There wasn't a single inch of my wall space that wasn't covered in a Kiss poster or the latest cover from Tiger Beat. These are the Albums I'd recommend. I'd skip most of the '80s stuff.

Kiss Alive
Rock and Roll Over
Destroyer
Kiss Alive II

I meant to say the compilation starts with 80s then staggers around. I dont dig the 80s metalish stuff too muh either...so those sound like good ones. Thanks!

yeah the first album is a good place to start. next i would go with destroyer and then the live albums. ace is the reason i first picked up a guitar, just being honest. in fact, at 43 i still want to be ace...

The must have albums are "Alive," "Destroyer," "Rock & Roll Over" and "Love Gun." Maybe you could throw in "Alive II," too. I would also recommend Ace Frehley's solo album with "New York Groove." The lyrics are lame at times (although not as embarrassing as Gene's sex songs), but it's good, hard rocking fun, and much more consistent than virtually any other KISS album I've heard, with the possible exception of "Destroyer" (which, IMHO, is their best studio album).

Go with this order:
Alive (best live rock'n'roll album of all times IMO)
Destroyer (best rock'n'roll studio album of all times)
Alive II

and then everything else...enjoy!

I'm a fan from childhood. They were the "gateway drug" which led me into becoming a rock music obsessive. Since I'm here on the Tele forum, I have to say that gently playing my beloved Tele in the neck pickup position is a long way from where I started with the "Knights in Satan's Service", but, were it not for them, I wouldn't be playing guitar at all.

I recommend everything up to "Dynasty". Among that element, my preferences are:

"Alive"

"Love Gun"- A primer on how to write pop hooks, as well as the record where Gene really seems to be embracing his "Demon", writing songs about being almost a man and getting it on with the plaster casters.

"Dressed to Kill"-This one is the most Beatlesque, to a song, and it contains their self-admitted Raspberries rip-off, "Rock and Roll All Nite". They did Eric Carmen proud on that, I do believe.

"Destroyer (of course)"

Y'know, no matter how crass or exploitative Gene and Paul were about getting young kids' money back in the 1970's, they did end up, inadvertantly, influencing the creators of American Hardcore Punk. They were a creative motherload for more innovative successors. Plus, they both could write a catchy tune.

I would add "Creatures of the night" and "Revenge" to what others have been saying.

Both albums are easily on par with "Destroyer"

And then you should get "Unplugged" and here's why...

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Dressed to Kill has some of the BEST Rock N Roll songs you would never believe KISS did if you didnt know better!

:lol:

I was a big fan of kiss for many years, and while I reccommend ther early stuff (Debut, Hotter than Hell, Dressed to Kill, Alive), don't dismiss Revenge. It is every bit 70's style kiss in my opinion. Now keep in mind, that means juvenile lyrics over simple crunchy rhythms... "Spit" could just as easily fit on Rock and Roll Over.

I also feel that Destroyer, love Gun and especially Rock and Roll Over are gems, but the retarded sexual innuendos are just too much at times. I can only take so many "put your hand in my pocket, and grab on to my rocket" lyrics before my gag reflex kicks in...

Destroyer

and ALIVE II.

Them A;ive albums are all good...the first one is wicked, and my two all time favorites from the seventies are Rock And Roll Over & Love Gun

I can watch this over and over. It's so awesome and I feel this video catches KISS at what they do best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEk0VdZWd2I

As was pointed out, Kiss is very good at coming up with sing along anthems, even their lesser known songs can be sung along easily, such as this little gem from their first album.

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The reaction from the audience says it all, THIS is what makes a Kiss a great band.

Destroyer

+1,000.

I was a Kiss Army member in the '70s. There wasn't a single inch of my wall space that wasn't covered in a Kiss poster

+1 Same here!!

I still get a rush when I hear "I Want to Rock & Roll All Night, And Party Every Day". Just 2 days ago I was watching a Kiss concert on the Netflix instant queue. My kids think I'm nuts tho. :lol: