KISS - DYNASTY
There has always existed a certain theory behind the ranking of my favorite KISS records. First off, they must actually be ‘KISS’ records…no solo albums, greatest-hits compilations, or live recordings can be thrown into the mix. Secondly, it has to be an album I ‘go to’ constantly. It simply can’t be a record in which I thought held the best performance or the highest production value; it simply has to be one of the five in which I constantly slap on to the turntable or into the CD drive. That being said, among the list of top 5’s is an album I hold extremely close to my heart for sentimental reasons; 1979’s departure into disco…DYNASTY.
Some of my finest memories of my youth are associated with this album. I first ran across this gem around Christmas my junior year of high school. It was during Christmas break that year, our little neighborhood had received a hefty pounding from old man winter and nothing satisfied late night teenage boredom more than waxing nostalgia in Brett Parker’s basement. Danny had recently purchased the KISS – DYNASTY album and presented it to me in our yearly Christmas exchange, so by the time we discovered the 1979 DYNASTY Tour Book in the closet of Brett’s older brother I was well schooled in KISS-Disco and ready to completely soak it all in.
The beauty of a tour book like 79’s DYNASTY tour book is that it is very obvious that the KISS money machines were churning at an incredible rate. Unlike previous years with the standard picture layouts of the band this go-round young concert attendees were treated to a highly produced and glossy spread featuring one on one pictorials of the band that were also accompanied by a one page description of that member’s ‘alter ego’. It was a delectable treat for any kid still naïve and young enough at heart to believe in KISS’ individual superhero personas. I’m sure my love for the DYNASTY album and the 1979 era costumes had a lot to do with the fact that I could gawk at that tour book for hours on end, but the fascination still exist. I can still see the layout of Paul in his purple stage outfit, holding the glass of red wine and the amazing Technicolor brilliance of Peter’s green lion heads. Sure it was a little Las Vegas but it also clearly told you KISS was back…and bigger and cooler than ever.
The release of DYNASTY proclaimed to the world the "Return of KISS" but on the inside nothing could have been more far from the truth. Although it had only been a little over one year since we last heard from the Superhero foursome, the impact of the Solo Albums left kids everywhere wondering if their heroes had fallen. It was safe to assume it was the ‘kids’ who were getting the wool pulled over their eyes.
Peter Criss’ absence was hardly noticeable audibly. Great tracks by both Stanley and Simmons made everything seem ‘business as usual’ and Ace, packing in a whopping three songs for this record, made it feel once again as if KISS were on fire. The heart pumping excitement of KISS’ first ‘actual’ record since 1977’s LOVE GUN could be heard form pop radio to the dance floor and it sold like hot cakes.
In order to truly discuss DYNASTY, we must mention the one thing most people found disturbing (none of which your friendly author finds disturbing). Granted, some may have found problems with the costumes, the light poppy sound, or the added makeup embellishments; the truly one thing audiences everywhere found disturbing was KISS’ one night fling with the disco sensation, naturally speaking of "I Was Made For Loving You". Yes…I’m sure having been a card carrying member of the KISS Army since 1976 and rocking out to classics like "God Of Thunder"… "I Was Made For Lovin’ You" would have been a tough pill to swallow when the bumping bass of DYNASTY suddenly had your little sister spinning circles at the roller rink…but c’mon…give the kids a break… "I Was Made For Loving You" is simply a great song. "Magic Touch" is simply a great song. The same goes for "Charisma" and "Save You Love". DYNASTY by far was not a far stretch for KISS it was a far stretch for KISS fans, one that this particular fan will cherish forever.
Of my favorite KISS memories the nostalgic banks over flow when I think of the DYNASTY album. By the time it entered my catalog Dan, myself and Brett were schooled enough in KISS that we were beginning to celebrate everything about the band, meaning anytime the three of us got together there was always a good time to be had. That Christmas break was like no other. Brett had ordered a cassette tape of the making of "I Was Made For Loving You" we had discovered his older brothers 79’ Tour Book, and DYNASTY sat atop my top five KISS albums of all time. Not only were we snowbound teenagers thirsting for rock and roll, we now had a portal back in time to the ‘making’ of the album, all the while staring dead on at an artifact from ‘back in the day’. A winter’s night had never felt so engrossing. This is quite possible the reason DYNASTY has become my ‘winter’ KISS album. Although, DYNASTY finds it’s way to my CD player often it never sounds quite as good as it does when the temperature drops below freezing and I find myself wasting away my morning wondering from room to room, coffee in hand, basking in the glory of KISS.
Some of my finest memories of my youth are associated with this album. I first ran across this gem around Christmas my junior year of high school. It was during Christmas break that year, our little neighborhood had received a hefty pounding from old man winter and nothing satisfied late night teenage boredom more than waxing nostalgia in Brett Parker’s basement. Danny had recently purchased the KISS – DYNASTY album and presented it to me in our yearly Christmas exchange, so by the time we discovered the 1979 DYNASTY Tour Book in the closet of Brett’s older brother I was well schooled in KISS-Disco and ready to completely soak it all in.
The beauty of a tour book like 79’s DYNASTY tour book is that it is very obvious that the KISS money machines were churning at an incredible rate. Unlike previous years with the standard picture layouts of the band this go-round young concert attendees were treated to a highly produced and glossy spread featuring one on one pictorials of the band that were also accompanied by a one page description of that member’s ‘alter ego’. It was a delectable treat for any kid still naïve and young enough at heart to believe in KISS’ individual superhero personas. I’m sure my love for the DYNASTY album and the 1979 era costumes had a lot to do with the fact that I could gawk at that tour book for hours on end, but the fascination still exist. I can still see the layout of Paul in his purple stage outfit, holding the glass of red wine and the amazing Technicolor brilliance of Peter’s green lion heads. Sure it was a little Las Vegas but it also clearly told you KISS was back…and bigger and cooler than ever.
The release of DYNASTY proclaimed to the world the "Return of KISS" but on the inside nothing could have been more far from the truth. Although it had only been a little over one year since we last heard from the Superhero foursome, the impact of the Solo Albums left kids everywhere wondering if their heroes had fallen. It was safe to assume it was the ‘kids’ who were getting the wool pulled over their eyes.
Peter Criss’ absence was hardly noticeable audibly. Great tracks by both Stanley and Simmons made everything seem ‘business as usual’ and Ace, packing in a whopping three songs for this record, made it feel once again as if KISS were on fire. The heart pumping excitement of KISS’ first ‘actual’ record since 1977’s LOVE GUN could be heard form pop radio to the dance floor and it sold like hot cakes.
In order to truly discuss DYNASTY, we must mention the one thing most people found disturbing (none of which your friendly author finds disturbing). Granted, some may have found problems with the costumes, the light poppy sound, or the added makeup embellishments; the truly one thing audiences everywhere found disturbing was KISS’ one night fling with the disco sensation, naturally speaking of "I Was Made For Loving You". Yes…I’m sure having been a card carrying member of the KISS Army since 1976 and rocking out to classics like "God Of Thunder"… "I Was Made For Lovin’ You" would have been a tough pill to swallow when the bumping bass of DYNASTY suddenly had your little sister spinning circles at the roller rink…but c’mon…give the kids a break… "I Was Made For Loving You" is simply a great song. "Magic Touch" is simply a great song. The same goes for "Charisma" and "Save You Love". DYNASTY by far was not a far stretch for KISS it was a far stretch for KISS fans, one that this particular fan will cherish forever.
Of my favorite KISS memories the nostalgic banks over flow when I think of the DYNASTY album. By the time it entered my catalog Dan, myself and Brett were schooled enough in KISS that we were beginning to celebrate everything about the band, meaning anytime the three of us got together there was always a good time to be had. That Christmas break was like no other. Brett had ordered a cassette tape of the making of "I Was Made For Loving You" we had discovered his older brothers 79’ Tour Book, and DYNASTY sat atop my top five KISS albums of all time. Not only were we snowbound teenagers thirsting for rock and roll, we now had a portal back in time to the ‘making’ of the album, all the while staring dead on at an artifact from ‘back in the day’. A winter’s night had never felt so engrossing. This is quite possible the reason DYNASTY has become my ‘winter’ KISS album. Although, DYNASTY finds it’s way to my CD player often it never sounds quite as good as it does when the temperature drops below freezing and I find myself wasting away my morning wondering from room to room, coffee in hand, basking in the glory of KISS.
posted by RIC @ 7:57 PM
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