KISS - ROCK AND ROLL OVER
If you could travel back in time, where would you go and what would you do? Given the choice and a flux capacitor I would zip back in time and witness magic unfold. The date…September 13th, 1976. The place… the Star Theater in Nanuet, New York. The event…the birth of the classic 70’s KISS sound…the recording of ROCK AND ROLL OVER. What a time…what a record.
In my opinion the KISS sound that existed on the studio albums leading up to the landmark, KISS-ALIVE were left over sounds from WICKED LESTER. Although great songs existed on those albums at times they were a bit lame and a little bubble gum (not that there is anything wrong with that). It is just that they didn’t possess that quality I imagine when I think of ‘1970’s arena rock’. ROCK AND ROLL OVER had that quality.
After DESTROYER left me a little confused ROCK AND ROLL OVER lit the fire that burns in the pit of my stomach when I am lost in rock and roll. The songs, the guitar sound, the album art work…it all epitomizes what 1970’s rock is all about.
I can only imagine what it must have felt like that first day of summer break, no school session to attend, no parents at home, and the complete freedom youngsters in their bell-bottom jeans must have felt cranking "Take Me" through Mom and Dad’s home stereo speakers.
The release of ROCK AND ROLL OVER marked the explosion of the KISS marketing machine. For the first time we saw highly produced television commercials announcing the release of the album, as well as the first insert of ‘KISS goodies’; the inclusion of the giant ROCK AND ROLL OVER sticker that could be separated by band members, and KISS logo. How much fun is that?
Highlights from this album for me are the songs, "Take Me", "Mr. Speed", "Makin’ Love" and "Love’ Em And Leave’ Em"…a song I never cared for until recently. One night talking on the phone with Dan…he mentioned how two of his favorite guitar solos are on the ROCK AND ROLL OVER album. Listening closely later that night, I could see why he would make such a statement. The effect that is used in Ace’s guitar during the solo of "Love’ Em And Leave’ Em" is classic Ace Frehley. Not to mention this may the first time’s we hear his classic pick up selector ‘switch’ used in a studio recording.
Lastly…how can we not mention albums clever title? Sadly…the naïve boy who is typing this to you never noticed the sexual innuendo behind the records title until one day, thumbing though a HUSTLER magazine I noticed an ad for a porno with the tag line, "Rock and roll over"…now that is pure genius.
And to me…that is exactly what this album is. ROCK AND ROLL OVER is (in my opinion) the best KISS album…bar none. Rock and roll at it’s very best.
In my opinion the KISS sound that existed on the studio albums leading up to the landmark, KISS-ALIVE were left over sounds from WICKED LESTER. Although great songs existed on those albums at times they were a bit lame and a little bubble gum (not that there is anything wrong with that). It is just that they didn’t possess that quality I imagine when I think of ‘1970’s arena rock’. ROCK AND ROLL OVER had that quality.
After DESTROYER left me a little confused ROCK AND ROLL OVER lit the fire that burns in the pit of my stomach when I am lost in rock and roll. The songs, the guitar sound, the album art work…it all epitomizes what 1970’s rock is all about.
I can only imagine what it must have felt like that first day of summer break, no school session to attend, no parents at home, and the complete freedom youngsters in their bell-bottom jeans must have felt cranking "Take Me" through Mom and Dad’s home stereo speakers.
The release of ROCK AND ROLL OVER marked the explosion of the KISS marketing machine. For the first time we saw highly produced television commercials announcing the release of the album, as well as the first insert of ‘KISS goodies’; the inclusion of the giant ROCK AND ROLL OVER sticker that could be separated by band members, and KISS logo. How much fun is that?
Highlights from this album for me are the songs, "Take Me", "Mr. Speed", "Makin’ Love" and "Love’ Em And Leave’ Em"…a song I never cared for until recently. One night talking on the phone with Dan…he mentioned how two of his favorite guitar solos are on the ROCK AND ROLL OVER album. Listening closely later that night, I could see why he would make such a statement. The effect that is used in Ace’s guitar during the solo of "Love’ Em And Leave’ Em" is classic Ace Frehley. Not to mention this may the first time’s we hear his classic pick up selector ‘switch’ used in a studio recording.
Lastly…how can we not mention albums clever title? Sadly…the naïve boy who is typing this to you never noticed the sexual innuendo behind the records title until one day, thumbing though a HUSTLER magazine I noticed an ad for a porno with the tag line, "Rock and roll over"…now that is pure genius.
And to me…that is exactly what this album is. ROCK AND ROLL OVER is (in my opinion) the best KISS album…bar none. Rock and roll at it’s very best.
posted by RIC @ 5:18 PM
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