Two Words, One Answer.
Hot 2Nite
 Unleash the Dragon $5.95 Track Listings 1. Unleash the Dragon 2. Got to Get It 3. Is Love Enough 4. 2nite (Interlude) 5. How Can I Love U 2nite 6. Your Love Is Incredible 7. So Sexual 8. Thong Song 9. Incomplete 10. Addicted 11. Dru World Order (Interlude) [Dedicated to Dru Hill] 12. Enchantment Passing Through 13. You Are Everything [Remix]  Sonic Boom 2 CDs + Live in Buenos Aires DVD $13.88 There has been much said about this album, mostly from impassioned life-long fans and self described authorities on Kiss. Anyone who has followed their illustrious career would know that Kiss has always been as much about the business of music, as it is about Rock & Roll. Kiss (Paul & Gene - the obvious constants) have always been 'Pushing Our Buttons' to make a dollar. To imply that they are mere shadows of their former caricatures shows incredible ignorance of what Kiss has always been - a commercial enterprise. They (Paul & Gene) have said as much, repeatedly over the years. That doesn't mean they don't love what they do and aren't good at it - they obviously do and are. So to argue that they are too derivative of themselves, especially when their most classic albums could easily meld into one another, is completely redundant. The question really is, simply - does it work, does it push all the right buttons. Frustratingly the answer is yes and no. Largely, the music is very satisfying and hits the mark 90% of the time (despite the purist drivel about the fake Ace - that's more a feeling of betrayal for wearing his face make-up than anything else). There are fantastic pieces of vocal interplay between Paul & Gene and 'Nobody's Perfect' is classic Gene (Yes, complete with massive ego - just like he's always had and all the better for it). Where, unfortunately too many, of the songs fall short is with choruses. Kiss have always walked the fine line between the classic rock lyric and wince inducing cheese. Well, unfortunately too many promising songs here turn to cheese and it's incredibly frustrating. With some better choices this could have been a classic Kiss album, the foundations are that strong. For me, though, it's a guilty pleasure, love the set up - but the punchline is too often a let down. All that being said, I'm still listening to it and am glad I have it - the good largely out-weighs the bad, so I would recommend anyone to give it repeated listens before you write it off. Also do your best to ignore the purists, they're just too 'precious' about it all and have a bad case of the 'they don't make it like they used too's'.  Clothes Drop $9.95 Track Listings 1. Clothes Drop 2. Ready Fi Di Ride 3. Broadway 4. Wild 2nite 5. Back in the Days 6. Supa Hypnotic 7. Would You Be 8. Stand Up 9. Repent 10. Luv Me Up 11. Ahead in Life 12. Ultimatum 13. Shut Up and Dance 14. Don't Ask Her That 15. Road Block 16. Gone with Angels 17. Letter to My Kids |
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