The First KISS Album Ever!

Not only is this the first KISS album, it's the first pressing of the first KISS album, which means it's possible that it was the very first KISS album ever pressed. Hey, I just said it was possible, not that it was likely.

But still it's kind of neat to think of all the KISS albums that would later be pressed, this was one of the first. When this was being manufactured, KISS were just a bunch of sweaty goofs with no money who wore makeup. Not a good combo.

How do I know it's the first pressing? Well, it's simple. It doesn't contain the God-awful "Kissin' Time", quite possibly the worst KISS song recorded. (until the solo albums when all Hell broke loose)

"Kissin' Time" was actually a re-working of "Twistin' Time" by Bobby Rydell. Apparently the label needed a hit and some numb-nuts thought this crappy song would do it. The record industry: clearly a haven for the dim-witted and the retarded, God bless 'em!

So "Kissin' Time" peaked at number 83 (it's surprising it got that high) and was added to subsequent pressings of the disc. This one was actually quite a find for me, I've been keeping an eye out for it since I was probably 9 or something like that,but I never expected to actually find it. And when I did, I almost passed it by!

It was in a bargain bin for $3 and I was grabbing a bunch of other stuff and I thought, "well, I already have this album, I guess I'll put it back." But as I was doing so, the KISS nerd in my head shouted out "Wait you stupid idiot, it could be the first pressing without 'Kissin' Time', aren't you even gonna check?"

Well, I turned it over and couldn't believe that there in the bargain bin for $3 was one of the most sought after KISS records ever. (besides "the Originals II", but you can pretty much forget about ever even seeing that one in real life) So there it was, years after I even cared anymore, I was now the proud owner of what would have probably given me a heart attack when I was 12. Isn't life funny?

I'm glad I found this disc though, it reminded me of why I used to like KISS so much. This is definitely their best record. Most people would say "Destroyer" but that would rate a close second for me. This one has almost all the songs that would make up their set list for the next five years! How can you argue with that?

In fact, the KI$$ tribute band currently calling themselves KISS still play half of these songs live. Those poor bastards, can you imagine how sick they are of them? Oh well, I guess as long as Gene gets to wipe his ass with hundred dollar bills he's happy.