Never before has an album cover captured the identity of a band like Ken Kelly’s 1977 cover of KISS’s 6th studio effort, LOVE GUN. On June 30th, 1977 KISS was indeed the “Hottest Band in the World”, giving fans of glimpse of the marketing machine to come. On this day, Love Gun, shipped platinum and Marvel Comics released what would soon become one of their best selling comics of the time, A Marvel Comics Super Special, KISS. Fans were able to “double-dip” on their KISS fix by bombarding their local record store and hitting the closest newstand/magazine rack. One can only imagine how many fans spent those July summer days reading the KISS comic while listening to the newly released “soundtrack.” And if that wasn’t enough to satisfy their KISS cravings, they could use their hard earned allowance or paper route funds and fill out the KISS merchandise order form to further establish themselves as a member of the KISS ARMY. So while there was no denying KISS’s dominance during these days…. The Love Gun album proved prophetic in both production and design that KISS’s reign was starting to fall. One look at the medieval, gothic style cover shows the band members appearing to be Larger Than Life superheroes. A second glance might reveal four confident members looking off into four separate directions. A visual foreshadowing of the solo albums to come.
Love Gun was produced by Eddie Kramer. Gene refers to Eddie as more of an engineer than a producer. Bob Ezrin was a producer. He pushed the band members to limits that threatened their comfort zone and their egos. The result was arguably KISS’s best studio effort, however after all the effort, Destroyer’s immediate sales were disappointing, so KISS went in a more “komfortable” direction. Kramer was a “yes” man. Perfect for the band at the time. As Paul is reported as saying he wrote his songs on his own and the band just pretty much copied them in the studio. Gene and Ace express similar stories. In the early days, KISS would write together, as a band, trying to mimic their influences and create a Beatles meets Black Sabbath type sound, but with the success of ALIVE, now KISS was confident. No longer trying to copy success, this 3 album span was KISS being KISS and the four personas started to split and create what they felt best fit themselves. This success would split the band at its core and after the lack of success of the solo efforts, the band would once again try to mimic success with the divided release of their next studio effort, DYNASTY. Here is a breakdown of the songs that make up this classic KISS release.
I Stole Your Love – Among the best the KISS album openers, this song grew to become a favorite as a concert opener too. This adrenaline pumping anthem is an instant mood changer that prepares you for anything that lies ahead, whether it be a two-hour concert, a grueling workout, or a top-down drive on the expressway. This song was influenced by Deep Purple’s “Burn.” Take a listen; you’ll enjoy the similarities.
Christine 16 – The lyrics of this classic can be a little cringeworthy today, but this song wasn’t written recently, it was written in 1977. Gene has said that this song is based on the concept of “forbidden fruit.” Don’t let the lyrics ruin it for you. Much like the Rolling Stones’ “Angie” or Looking Glass’s “Brandy”, this is a more aggressive version of a tribute to a beautiful girl. Teenage fans of KISS at the time probably serenaded many a Christine, whether they were 16 or not. The opening neanderthal-like banging of the piano grasps your attention and the song fails to disengage until the end.
Got Love For Sale – This song starts out strong with a promising intro. The acoustic guitar is a nice touch. Unfortunately, the song quickly turns to filler. This is a rare miss for Gene as far as vocals go. The song just doesn’t fit and may have been better if sung by another member.
Shock Me – Ace’s ultimate persona song! Gene has God of Thunder. Paul has Love Gun. Ace has SHOCK ME! The only question that needs to be discussed is if this is Ace’s greatest song as a member of KISS. I would say no, however maybe that is just a result of being overplayed. The more you hear a song, the less you appreciate it. Many KISS fans would rank Shock Me #1 and it is certainly tough to argue with them. The history of Ace being electrocuted on stage, the lightning bolts on his guitar strap. It all just works… Ace Frehley…..Lead Guitar…. SHOCK ME!
Tomorrow and Tonight – Influenced by Mott the Hoople’s “The Golden Age of Rock n Roll”, you can tell a lot of effort went into the production of this song. The background singers (which include a future member of the Village People, Ray Simpson), are a nice touch. Paul admits he was trying to write another Rock n’ Roll All Nite, but it just didn’t work. KISS has been guilty of trying to write another Rock n Roll All Nite throughout their career. “Hell or Hallelujah” and “Say Yeah” (which I really like) are some of the latest attempts that come to mind. Despite the chronological confusion of the chorus, I do like some of the lyrics, but ultimately this is a forgettable song.
Love Gun – “All right PEOPLE!!!! I’m coming to SEE YOU!” (Rolling Drum Fill) Any fan who has attended a KISS concert that past couple decades knows this live introduction to Paul’s signature song. The fact that we get Love Gun and Shock Me on the same record vault this album into the ranks of KISS’ best studio efforts. Paul says Love Gun is one the 5 greatest songs KISS has ever written and musically he might have a case. Throw in the cardboard Love Gun that was packaged in the album and you may have the song and promotion that launched KISS’ merchandising future.
Hooligan – I like Hooligan more than the average KISS fan. Maybe it’s just the term Hooligan in general that I appreciate. Certainly many a KISS fan was characterized as a Hooligan back in the 70’s. “Hooligan….won’t go to school again, won’t go, no.” When I watch the film Detroit Rock City, I feel the main characters fit the vibe of this song. For most however this is the hooligan (underachiever) of the album.
Almost Human – Gene’s attempt at putting his persona song on the album. Just imagine if he succeeded and He, Paul (Love Gun), Ace (Shock Me) and Peter (Hooligan) all succeeded. Then this record really would have lived up to its cover! Almost Human does match the vibe of werewolves, Jekyll and Hyde, and the Demon. It’s kind of cool, but I would never request to hear this song live in concert.
Plaster Caster – Given the historical nature of this song recounting the efforts of a couple groupies from Chicago, it is actually quite good. HBO recently aired a documentary (Rolling Stone: Stories from the Edge.) on the early years of Rolling Stone magazine. They cover these groupies efforts in great detail, maybe more than you are interested in seeing. The song is catchy….”If you wanna see my love just ask her.”
Then She KISSed Me – A cover of the Crystals’ classic, I never skip this song on the album. KISS was originally going to cover Elvis’ Jailhouse Rock. I’m glad they didn’t. I’m not sure what they were looking for in covering this song about young love. Maybe this is the same vibe Gene was looking for when he sang When You Wish Upon a Star. Take this evil looking band and sing a surprisingly pop friendly song. It’s understandable many fans didn’t care for this. KISS admits to being baffled when parents were bringing their kids to KISS shows, but when you sing family friendly songs, include toys in your album, and make made for TV movie specials…”what is this Ringling Bros.”??