KISS - PETER CRISS
The Peter Criss solo album is not a KISS record. It is safe to say the Catman’s solo release is barely a rock record. It doesn’t rock, it’s not dark, it’s not dangerous and it does not make you want to raise your fist and yell. It does nothing what a KISS record should do. The Peter Criss solo record is 0% KISS and 100% Peter Criss and for that it deserves its fair share of accolades.
Peter Criss has never been one to deny who he is. He has always admitted his jazz influences as well as being completely up front that those were the influences he brought to the band. He in fact gave KISS the swing sound that defined the bands early albums.
The Catman has also never pretended to be anyone else on stage. Criss has admitted in countless interviews that he has always pictured himself as a ‘Sinatra’ type singing in smoky, overcrowded jazz clubs. Case in point? Look at any KISS footage containing "Beth" from 1976 to 1979. There you will find Peter sitting proudly, strutting his stuff at the front of the stage like a crooner from the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. My point here? There may be some extra baggage that travels along with Peter and his lifestyle constantly fudging his attempts at a successful music career but as far as his musical intentions there is very little bullshit.
I will fully admit, as a youngster just discovering the coolest rock and roll band on the planet I absolutely hated this album. I despised it. I would rather wipe my ass with the album cover than play the record. To me it was crap. It wasn’t KISS, it wasn’t rock and roll, and for the most part it wasn’t the least bit entertaining.
Over the years my attitude has changed (or lightened – one of the two) and I actually play this album quite frequently while thumbing through the KISS archives ‘feeding the need’. I actually enjoy it now. Sure…it still doesn’t sound like a KISS record but it has become that perfect record to put on during the perfect day.
The Peter Criss solo album is definitely an autumn album. The kind of album to play on a rainy October afternoon. The smooth disco sounds of the album need that fall chill in the air combined with the sweet cedar aroma of burning leaves. It’s the coziest of the four solo albums and one that definitely needs to grow on you.
Like all of the solo releases there is something magical about the album. Something that creeps into your system and does not let loose. Think I’m lying? Give "You Matter To Me" or "Don’t You Let Me Down" a listen and see if your not singing them an hour later. True pop music…true Peter Criss, and one fine ‘attempt’ at a ‘KISS’ solo album.
Peter Criss has never been one to deny who he is. He has always admitted his jazz influences as well as being completely up front that those were the influences he brought to the band. He in fact gave KISS the swing sound that defined the bands early albums.
The Catman has also never pretended to be anyone else on stage. Criss has admitted in countless interviews that he has always pictured himself as a ‘Sinatra’ type singing in smoky, overcrowded jazz clubs. Case in point? Look at any KISS footage containing "Beth" from 1976 to 1979. There you will find Peter sitting proudly, strutting his stuff at the front of the stage like a crooner from the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. My point here? There may be some extra baggage that travels along with Peter and his lifestyle constantly fudging his attempts at a successful music career but as far as his musical intentions there is very little bullshit.
I will fully admit, as a youngster just discovering the coolest rock and roll band on the planet I absolutely hated this album. I despised it. I would rather wipe my ass with the album cover than play the record. To me it was crap. It wasn’t KISS, it wasn’t rock and roll, and for the most part it wasn’t the least bit entertaining.
Over the years my attitude has changed (or lightened – one of the two) and I actually play this album quite frequently while thumbing through the KISS archives ‘feeding the need’. I actually enjoy it now. Sure…it still doesn’t sound like a KISS record but it has become that perfect record to put on during the perfect day.
The Peter Criss solo album is definitely an autumn album. The kind of album to play on a rainy October afternoon. The smooth disco sounds of the album need that fall chill in the air combined with the sweet cedar aroma of burning leaves. It’s the coziest of the four solo albums and one that definitely needs to grow on you.
Like all of the solo releases there is something magical about the album. Something that creeps into your system and does not let loose. Think I’m lying? Give "You Matter To Me" or "Don’t You Let Me Down" a listen and see if your not singing them an hour later. True pop music…true Peter Criss, and one fine ‘attempt’ at a ‘KISS’ solo album.
posted by RIC @ 7:37 PM
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