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Dave -
1976. I was 4 years old. I hadn't heard of Kiss yet. It would be another 2 years until that happens. Yes, I was 6 years old when I discovered Kiss and loved them ever since. When they all did solo records, I saw Ace's in a record store. I was drawn to it. I just saw this guy with long hair and make up and said "Mommy, I want this" and she bought it for me. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Anyway, in 1976 they unleashed their 4th studio album, which many consider their best record even to this day, "Destroyer". This year marks the 45th Anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, they have released a remastered edition in a couple different formats. There is the standard 2 disc set with some demos and alternate versions of some of the songs. Then, for the true collectors with deeper wallets than mine, there is the $200 epic 4-disc set, plus blu ray audio, plus a boatload of bonuses including flyers, stickers, an iron on, a hard cover book, the Kiss Army newsletter announcing "Destroyer", and much more. Who do I know with an extra $200 laying around? Anyone? Anyone? Didn't think so.
A little about this original release. They were already a huge success but this launched them even further. The unexpected hit "Beth" was originally a B-side to "Detroit Rock City" but radio stations started flipping the vinyl single over and playing this one becoming the bands highest charting song. So many classics on this album and some experimenting with different sounds. If "Beth" wouldn't have been played, I think "Great Expectations", which includes a choir, would have been the big hit.
(Melanie here - I picked the video because I love to see it with the Symphony and the choir!)
This isn't the first time it’s been re-issued. In 2012 Bob Ezrin remixed the songs from the original tapes for an updated sound under the title "Destroyer: Resurrected" with a new cover. Actually, more like the original cover. The painting was done but Kiss changed costumes so it was changed to show the new ones. Many have heard these songs have been played consistently on the radio, live in concert, re-released on greatest hits compilations, but this is a chance to shine a little lighter on the lesser-known songs-- "Flaming Youth", "Sweet Pain", and "Great Expectations". Remember the times, technology and recording was different back then. It wasn't uncommon for bands to release 2 records of new material every year. A few tweaks and turns and here we have another reason to revisit the classic songs.
The 45th Anniversary version brings some early demos. Paul lends his voice to "God of Thunder", which honestly, after hearing Gene sing it for so many years it sounds weird being sung a different way. After listening to other demos, a careful ear will hear a few lines of lyrics and some riffs that were later in future songs. A couple of Gene's demos actually ended up his 1978 solo record a couple years later. Just goes to show you, if something doesn't fit yet just put it on the back burner for future use. It can come in handy one day.
Being a fan for over 40 years, I am always excited to see new releases and some unreleased songs see the light of day. I hope they dig out more treasures for more releases. More anniversaries are on their way. If you can't make deluxe versions of everything like this, just throw up on YouTube. Fans will gobble them up.
The Code Word For This Article Is Kiss
Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies" All Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article are Amazon Affiliate Links(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!)
Susan -
In February 2021, Juliet Simms announced that she was emerging back onto the scene under her new name persona, Lilith Czar, with a new album called Created from Filth and Dust to quickly follow.
I have to admit that I didn't know who Juliet Simms was before I started listening to Lilith Czar and I stumbled upon the songs Anarchy and King when compiling one of my many book playlists. I loved the angsty vibe but didn't realize that she had was an album out that at times, was full of ferocious rock 'n' roll energy the reminded me of Lizzy Hale, Amy Lee and Theresa Jarvis from Yonaka.
Created From Filth And Dust is a good album with some real standout tracks but in a year where we have seen some epic albums being unleashed on the world, I wasn't as excited listening to this after loving songs like King and Anarchy.
Standout tracks for me:
Feed My Chaos, King, Anarchy, Lola, 100 Little Deaths, In My head, and Unholy.
Susan Harris is a writer from Cork, Ireland and when she’s not torturing her readers with heart-wrenching plot twists or killer cliffhangers, she’s probably getting some new book related ink, binging her latest TV or music obsession, or with her nose in a book. She is a proud founding Member of the Muser VIPers and is responsible for Melanie not breaking the Website on an almost daily basis!
You can check out all her books on Amazon HERE All Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article are Amazon Affiliate Links(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!)
Growing up in Catholic Ireland, seeing this sign on anything made the little rebel in me say yes please,
and while Linkin Park fueled my angst ridden soul, Limp Bizkit was one of the bands that made me want to stick my middle finger up to conformity.
It's been about ten years since Limp Bizkit have released some new music and on Halloween they dropped their new album, Still Sucks, and while the band may joke now that they have "Dad Vibes", this album is a step back in time to some proper 90's NU Metal, rap rock.
I grew up listening to Limp Bizkit, I think it was one of the few bands myself and my brother agreed upon growing up and I loved how Fred Durst could rap and sing and basically do it all...I mean, from the angsty Break Stuff to the philosophical Re-Arranged in the same album. I was a firm red cap wearing fan and can still sing the lyrics to Hot Dog or Break Stuff after a few pints lol
I was surprised to find myself moshing out in the car on the way to work like it was 1999 and I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't like much after Results May Vary but Limp Bizkit just show that while they may have aged, they can still belt out some NU Metal like the good ole days. And just like with the songs I mentioned above, you get to listen to Turn It Up, Bitch, then the somber Don't Change.
With the release of their new album, Limp Bizkit prove that the band Still Sucks
- In the f**king best possible way.
Standout tracks for me:
Out of Style, Dirty Rotten Bizkit, Dad Vibes, Turn It Up, Bitch, Don't Change, You Bring Out the Worst in Me, Pill Popper, and Goodbye
Melanie Here - Pineapple Word For This Article is Popper
Susan Harris is a writer from Cork, Ireland and when she’s not torturing her readers with heart-wrenching plot twists or killer cliffhangers, she’s probably getting some new book related ink, binging her latest TV or music obsession, or with her nose in a book. She is a proud founding Member of the Muser VIPers and is responsible for Melanie not breaking the Website on an almost daily basis!
You can check out all her books on Amazon HERE All Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article are Amazon Affiliate Links(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!) |
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