I just heard KISS’ new song “Modern Day Delilah.” It’s the first single from 2009’s “Sonic Boom,” KISS’ first new album in 11 years.
Listen to the mp3 here or download it if you like … but I have to say …
It is tough being a KISS fan these days.
I appreciate their tenacity. They refuse to go away. Love it. But “they” isn’t KISS anymore. History repeated itself after their big reunion tour in 1996 when band leaders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley gradually became alienated again from their 70s bandmates, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley.
By the time the band recorded 1998’s “Psycho Circus,” it was back to things as normal, with studio musicians replacing allof Peter’s drumming and much of Ace’s guitar playing. Granted, Peter wasn’t really up to snuff,so I gave ’em a pass.
Some of the tunes had the old school KISS flavor (some just outright sucked) and my band at the time, Ultimate Fakebook, even covered the title track to show our stubborn support for the old school rocking that KISS was still putting out there.
Now Ace and Peter are gone again, replaced by Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer (who are currently wearing the Space Ace and Cat-man make-up instead of going “unmasked” like KISS was in the 80s and early 90s). Sure, they sound tight. Yes, it sounds professional. Yes, it’s “bluesy” and “rootsy.”
But it ain’t KISS. It sounds like some approximation of what Paul and Gene think will get them played on rock radio now.
It’s as stagey and fake as “Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” a “reality” show with completely scripted scenarios and contrived plot twists. (Yet I still tune in from time to time to see how my old 70s hero/demon is doing. And I think his family is cool. I’m unhealthily obsessed. After all, KISS is responsible for my entire rock “career.”)
It’s safe. It’s boring. Most of all, it’s no fun.
Yet I will probably be there for the next tour waiting for that curtain to drop so I can see Gene and Paul don the costumes and see the glorious explosions that come just after the opening riff of “Deuce.”
Sad, but true.
By the way, this post has nothing to do with movies, even though this site is all about them, so here ya go:
“Detroit Rock City” is an underrated and overlooked gem of a film that approximates all the energy and excitement of what it was like to be a rock n’ roll fan when you were a kid. Rent it even if you don’t like KISS. It’s that good.
Gene Simmons is in the new Mike Judge (“Office Space,” “Idiocracy”) movie “Extract,” which stars Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Ben Affleck, and Kristen Wiig.
OK.
Eric is the Editor-in-Chief of Scene-Stealers.com, a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, and contributor for The Pitch. He’s former President of the KCFCC, and drummer for The Dead Girls, Ultimate Fakebook, and Truck Stop Love . He is also the 2013 Air Guitar World Champion Mean Melin, ranked 4th best of all-time. Eric goes to 11. Follow him at:
{ 28 comments }
I noticed last night that Detroit Rock City can currently be purchased on iTunes for $5.
I’ll have to check it out.
I noticed last night that Detroit Rock City can currently be purchased on iTunes for $5.
I’ll have to check it out.
No mention of the fact that you can only get the new KISS album at Wal*Mart? I know it’s redundant to call this band a bunch of sellouts. That’s partly the entire point of KISS. And I know they’re not the only band to do this, but it’s a big FU to any real rock fans (again, not that KISS care). Anyway, for me they were always toeing that line, and now they’ve leapt across it.
No mention of the fact that you can only get the new KISS album at Wal*Mart? I know it’s redundant to call this band a bunch of sellouts. That’s partly the entire point of KISS. And I know they’re not the only band to do this, but it’s a big FU to any real rock fans (again, not that KISS care). Anyway, for me they were always toeing that line, and now they’ve leapt across it.
KISS is releasing the new album exclusively at Wal-Mart, mostly, because AC/DC did it and scored a #1 album. I’m not knocking them for this. The only reason they haven’t released an album in 11 years is because the music industry is in such shambles because of file sharing. It’s touch for 55-year-old men to sell a million CDs. Throw in the fact that CD sales are down across the board, and it wouldn’t make sense for KISS to release an album. But, AC/DC showed it could be done. And guess what – AC/DC hasn’t had great sales on their CD. It doesn’t matter because they sold enough in the first week of release to go to #1. KISS has never had a #1 album. If they sell 120,000 copies in the first week and go to
KISS is releasing the new album exclusively at Wal-Mart, mostly, because AC/DC did it and scored a #1 album. I’m not knocking them for this. The only reason they haven’t released an album in 11 years is because the music industry is in such shambles because of file sharing. It’s touch for 55-year-old men to sell a million CDs. Throw in the fact that CD sales are down across the board, and it wouldn’t make sense for KISS to release an album. But, AC/DC showed it could be done. And guess what – AC/DC hasn’t had great sales on their CD. It doesn’t matter because they sold enough in the first week of release to go to #1. KISS has never had a #1 album. If they sell 120,000 copies in the first week and go to
THE NEW KISS TRACK IS AWESOME!!!
THE REVIEWS SO FAR ARE EXCELLENT!!!
STOP CUTTING THEM DOWN AND SHUT YOUR FAT FACE!!!
HEY SKIPPY!! STICK TO MOVIES CUZ YOU SUCK AT EVERYTHING ELSE!!!
THE NEW KISS TRACK IS AWESOME!!!
THE REVIEWS SO FAR ARE EXCELLENT!!!
STOP CUTTING THEM DOWN AND SHUT YOUR FAT FACE!!!
HEY SKIPPY!! STICK TO MOVIES CUZ YOU SUCK AT EVERYTHING ELSE!!!
I guess I knew to expect a comment like that one above…ha! Just being honest with myself as a KISS fan, buddy.
Reed and Tom- Selling CDs is a tough thing to do these days, and I understand why AC/DC and KISS went this route, but I agree that it sucks for actual music retailers.
-Skippy
I guess I knew to expect a comment like that one above…ha! Just being honest with myself as a KISS fan, buddy.
Reed and Tom- Selling CDs is a tough thing to do these days, and I understand why AC/DC and KISS went this route, but I agree that it sucks for actual music retailers.
-Skippy
KISS Will alway’ sell no matter what anyone says or does their kiss and alway will be. New Album new single very powerful rock love it.
KISS Will alway’ sell no matter what anyone says or does their kiss and alway will be. New Album new single very powerful rock love it.
You piece of shit,,,This is the same clip on the KISS website. You have nothing new to offer. Either you are a KISS fan,,or shut the fuck up,,we dont want to hear from you.
You piece of shit,,,This is the same clip on the KISS website. You have nothing new to offer. Either you are a KISS fan,,or shut the fuck up,,we dont want to hear from you.
your bullshit man ge get over it I am a kiss fan and if you r a kiss
fan you treat our kiss fan with repect. those words came from me. ok!!
your bullshit man ge get over it I am a kiss fan and if you r a kiss
fan you treat our kiss fan with repect. those words came from me. ok!!
Without hearing anything entirely it’s tough to judge. But seeing as how the only good rock shows I’ve seen lately are from the old school… i say give em hell KISS.
Without hearing anything entirely it’s tough to judge. But seeing as how the only good rock shows I’ve seen lately are from the old school… i say give em hell KISS.
For those who dislike the new kiss single, think it’s the same old, and the comments about kiss selling only to Wall Mart.
I have been a kiss fan for 30 years now, true kiss fans know what kiss are like and they accept it. I’d like to know what a couple of you do for a living that complain about kiss. I wonder if you do millions in business every year even if your sitting at home, enviouse I say, and who gives a shit where they sell there next album, true fans will buy it.Kiss have done it their way for 35 years and always done exceptionally well, I say the complainers suck, your the same old, Kiss is as valid today as the day they released their first album. I know alot of people will remember Kiss in another 50 years, what was your name again?
For those who dislike the new kiss single, think it’s the same old, and the comments about kiss selling only to Wall Mart.
I have been a kiss fan for 30 years now, true kiss fans know what kiss are like and they accept it. I’d like to know what a couple of you do for a living that complain about kiss. I wonder if you do millions in business every year even if your sitting at home, enviouse I say, and who gives a shit where they sell there next album, true fans will buy it.Kiss have done it their way for 35 years and always done exceptionally well, I say the complainers suck, your the same old, Kiss is as valid today as the day they released their first album. I know alot of people will remember Kiss in another 50 years, what was your name again?
What are you talking about? The song is awesome. It’s like the perfect blend of Revenge meets Creatures meets Hotter Than Hell. It’s a great riff and Paul has a swagger back in his vocal that brings back memories of early Kiss albums. Gene’s bass and Eric’s drums are great. And Tommy Thayer just pulled off the best Ace Frehley guitar solo not performed by Ace Frehley. I’m not even sure if Ace could play a solo like that now. The solo on “Outer Space” is kind of a let down.
I really wish Sonic Boom was Paul/Gene/Ace/Eric. I loved Peter but he couldn’t hang any more. And Ace didn’t want to be in the band. They wanted him and he wouldn’t return their calls. In many ways, history repeated itself in the sense that Ace and Peter are f*** ups. They had the keys to the kingdom in their hands and they squabbled about money and working too much. They felt that Gene and Paul couldn’t carry on without them in the makeup and were proven wrong. If the band can continue to put on great shows and make great music (and I’m sorry, this song ROCKS)with Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer then why shouldn’t they?
Sure, would’ve been great if they introduced new characters. They could have made money from new dolls, new merchandise, etc. But I also understand the thought process that the original four faces are KISS. And it would be ridiculous to introduce a squirrel and a hawk. Also, let’s not forget that Ace and Peter sold the rights to their makeup for money. They have no claim to it.
What are you talking about? The song is awesome. It’s like the perfect blend of Revenge meets Creatures meets Hotter Than Hell. It’s a great riff and Paul has a swagger back in his vocal that brings back memories of early Kiss albums. Gene’s bass and Eric’s drums are great. And Tommy Thayer just pulled off the best Ace Frehley guitar solo not performed by Ace Frehley. I’m not even sure if Ace could play a solo like that now. The solo on “Outer Space” is kind of a let down.
I really wish Sonic Boom was Paul/Gene/Ace/Eric. I loved Peter but he couldn’t hang any more. And Ace didn’t want to be in the band. They wanted him and he wouldn’t return their calls. In many ways, history repeated itself in the sense that Ace and Peter are f*** ups. They had the keys to the kingdom in their hands and they squabbled about money and working too much. They felt that Gene and Paul couldn’t carry on without them in the makeup and were proven wrong. If the band can continue to put on great shows and make great music (and I’m sorry, this song ROCKS)with Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer then why shouldn’t they?
Sure, would’ve been great if they introduced new characters. They could have made money from new dolls, new merchandise, etc. But I also understand the thought process that the original four faces are KISS. And it would be ridiculous to introduce a squirrel and a hawk. Also, let’s not forget that Ace and Peter sold the rights to their makeup for money. They have no claim to it.
As a rock fan, the single really sucks. Can’t tell the diff between this song and the ones from their last 2 albums. These guys were rock gods; now they are pure marketing experts. only ostrich douchebags will continue buying their albums. If you really want an album to knock your socks off, check out the ACDC album,Black Ice.
As a rock fan, the single really sucks. Can’t tell the diff between this song and the ones from their last 2 albums. These guys were rock gods; now they are pure marketing experts. only ostrich douchebags will continue buying their albums. If you really want an album to knock your socks off, check out the ACDC album,Black Ice.
Huh? Listen, if you don’t like the song, that’s cool but it doesn’t suck. It’s better than most current music on rock radio. I was hoping for a more simplistic Dressed to Kill meets Rock n Roll Over sound but I’m still happy with this nice mix of all Kiss era sounds. I don’t understand what ccdev is talking about with the comment that it sounds like something from their last 2 albums. Psycho Circus, Carnival of Souls, and Revenge were all remarkably different from one another. I imagine “Sonic Boom” will be too – and from the reviews so far, Modern Day Delilah is far from the best song on the album. They are still rock Gods and they have always been pure marketing experts. That is why we’re still talking about them 35 years later. Now excuse me while this ostrich douchebag waits for 10/06/09 like an 8 year old waits for Christmas!
Huh? Listen, if you don’t like the song, that’s cool but it doesn’t suck. It’s better than most current music on rock radio. I was hoping for a more simplistic Dressed to Kill meets Rock n Roll Over sound but I’m still happy with this nice mix of all Kiss era sounds. I don’t understand what ccdev is talking about with the comment that it sounds like something from their last 2 albums. Psycho Circus, Carnival of Souls, and Revenge were all remarkably different from one another. I imagine “Sonic Boom” will be too – and from the reviews so far, Modern Day Delilah is far from the best song on the album. They are still rock Gods and they have always been pure marketing experts. That is why we’re still talking about them 35 years later. Now excuse me while this ostrich douchebag waits for 10/06/09 like an 8 year old waits for Christmas!
I think there are two kinds of KISS fans.The first that adore the band that accomplished what others didn’t and then there are the fans that only like the band at certain eras.A true KISS fan is always a KISS fan.Gene Simmons has always been my hero because he took nothing and made it into something people will never forget.The fact that Ace and Peter aren’t there anymore,well I hate to say it but that was their decision.Paul and Gene were more concerned about rock and roll ,girls and giving fans what they wanted!How can you not applaude them for that!!!!!
I think there are two kinds of KISS fans.The first that adore the band that accomplished what others didn’t and then there are the fans that only like the band at certain eras.A true KISS fan is always a KISS fan.Gene Simmons has always been my hero because he took nothing and made it into something people will never forget.The fact that Ace and Peter aren’t there anymore,well I hate to say it but that was their decision.Paul and Gene were more concerned about rock and roll ,girls and giving fans what they wanted!How can you not applaude them for that!!!!!
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