Wednesday, March 21, 2007
TLP March 21, 2007
Go see Saturday Looks Good To Me et al TONIGHT at UK’s Memorial Hall. Check the poetry reading at Third Street Stuff on Friday, and then head to the Blues Control show at the Icehouse. Don’t miss Battles and the “Dancing Lotus Lounge” at the Dame next week. Thanks to Vanessa for the recipe, Greg for the compilation of outdoor happenings, and Brian Connors Manke (with Brian Manley, J.Todd Dockery, and Jeffrey Scott Holland) for the ramblings on KISS. Check out the calendar of upcoming shows! Gonna be a great spring.
Luv, Ross
:::::::::::::::::::::::: Announcements :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
** FREE FLICKS! Bluegrass Film Society at BCTC
And our running update on the BFS flicks at BCTC …
>3/21: Cache (France) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387898/
>3/28: In the Mood for Love (Hong Kong) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118694/
Remember the change this semester – the films used to screen on Thursdays, now it’s WEDNESDAYS. All films start at 7:45pm in the auditorium in Oswald Building on the campus of the Bluegrass Community and Technical College (aka the old LCC). They’re still FREE and open to everyone. For the full schedule and/or more info, check BFS at http://bluegrassfilmsociety.blogspot.com.
** Every Thursday - “Poetry on the Patio” at UK
Mentioned Chuck Clenney’s new “Poetry on the Patio” series in the last issue. As a refresher - the idea is to start the sessions with a professional Kentucky poet, then, after they’ve dropped 25 minutes or so of inspiration on you, the mic is open (in three minute blocks) to anyone who’s got something to say. The sessions will go down from 12noon-1pm, every Thursday from now through April 19th in the “free speech” area of UK’s campus (that’s the UK Student Center patio – just outside the ‘Cats Den’ which is right across the walkway from the UK Bookstore). Tomorrow (Thursday, March 22nd the guest poet will be Jeff Worley. On the 29th, it’ll be Jane Gentry Vance. For more info, drop Chuck a line via MySpace – http://www.myspace.com/thepoetryofchuckclenney.
** Fri/Mar 23 – Poetry Reading at Third Street Stuff Coffee
I made it to the Eric Sutherland/Jude McPherson reading at Third Street in January. Glad I did – came in weary, left inspired. This time around it’ll be Eric, Jude, and Bianca Spriggs (who was originally scheduled to be part of the January reading. Great coffee drinks and three poets spreading love, insight, and inspiration. 8pm (I’d encourage you to show up early – the place was packed last time around. All ages welcome. And … FREE.
:::::::::::::::::: YOU GO OUTDOORS. I GO OUTDOORS. LET’S GO OUTDOORS TOGETHER. :::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Sunday, March 25 :: "Signs of Spring" hike at Floracliff State Nature Preserve (Fayette County). Join us in welcoming spring and learn to identify the season’s earliest wildflowers. Registration required for this event. Contact Beverly James at 859-351-7770 or Floracliff@aol.com for more information.
:: Saturday, April 7 :: Spring hike to see one of the rarest plants in Kentucky and the U.S., the Kentucky gladecress. KSNPC Botanist Tara Littlefield will lead a hike through Pine Creek Barrens Nature Preserve (Bullitt County) for the Kentucky Native Plant Society (www.knps.org). Learn about this rare plant and the unique dolomite limestone glade communities. Registration required for this event. Contact Tara at tara.littlefield@ky.gov or 502-573-2886 for more information and to register.
:: Saturday, April 7 :: Wildflower walk at Floracliff State Nature Preserve (Fayette County), 10 a.m. EDT. KSNPC Ecologist Brian Yahn will lead a walk around the preserve to see the wildflowers at their peak. Registration required for this event. Contact Beverly James at (859) 351-7770 or Floracliff@aol.com for more information and to register.
:: Saturday, April 14 :: Volunteer workday at Floracliff State Nature Preserve (Fayette County), 1 p.m. EDT. Join in the effort to remove bush honeysuckle from the preserve as part of an ongoing effort to protect our native species. Contact Beverly James at 859-351-7770 or Floracliff@aol.com for more information.
- Greg Abernathy
:::::::::::::::::: RECIPE :::::::::::::::::::::::::
So - this isn't really a seasonal recipe. But I made it this weekend, and it's damn good. Pajamas, midnight, refrigerator door open, eating it out of the bowl good.
My dad isn't the originator of this recipe - I think he got it out of Gourmet magazine about 15 years ago - but I always think of it as his. It is open to tweaking: I added a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking it the other day, only to learn that he ALWAYS does that. I also added some oil-cured sundried tomatoes. And some green olives, even though Dad always uses kalamatas. But I also added some kalamata paste. So, do what you will - you'll find yourself making up reasons to open up the refrigerator once it's in there. - vo
Dad’s Caponata
1&1/2 lbs. eggplant, peeled and cut lengthwise
2 c chopped celery
2 Tbsp minced celery leaves
7 Tbsp olive oil
1 minced onion
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1/3 red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp capers
1/2c chopped kalamatas
Salt and drain eggplant, if needed. Rinse, pat dry, and cut into 1 inch cubes. Saute celery and leaves in 2 Tbsp oil until it begins to brown. Transfer to a bowl. Add 4 Tbsp oil to skillet, heat, and sauté eggplant til soft. Transfer to bowl. Add remaining 1 Tbsp oil to skillet and cook onion til soft. Stir in tomato paste, 1 c H2O, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste, and bring to a boil. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Add eggplant/celery mixture, capers, olives, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Serve at room temp. Makes 4 cups.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE PICKS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::: Wednesday, March 21 – Wednesday, April 4 :::::::::::
:: Wednesday, March 21 ::
SATURDAY LOOKS GOOD TO ME w/BEARS, ZAVALA, and CHRIS BATHGATE
@ UK’s Memorial Hall - 8pm, all ages, $3 – sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM
Very excited that SLGTM is finally making a Lexington appearance. Expect bouncy, reverb-heavy, pop ala Phil Spector. Leader Fred Thomas usually brings quite a crew with him to flesh out the tunes – tambourines, horns, several vocalists, and more. Don’t know how many peeps they’ve got with them on tour, but I’m sure this is going to be dancing-in-the-aisles fun. http://www.slgtm.com/
Bears = endearing orchestral pop from Cleveland. Our friend Matt Jordan likened them to the Lucksmiths in a recent posting on his You Ain’t No Picasso blog. http://bearsband.com
Jason Zavala = c’mon … you know J.Z. by now. If not, go to http://www.myspace.com/theelephants
Chris Bathgate = folk from SLGTM’s bassist. http://www.myspace.com/chrisbathgate. The songs I listened to reminded me a bit of Richard Buckner and Will Oldham.
:: Friday, March 23 ::
BLUES CONTROL w/IOVAE, SAPAT, and THREE-LEGGED RACE @ The Icehouse, 412 Cross St
9pm, all ages, $5
BLUES CONTROL are the alter-ego of Brooklyn-based microtonal dreamscape manipulators WATERSPORTS. Here, the duo taps into a distinctive synth/guitar/synth Kraut haze. The "Blues" part of their moniker proves saliently unironic as the nominal scale is exploited and explored exhaustively, to the point of reversing the implied paradigm and turning that frown inside o-u-t. Definitely some o-u-t shit, sure to be dug by fans of early ROYAL TRUX, early TANGERINE DREAM, and Early Times.
IOVAE reaches the Third Ear via the Fourth Dimension. Indulging in pure experimentation that manages to blur the line between academic and primitivist, sound artist Ron Orvitz implements everything from bird song to archaic military apparatuses, all the while dodging accusations that he was the black-gloved killer from all those Dario Argento movies.
SAPAT. I used to never know what to expect from these cats, but nowadays I don’t even know what to expect to expect, you dig? Part Pataphysical big band, part psychedelic death squad, all free rock muscle. Not to be missed live, particularly if AMON DUUL II, THE GODZ, “Gris Gris”-era DR. JOHN, and guitars are your thing. Featuring: Alan!
THREE-LEGGED RACE invokes a headspace akin to Dreamtime, where it becomes impossible to distinguish the astral from the physical and horror merges with beauty, although one is never palpably frightened or aroused or conscious or unconscious. Music reduced to pure energy before being recast as a force simultaneously healing and damaging. – Trevor Tremaine
:: Sunday, March 25 ::
MURDER BY DEATH w/DEATH COMES TO MATTESON, MOTEL, and THE SILVERSCREEN
@ The Dame – 7pm, ages 18+, $10 – presented by CounterFiction.com
Murder By Death = Southern gothic alt country made for and by indie kids. Listening to their tunes on MySpace right now. A darker Old 97s? P’haps. http://myspace.com/murderbydeath
:: Wednesday, March 28 ::
BATTLES @ The Dame
10pm, ages 21+, $6
Ex-Don Caballero and Storm And Stress guitarist Ian Williams hooks up with avant-garde guitarist/multi-instrumentalist experimenter Ty Braxton and former members of Lynx and Helmet. The results are epic, churning, hypnotic rock instrumentals (mostly – there’s a little singing). Recommended to fans of the aforementioned bands, and anyone who likes to see big smiles on the faces Will Burchard and Mikey P. http://www.myspace.com/battlestheband
:: Saturday, March 31 ::
Dancing Lotus Lounge featuring RACHEL BRICE, RAKADU GYPSY DANCE, SABI DIRI, S.B.I., PEZHEAD and more
@ The Dame – 10pm, ages 21+, $15 – tickets available via PayPal at http://meccadance.com
The return of Rachel Brice, one of the most acclaimed belly dancers in the United States. If you caught her before, you know she’s an absolutely mesmerizing performer (and drop-dead gorgeous to boot). As per usual with Mecca productions, the show will be a parade of styles – tribal-style belly dance, African dance, goof-ball performance electro (a RARE treat – a Pezhead performance!!!), and more – all served up with style and humor.
:: Also worthwhile in the March 21 – April 4 timeframe ::
Every Sunday THE BLUEGRASS COLLECTIVE @ The Fishtank, corner of Euclid and Woodland – 9pm, no cover
Thurs/Mar 22 SATURDAY LOOKS GOOD TO ME @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Fri/Mar 23 RAKADU GYPSY DANCE @ Natasha’s Café – 9pm, all ages
Fri/Mar 23 THE BLOOD BROTHERS @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Fri/Mar 23 MAGIK MARKERS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sat/Mar 24 G-FUNK w/THE RUDIES @ The Dame
Thurs/Mar 29 LFUCS w/OTHER BROTHERS @ The Dame
Fri/Mar 30 LUCERO w/CATFISH HAVEN, AMERICAN PRINCESS, and JEREMY FISHER @ The Dame
Fri/Mar 30 FORGET CASSETTES @ Alchemize (Cincinnati)
Fri/Mar 30 AQUEDUCT w/YOUTH GROUP and CAMPFIRE CRUSH @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sat/Mar 31 BLACK ANGELS w/VIETNAM and LAB PARTNERS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sun/Apr 1 31 KNOTS w/HOLY F*CK @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Mon/Apr 2 PALEO w/THESE UNITED STATES @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
:: Soon Soon ::
Fri/Apr 6 SEBADOH w/THE BENT MOUSTACHE @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Fri/Apr 6 THE LONG WINTERS w/SAY HI TO YOUR MOM @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 7 GEORGE STEELTOE ENSEMBLE @ venue TBA
Sat/Apr 7 Beaux Arts Ball w/THE JUAN McCLEAN, Q-BURNS’ ABSTRACT MESSAGE, CUNNINLYNGUISTS, PARLOUR BOYS, and more @ 899 Manchester St – all ages
Sat/Apr 7 THE YELLOW BELTS w/ROSIE ROSE BAND @ The Dame
Sat/Apr 7 GIRL TALK @ Alchemize (Cincinnati) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 7 AGAINST ME! @ Headliners (Louisville)
Mon/Apr 9 PAGE FRANCE @ venue TBA – all ages, sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM
Wed/Apr 11 KING KONG w/LE TECHNOPUSSIES @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Thurs/Apr 12 MAN MAN @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Fri/Apr 13 THE DECEMBRISTS w/MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND @ The Brown Theatre (Louisville) – all ages
Fri/Apr 13 JOSH ROUSE @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 14 ANTIBALAS w/CHIN CHIN @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 14 ANDREW BIRD @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 14 HORSE THE BAND @ Top Cats (Cincinnati)
Sun/Apr 15 PINK NASTY w/THE BLACK, and JACK ROSE @ ArtsPlace, 161 N. Mill – all ages, sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM
Mon/Apr 16 THE MATHEMATICIANS @ The Dame
Mon/Apr 16 YO LA TENGO @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Fri/Apr 20 Preschool of Rock Benefit @ The Dame
Fri/Apr 20 SON VOLT w/MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC CO. @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 21 THE QUEERS @ The Dame
Sat/Apr 21 SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 21 BODECO w/THE SHINERUNNERS @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sun/Apr 22 LIGHTNING BOLT w/WHITE MICE and BURNING STAR CORE @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Mon/Apr 23 THE THING (Mats Gustafsson, Ingebrigt Haker Flaten, Paal Nilssen-Love) @ venue TBA – all ages, sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM, part of the Outside the Spotlight series
Tues/Apr 24 BROTHER ALI w/PSALM ONE and TRAMA @ Uncle Pleasants (Louisville)
Tues/Apr 24 LUCINDA WILLIAMS w/CARRIE RODRIGUEZ @ The Brown Theatre (Louisville) – all ages
Sun/Apr 29 ANTIBALAS w/KRUDAS CUBENSI @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sun/Apr 29 G.LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Fri/May 4 DR. DOG @ Alchemize (Cincinnati)
Sun/May 6 ASYLUM STREET SPANKERS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Wed/May 9 LOS STRAITJACKETS w/BIG SANDY @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Fri/May 11 DANIEL JOHNSTON @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Fri/May 11 COCOROSIE w/BUSDRIVER and TEZ @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Tues/May 15 ANIMAL COLLECTIVE @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Wed/May 16 ANIMAL COLLECTIVE w/SIR BISHOP ALLEN @ The Dame
Mon/May 21 KINGS OF LEON w/ALBERT HAMMOND, JR. @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Thurs/May 24 TAPES N’ TAPES w/LADYHAWK and HARLEM SHAKERS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Tues/June 12 THE NATIONAL @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Fri&Sat/July 27&28 The Forecastle Festival featuring DE LA SOUL and tons more @ The Belvedere (Louisville) – all ages, http:// http://www.forecastlefest.com/
:: Pertinent Resources ::
__Lexington__
THE DAME, 156 W.Main St, Lexington - http://www.dameky.com
THE ICEHOUSE, 412 Cross St (off W.Maxwell), Lexington
MECCA dance studio/gallery, 451 Chair Avenue, off S.Broadway near Bolivar - http://www.meccadance.com
CHARLES MANSION (a venue no longer, but the website’s a good spot to find out about shows) – http://www.charlesmansion.org
FROWNY BEAR, 208 Forest Park
THIRD STREET STUFF COFFEE, corner of Limestone and 3rd Street – ph. 859/255-5301
THE FISHTANK, corner of Woodland and Euclid Ave - http://www.thefishtankbar.com
NATASHA'S CAFE, 112 Esplanade - http://www.beetnik.com/
FAUNTLEROY’S CAFÉ, 640 W. Maxwell – ph. 859/455-8188
DOWNTOWN ARTS CENTER, 141 E. Main St, Lexington – http://www.lexarts.org
ARTSPLACE, 161 N.Mill St, Lexington
SINGLETARY CENTER FOR THE ARTS, corner of Euclid and Rose Sts – http://www.uky.edu/SCFA/
LEXINGTONSHOWS.com (all ages show listings) - http://www.lexingtonshows.com
COUNTER FICTION (metal/punk/hardcore all ages show listings) – http://www.counterfiction.com
CRICKET PRESS (amazing local poster art) - http://www.cricket-press.com
WRFL 88.1FM (UK's student-run radio station) - http://wrfl881.org
YOU AIN’T NO PICASSO (great locally-produced music blog) – http://www.youaintnopicasoo.com
__Louisville__
LAVA (Louisville Assembly of Vanguard Artists) HOUSE - 927 Shelby Parkway, Louisville - http://www.lavahouse.org
HEADLINERS MUSIC HALL, Louisville - 1386 Lexington Road, ph. 502/584-8088 - www.headlinerslouisville.com
UNCLE PLEASANTS, 2126 S. Preston, Louisville - p.502/634-4147
THE POUR HAUS, 1481 S. Shelby Street (corner of Shelby and Burnett), Louisville
THE RUDYARD KIPLING, 422 West Oak Street, Louisville - http://www.therudyardkipling.com/pages/206999/index.htm
OLD LOUISVILLE COFFEHOUSE, 1489 S. Fourth St, Louisville - ph. 502/635-6660
PRODUCTION SIMPLE (produce many of the events at Headliners and Uncle Pleasants) – http://www.productionsimple.com
__Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky__
THE SOUTHGATE HOUSE, Newport, KY - http://www.southgatehouse.com
ALCHEMIZE, 3929 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH – http://www.alchemizebar.com
THE COMET, 4579 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.cometbar.com
BOGART'S, 2621 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.bogarts.com
THE MOCKBEE (formerly SS NOVA), 2260 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.ssnova.org
NORTHSIDE TAVERN, 4163 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH – http://www.northside-tavern.com
Know of an upcoming event that others should get hip to? Let us know - email informationactivists@yahoo.com
All Picks by Ross Compton unless otherwise noted.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: RAMBLINGS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I was recently putting together a letter ‘K’ themed show for my WRFL program Flying Kites at Night (Tuesdays 8-10 pm). I would play only groups or artists that began with the letter ‘K’ for the evening. While compiling music, I realized that I would certainly want to play a Kiss song. Enter my friend and former WRFL cohort Brian Manley. We shared Late, Late Show duties for a year or so on WRFL. I knew that Manley was a Kiss fiend as was his former Late, Late Show partner J. Todd Dockery. So, I emailed Manley to get his input as to what Kiss song I should spring upon the WRFL listeners. What follows is the email trail that Manley, Dockery and even Late, Late Show founder Jeffery Scott Holland bestowed upon. On the surface, it is mostly about KISS, KISS and more KISS, but if you really delve into the text, I think there may be some hidden truths about that fragility of life (Paul’s hip) and the non-irony of being ironic in this overtly ironic age – which is to say…Enjoy…BCM
Manley wrote:
Hmm.
Yeah, that's tough to merely pick one.
Because, do I go for one that I think is actually one of their best, that represents how good they truly are, that they are more than the commercial mess they usually appear to be? A hidden gem most KISSfanatics would know, but not your average everyday "rocknroll all night" listener? If so, I think (just reflecting my current KISS mood (and there are soooo many, depending on the decade, and the temperature and direction of the wind)) I'd pick something off of their third album, "Dressed to Kill," like "Love Her All I Can," "Room Service," or even the semi-popular "C'mon & Love Me."
Or, would I pick a hidden gem from a later period. Yeah, it depends on if you’re looking for the KISS of 70s NY ("Dressed to Kill", "Hotter Than Hell"), or hif you want to head to the louder, bigger, KISS of LA, say, the early 80s, before they were completely MTV'd out. "Creatures of the Night" (81) has been one of my favorite KISS albums for a decade. One of the loudest, heaviest, catchiest things they ever recorded. "Keep Me Comin'," or "Killer."
Or, maybe something from the sugarpop album "Unmasked," which I rediscovered a few years ago as being pure and masterful. Rock="Is That You?" Love="Shandi."
This is too hard. And makes me want to listen to KISS, which I haven’t done for while now. Although, I did buy the Paul Stanley solo album. Its pretty terrible. Not in a very good way, either.
I don’t know man. You could pick something obscure that doesn’t even sound like KISS, just to confuse people ("I Walk Alone" from "Carnival of Souls" sounds like something recorded for alt-rock radio in the mid90s, and I'm sure was actually sung by someone not even in the band.) Or, for fun, some major non-makeup pop metal from the 80s, like "Crazy Crazy Nights," or the song that got me to purchase my first KISS album, "Tears Are Falling, " from 1986's "Asylum."
I'll forward this email to Todd, maybe you'll get deluged with his love/insanities for the Knights in Satan's Service.
Lick It Up,
Brian.
Dockery replied:
Manke & Manley (Brians for everyone),
Manley should probably clarify that he bought the NEW Paul Stanley solo record. Not the '78 solo album when all four members released solo records simultaneously. The Stanley solo record from '78 I've slowly come to realize is a work of genius (it took about ten years for me to think that). If you really wanna tweak your audience with Kiss that's actually good but they've never heard before, try "Wouldn't You Like to Know Me?" or "It's Alright" from Stanley's '78 solo record. We used to have the Stanley solo record at the station, but that was back in the day, but I do have it on cd if you'd like me to burn a copy. I mean, I'm jumping way ahead.
I agree with pretty much everything Manley mentions. With "Unmasked" I'd go for "Is That You?" over "Shandi." If you can get a copy of the "Dressed to Kill," which is more classic early 70s pre-fame style recording, I'd go for "Room Service." For me personally, if you wanna go for the "Creatures of the Night" record (which is eighties, but still make up, they were trying to make up, no pun intended, for the commercial travesty of the concept record "Music from the Elder" (first Kiss record after the ALIVE rekkid broke 'em that didn't even go gold..."Unmasked" went gold just 'cause enough kids were still buying anything that had Kiss's picture on it.
The problem with suggesting Kiss songs is that I can chase down endless avenues of best/worst and "best of the worst." As Manley & I would brag on the LLShow digressionary Kiss specials, "If you think you don't like Kiss, you don't even know why you really don't like them. We can make you hate them more, or even perhaps turn that distaste into love."
So what I'll do is simply type up a current top ten list, without qualifications (I will think that these are all good songs, regardless of anyone else), or autobiographical asides, which is not a definitive top ten list, or even in order from best to worst, but simply the first Kiss songs that pop in my head that I wouldn't mind hearing again in the near future. 5 from the eighties. 5 from the seventies. Song first, album title following.
80s:
Get All You Can Take --Animalize
Thrills In the Night--Animalize
Who Wants to Be Lonely--Asylum
All Hell's Breakin' Loose--Lick It Up
The Oath--Music from the Elder
70s:
Tonight You Belong to Me--70s Paul Stanley solo record
Nothing to Lose--Self-titled debut
Two Timer--Dressed to Kill
Great Expectations--Destroyer
Mr. Speed--Rock N Roll Over
These are only the tip of the Kiss-berg(stein). I could go on forever, there's no doubt in my mind. Songs immediately spring up in my mind that are perhaps better or make my mind go in equally as good/funny directions. I really have know idea of Manke's Kiss expertise. I mean, even listing those ten songs could be like speaking another language to anyone who is not a scholar of Kisstory. Maintain a sense of humor, and Kiss just keeps on giving. You gotta keep me comin'. They do it for the fans, man.
Hell, I'm going to put my old cassette tape copy of the first album on right now. Sheeit...
100,000 years,
Paul "Rip it Out" Frehley, Jr.
Jeffrey Scott Holland replied:
Two words: "Journey of 1000 Years".
Is that more than two words? OK.
Other notes: while I almost entirely agree with the sentiments expressed by mssrs. Dockery and Manley, it must be said:
* I think the new Paul Stanley "Live to Win" CD rules this end of the galaxy with a firm hand. "It's Not Me" and "Where Angels Dare" are the best thing to come outta any KISS member since the "Revenge" album, says me.
* Regarding Mr. Stanley's genius first LP, I think "Together As One" is the finest moment there. Listen to it again and imagine it as being part of "The Elder" and suddenly it all makes sense. (But "Ain't Quite Right" might be the worst non-Peter Criss song in the entire KISS oeuvre)
* "I Walk Alone" was sung by Bruce Kulick. I can never tell if Manley's kidding or not.
JSH
Manley replied:
I thought Bruce sang "I Walk Alone," but sometimes I wonder if I made that up back when it came out, and so fear my own defenses.
Jesus. I actually (a rare moment to be sure) don’t remember how "Journey of 1000 Years" goes off the top of my head. Then again, I only remember a few of the "Psycho Circus" or "Carnival of Souls" songs anyways.
I'll have to disagree about Paul's solo album, Mr. Holland. Although I appreciate its worth among objects that exist sonically, its still tough to swallow. Or spit. And I chalk the blame up to Desmond Child. I wish he would stop exerting his damning powers over these poor songwriters in KISS. Get his Bryan Adams/Michael Bolton supportin' ass away from Paul's plush biceps and fake hips. I've learned to like the ballads, and I've come to an understanding with the title track actually, but that was only after seeing a homemade synch-up on YouTube to scenes from Spider-Man. But, even though I may rag on it, I still listen to the fucking thing. The photos of Paul inside the cover make it worth it.
I may try the suggested re-listening of Paul's 78 solo album (my favorite of the solo LPs) with "The Elder" in mind, just to see what you're talking about, Jeff. That shouldn’t be too hard, though. I think I walk thru most of life with "The Elder" on my mind some way or another. I think I was listening to Pearl Jam 's "Ten" album last week with "The Elder" on my mind.
But, I may have to agree with the statement about "Ain't Quite Right." Not one of the best.
As far as Dockery's list, yeah, those are all good. "Get All You Can Take" I could definitely stand to hear soon. Although, my brother seems to only own "Destroyer" at this point in his career, and has re-burnt me on the entirety of it, again, so I really could not take "Great Expectations." But, I guess I'll never get tired of "Flaming Youth."
And actually, the song that I want to leave work and go home right now to listen to is "Down on Your Knees" from "KISS Killers." For some reason, over the last few months, that song has repeatedly popped up in my head, even though I probably haven’t listened to it in 9 years or so.
But the same thing can be said about "Squeal Like a Pig," by the Crunchies.
Everybody's got a reason to live,
Vinnie Vincent (that's Mr Cusano to you, pal).
Dockery replied:
Yeah, "Down on Your Knees" is a helluva song, I gotta admit. But the funny thing is, Manley needs to remember, in his Desmond Child/Bryan Adams/Mikey Bolton bashing, that Bryan Adams himself co-wrote "Down on Your Knees" with Herr Stanley.
Like Lambs We Are Led to the Slaughter,
Bob Ezrin
Manley replied:
Oops. Uh, yeah. Well. whatever, man. Fuck it. Maybe I need to listen to more Kix, and less KISS. Damn, got called out.
:::::::::::::: QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/SUBMISSIONS ::::::::::::::::::::::::
email thelexingtonproject@yahoo.com
Luv, Ross
:::::::::::::::::::::::: Announcements :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
** FREE FLICKS! Bluegrass Film Society at BCTC
And our running update on the BFS flicks at BCTC …
>3/21: Cache (France) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387898/
>3/28: In the Mood for Love (Hong Kong) - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118694/
Remember the change this semester – the films used to screen on Thursdays, now it’s WEDNESDAYS. All films start at 7:45pm in the auditorium in Oswald Building on the campus of the Bluegrass Community and Technical College (aka the old LCC). They’re still FREE and open to everyone. For the full schedule and/or more info, check BFS at http://bluegrassfilmsociety.blogspot.com.
** Every Thursday - “Poetry on the Patio” at UK
Mentioned Chuck Clenney’s new “Poetry on the Patio” series in the last issue. As a refresher - the idea is to start the sessions with a professional Kentucky poet, then, after they’ve dropped 25 minutes or so of inspiration on you, the mic is open (in three minute blocks) to anyone who’s got something to say. The sessions will go down from 12noon-1pm, every Thursday from now through April 19th in the “free speech” area of UK’s campus (that’s the UK Student Center patio – just outside the ‘Cats Den’ which is right across the walkway from the UK Bookstore). Tomorrow (Thursday, March 22nd the guest poet will be Jeff Worley. On the 29th, it’ll be Jane Gentry Vance. For more info, drop Chuck a line via MySpace – http://www.myspace.com/thepoetryofchuckclenney.
** Fri/Mar 23 – Poetry Reading at Third Street Stuff Coffee
I made it to the Eric Sutherland/Jude McPherson reading at Third Street in January. Glad I did – came in weary, left inspired. This time around it’ll be Eric, Jude, and Bianca Spriggs (who was originally scheduled to be part of the January reading. Great coffee drinks and three poets spreading love, insight, and inspiration. 8pm (I’d encourage you to show up early – the place was packed last time around. All ages welcome. And … FREE.
:::::::::::::::::: YOU GO OUTDOORS. I GO OUTDOORS. LET’S GO OUTDOORS TOGETHER. :::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Sunday, March 25 :: "Signs of Spring" hike at Floracliff State Nature Preserve (Fayette County). Join us in welcoming spring and learn to identify the season’s earliest wildflowers. Registration required for this event. Contact Beverly James at 859-351-7770 or Floracliff@aol.com for more information.
:: Saturday, April 7 :: Spring hike to see one of the rarest plants in Kentucky and the U.S., the Kentucky gladecress. KSNPC Botanist Tara Littlefield will lead a hike through Pine Creek Barrens Nature Preserve (Bullitt County) for the Kentucky Native Plant Society (www.knps.org). Learn about this rare plant and the unique dolomite limestone glade communities. Registration required for this event. Contact Tara at tara.littlefield@ky.gov or 502-573-2886 for more information and to register.
:: Saturday, April 7 :: Wildflower walk at Floracliff State Nature Preserve (Fayette County), 10 a.m. EDT. KSNPC Ecologist Brian Yahn will lead a walk around the preserve to see the wildflowers at their peak. Registration required for this event. Contact Beverly James at (859) 351-7770 or Floracliff@aol.com for more information and to register.
:: Saturday, April 14 :: Volunteer workday at Floracliff State Nature Preserve (Fayette County), 1 p.m. EDT. Join in the effort to remove bush honeysuckle from the preserve as part of an ongoing effort to protect our native species. Contact Beverly James at 859-351-7770 or Floracliff@aol.com for more information.
- Greg Abernathy
:::::::::::::::::: RECIPE :::::::::::::::::::::::::
So - this isn't really a seasonal recipe. But I made it this weekend, and it's damn good. Pajamas, midnight, refrigerator door open, eating it out of the bowl good.
My dad isn't the originator of this recipe - I think he got it out of Gourmet magazine about 15 years ago - but I always think of it as his. It is open to tweaking: I added a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking it the other day, only to learn that he ALWAYS does that. I also added some oil-cured sundried tomatoes. And some green olives, even though Dad always uses kalamatas. But I also added some kalamata paste. So, do what you will - you'll find yourself making up reasons to open up the refrigerator once it's in there. - vo
Dad’s Caponata
1&1/2 lbs. eggplant, peeled and cut lengthwise
2 c chopped celery
2 Tbsp minced celery leaves
7 Tbsp olive oil
1 minced onion
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1/3 red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp capers
1/2c chopped kalamatas
Salt and drain eggplant, if needed. Rinse, pat dry, and cut into 1 inch cubes. Saute celery and leaves in 2 Tbsp oil until it begins to brown. Transfer to a bowl. Add 4 Tbsp oil to skillet, heat, and sauté eggplant til soft. Transfer to bowl. Add remaining 1 Tbsp oil to skillet and cook onion til soft. Stir in tomato paste, 1 c H2O, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste, and bring to a boil. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Add eggplant/celery mixture, capers, olives, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Serve at room temp. Makes 4 cups.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: THE PICKS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::: Wednesday, March 21 – Wednesday, April 4 :::::::::::
:: Wednesday, March 21 ::
SATURDAY LOOKS GOOD TO ME w/BEARS, ZAVALA, and CHRIS BATHGATE
@ UK’s Memorial Hall - 8pm, all ages, $3 – sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM
Very excited that SLGTM is finally making a Lexington appearance. Expect bouncy, reverb-heavy, pop ala Phil Spector. Leader Fred Thomas usually brings quite a crew with him to flesh out the tunes – tambourines, horns, several vocalists, and more. Don’t know how many peeps they’ve got with them on tour, but I’m sure this is going to be dancing-in-the-aisles fun. http://www.slgtm.com/
Bears = endearing orchestral pop from Cleveland. Our friend Matt Jordan likened them to the Lucksmiths in a recent posting on his You Ain’t No Picasso blog. http://bearsband.com
Jason Zavala = c’mon … you know J.Z. by now. If not, go to http://www.myspace.com/theelephants
Chris Bathgate = folk from SLGTM’s bassist. http://www.myspace.com/chrisbathgate. The songs I listened to reminded me a bit of Richard Buckner and Will Oldham.
:: Friday, March 23 ::
BLUES CONTROL w/IOVAE, SAPAT, and THREE-LEGGED RACE @ The Icehouse, 412 Cross St
9pm, all ages, $5
BLUES CONTROL are the alter-ego of Brooklyn-based microtonal dreamscape manipulators WATERSPORTS. Here, the duo taps into a distinctive synth/guitar/synth Kraut haze. The "Blues" part of their moniker proves saliently unironic as the nominal scale is exploited and explored exhaustively, to the point of reversing the implied paradigm and turning that frown inside o-u-t. Definitely some o-u-t shit, sure to be dug by fans of early ROYAL TRUX, early TANGERINE DREAM, and Early Times.
IOVAE reaches the Third Ear via the Fourth Dimension. Indulging in pure experimentation that manages to blur the line between academic and primitivist, sound artist Ron Orvitz implements everything from bird song to archaic military apparatuses, all the while dodging accusations that he was the black-gloved killer from all those Dario Argento movies.
SAPAT. I used to never know what to expect from these cats, but nowadays I don’t even know what to expect to expect, you dig? Part Pataphysical big band, part psychedelic death squad, all free rock muscle. Not to be missed live, particularly if AMON DUUL II, THE GODZ, “Gris Gris”-era DR. JOHN, and guitars are your thing. Featuring: Alan!
THREE-LEGGED RACE invokes a headspace akin to Dreamtime, where it becomes impossible to distinguish the astral from the physical and horror merges with beauty, although one is never palpably frightened or aroused or conscious or unconscious. Music reduced to pure energy before being recast as a force simultaneously healing and damaging. – Trevor Tremaine
:: Sunday, March 25 ::
MURDER BY DEATH w/DEATH COMES TO MATTESON, MOTEL, and THE SILVERSCREEN
@ The Dame – 7pm, ages 18+, $10 – presented by CounterFiction.com
Murder By Death = Southern gothic alt country made for and by indie kids. Listening to their tunes on MySpace right now. A darker Old 97s? P’haps. http://myspace.com/murderbydeath
:: Wednesday, March 28 ::
BATTLES @ The Dame
10pm, ages 21+, $6
Ex-Don Caballero and Storm And Stress guitarist Ian Williams hooks up with avant-garde guitarist/multi-instrumentalist experimenter Ty Braxton and former members of Lynx and Helmet. The results are epic, churning, hypnotic rock instrumentals (mostly – there’s a little singing). Recommended to fans of the aforementioned bands, and anyone who likes to see big smiles on the faces Will Burchard and Mikey P. http://www.myspace.com/battlestheband
:: Saturday, March 31 ::
Dancing Lotus Lounge featuring RACHEL BRICE, RAKADU GYPSY DANCE, SABI DIRI, S.B.I., PEZHEAD and more
@ The Dame – 10pm, ages 21+, $15 – tickets available via PayPal at http://meccadance.com
The return of Rachel Brice, one of the most acclaimed belly dancers in the United States. If you caught her before, you know she’s an absolutely mesmerizing performer (and drop-dead gorgeous to boot). As per usual with Mecca productions, the show will be a parade of styles – tribal-style belly dance, African dance, goof-ball performance electro (a RARE treat – a Pezhead performance!!!), and more – all served up with style and humor.
:: Also worthwhile in the March 21 – April 4 timeframe ::
Every Sunday THE BLUEGRASS COLLECTIVE @ The Fishtank, corner of Euclid and Woodland – 9pm, no cover
Thurs/Mar 22 SATURDAY LOOKS GOOD TO ME @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Fri/Mar 23 RAKADU GYPSY DANCE @ Natasha’s Café – 9pm, all ages
Fri/Mar 23 THE BLOOD BROTHERS @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Fri/Mar 23 MAGIK MARKERS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sat/Mar 24 G-FUNK w/THE RUDIES @ The Dame
Thurs/Mar 29 LFUCS w/OTHER BROTHERS @ The Dame
Fri/Mar 30 LUCERO w/CATFISH HAVEN, AMERICAN PRINCESS, and JEREMY FISHER @ The Dame
Fri/Mar 30 FORGET CASSETTES @ Alchemize (Cincinnati)
Fri/Mar 30 AQUEDUCT w/YOUTH GROUP and CAMPFIRE CRUSH @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sat/Mar 31 BLACK ANGELS w/VIETNAM and LAB PARTNERS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sun/Apr 1 31 KNOTS w/HOLY F*CK @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Mon/Apr 2 PALEO w/THESE UNITED STATES @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
:: Soon Soon ::
Fri/Apr 6 SEBADOH w/THE BENT MOUSTACHE @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Fri/Apr 6 THE LONG WINTERS w/SAY HI TO YOUR MOM @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 7 GEORGE STEELTOE ENSEMBLE @ venue TBA
Sat/Apr 7 Beaux Arts Ball w/THE JUAN McCLEAN, Q-BURNS’ ABSTRACT MESSAGE, CUNNINLYNGUISTS, PARLOUR BOYS, and more @ 899 Manchester St – all ages
Sat/Apr 7 THE YELLOW BELTS w/ROSIE ROSE BAND @ The Dame
Sat/Apr 7 GIRL TALK @ Alchemize (Cincinnati) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 7 AGAINST ME! @ Headliners (Louisville)
Mon/Apr 9 PAGE FRANCE @ venue TBA – all ages, sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM
Wed/Apr 11 KING KONG w/LE TECHNOPUSSIES @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Thurs/Apr 12 MAN MAN @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Fri/Apr 13 THE DECEMBRISTS w/MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND @ The Brown Theatre (Louisville) – all ages
Fri/Apr 13 JOSH ROUSE @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 14 ANTIBALAS w/CHIN CHIN @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 14 ANDREW BIRD @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 14 HORSE THE BAND @ Top Cats (Cincinnati)
Sun/Apr 15 PINK NASTY w/THE BLACK, and JACK ROSE @ ArtsPlace, 161 N. Mill – all ages, sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM
Mon/Apr 16 THE MATHEMATICIANS @ The Dame
Mon/Apr 16 YO LA TENGO @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Fri/Apr 20 Preschool of Rock Benefit @ The Dame
Fri/Apr 20 SON VOLT w/MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC CO. @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 21 THE QUEERS @ The Dame
Sat/Apr 21 SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sat/Apr 21 BODECO w/THE SHINERUNNERS @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Sun/Apr 22 LIGHTNING BOLT w/WHITE MICE and BURNING STAR CORE @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Mon/Apr 23 THE THING (Mats Gustafsson, Ingebrigt Haker Flaten, Paal Nilssen-Love) @ venue TBA – all ages, sponsored by WRFL 88.1FM, part of the Outside the Spotlight series
Tues/Apr 24 BROTHER ALI w/PSALM ONE and TRAMA @ Uncle Pleasants (Louisville)
Tues/Apr 24 LUCINDA WILLIAMS w/CARRIE RODRIGUEZ @ The Brown Theatre (Louisville) – all ages
Sun/Apr 29 ANTIBALAS w/KRUDAS CUBENSI @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Sun/Apr 29 G.LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Fri/May 4 DR. DOG @ Alchemize (Cincinnati)
Sun/May 6 ASYLUM STREET SPANKERS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Wed/May 9 LOS STRAITJACKETS w/BIG SANDY @ Southgate House (Newport, KY)
Fri/May 11 DANIEL JOHNSTON @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Fri/May 11 COCOROSIE w/BUSDRIVER and TEZ @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Tues/May 15 ANIMAL COLLECTIVE @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Wed/May 16 ANIMAL COLLECTIVE w/SIR BISHOP ALLEN @ The Dame
Mon/May 21 KINGS OF LEON w/ALBERT HAMMOND, JR. @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Thurs/May 24 TAPES N’ TAPES w/LADYHAWK and HARLEM SHAKERS @ Southgate House (Newport, KY) – ages 18+
Tues/June 12 THE NATIONAL @ Headliners (Louisville) – ages 18+
Fri&Sat/July 27&28 The Forecastle Festival featuring DE LA SOUL and tons more @ The Belvedere (Louisville) – all ages, http:// http://www.forecastlefest.com/
:: Pertinent Resources ::
__Lexington__
THE DAME, 156 W.Main St, Lexington - http://www.dameky.com
THE ICEHOUSE, 412 Cross St (off W.Maxwell), Lexington
MECCA dance studio/gallery, 451 Chair Avenue, off S.Broadway near Bolivar - http://www.meccadance.com
CHARLES MANSION (a venue no longer, but the website’s a good spot to find out about shows) – http://www.charlesmansion.org
FROWNY BEAR, 208 Forest Park
THIRD STREET STUFF COFFEE, corner of Limestone and 3rd Street – ph. 859/255-5301
THE FISHTANK, corner of Woodland and Euclid Ave - http://www.thefishtankbar.com
NATASHA'S CAFE, 112 Esplanade - http://www.beetnik.com/
FAUNTLEROY’S CAFÉ, 640 W. Maxwell – ph. 859/455-8188
DOWNTOWN ARTS CENTER, 141 E. Main St, Lexington – http://www.lexarts.org
ARTSPLACE, 161 N.Mill St, Lexington
SINGLETARY CENTER FOR THE ARTS, corner of Euclid and Rose Sts – http://www.uky.edu/SCFA/
LEXINGTONSHOWS.com (all ages show listings) - http://www.lexingtonshows.com
COUNTER FICTION (metal/punk/hardcore all ages show listings) – http://www.counterfiction.com
CRICKET PRESS (amazing local poster art) - http://www.cricket-press.com
WRFL 88.1FM (UK's student-run radio station) - http://wrfl881.org
YOU AIN’T NO PICASSO (great locally-produced music blog) – http://www.youaintnopicasoo.com
__Louisville__
LAVA (Louisville Assembly of Vanguard Artists) HOUSE - 927 Shelby Parkway, Louisville - http://www.lavahouse.org
HEADLINERS MUSIC HALL, Louisville - 1386 Lexington Road, ph. 502/584-8088 - www.headlinerslouisville.com
UNCLE PLEASANTS, 2126 S. Preston, Louisville - p.502/634-4147
THE POUR HAUS, 1481 S. Shelby Street (corner of Shelby and Burnett), Louisville
THE RUDYARD KIPLING, 422 West Oak Street, Louisville - http://www.therudyardkipling.com/pages/206999/index.htm
OLD LOUISVILLE COFFEHOUSE, 1489 S. Fourth St, Louisville - ph. 502/635-6660
PRODUCTION SIMPLE (produce many of the events at Headliners and Uncle Pleasants) – http://www.productionsimple.com
__Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky__
THE SOUTHGATE HOUSE, Newport, KY - http://www.southgatehouse.com
ALCHEMIZE, 3929 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH – http://www.alchemizebar.com
THE COMET, 4579 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.cometbar.com
BOGART'S, 2621 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.bogarts.com
THE MOCKBEE (formerly SS NOVA), 2260 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH - http://www.ssnova.org
NORTHSIDE TAVERN, 4163 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH – http://www.northside-tavern.com
Know of an upcoming event that others should get hip to? Let us know - email informationactivists@yahoo.com
All Picks by Ross Compton unless otherwise noted.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: RAMBLINGS :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I was recently putting together a letter ‘K’ themed show for my WRFL program Flying Kites at Night (Tuesdays 8-10 pm). I would play only groups or artists that began with the letter ‘K’ for the evening. While compiling music, I realized that I would certainly want to play a Kiss song. Enter my friend and former WRFL cohort Brian Manley. We shared Late, Late Show duties for a year or so on WRFL. I knew that Manley was a Kiss fiend as was his former Late, Late Show partner J. Todd Dockery. So, I emailed Manley to get his input as to what Kiss song I should spring upon the WRFL listeners. What follows is the email trail that Manley, Dockery and even Late, Late Show founder Jeffery Scott Holland bestowed upon. On the surface, it is mostly about KISS, KISS and more KISS, but if you really delve into the text, I think there may be some hidden truths about that fragility of life (Paul’s hip) and the non-irony of being ironic in this overtly ironic age – which is to say…Enjoy…BCM
Manley wrote:
Hmm.
Yeah, that's tough to merely pick one.
Because, do I go for one that I think is actually one of their best, that represents how good they truly are, that they are more than the commercial mess they usually appear to be? A hidden gem most KISSfanatics would know, but not your average everyday "rocknroll all night" listener? If so, I think (just reflecting my current KISS mood (and there are soooo many, depending on the decade, and the temperature and direction of the wind)) I'd pick something off of their third album, "Dressed to Kill," like "Love Her All I Can," "Room Service," or even the semi-popular "C'mon & Love Me."
Or, would I pick a hidden gem from a later period. Yeah, it depends on if you’re looking for the KISS of 70s NY ("Dressed to Kill", "Hotter Than Hell"), or hif you want to head to the louder, bigger, KISS of LA, say, the early 80s, before they were completely MTV'd out. "Creatures of the Night" (81) has been one of my favorite KISS albums for a decade. One of the loudest, heaviest, catchiest things they ever recorded. "Keep Me Comin'," or "Killer."
Or, maybe something from the sugarpop album "Unmasked," which I rediscovered a few years ago as being pure and masterful. Rock="Is That You?" Love="Shandi."
This is too hard. And makes me want to listen to KISS, which I haven’t done for while now. Although, I did buy the Paul Stanley solo album. Its pretty terrible. Not in a very good way, either.
I don’t know man. You could pick something obscure that doesn’t even sound like KISS, just to confuse people ("I Walk Alone" from "Carnival of Souls" sounds like something recorded for alt-rock radio in the mid90s, and I'm sure was actually sung by someone not even in the band.) Or, for fun, some major non-makeup pop metal from the 80s, like "Crazy Crazy Nights," or the song that got me to purchase my first KISS album, "Tears Are Falling, " from 1986's "Asylum."
I'll forward this email to Todd, maybe you'll get deluged with his love/insanities for the Knights in Satan's Service.
Lick It Up,
Brian.
Dockery replied:
Manke & Manley (Brians for everyone),
Manley should probably clarify that he bought the NEW Paul Stanley solo record. Not the '78 solo album when all four members released solo records simultaneously. The Stanley solo record from '78 I've slowly come to realize is a work of genius (it took about ten years for me to think that). If you really wanna tweak your audience with Kiss that's actually good but they've never heard before, try "Wouldn't You Like to Know Me?" or "It's Alright" from Stanley's '78 solo record. We used to have the Stanley solo record at the station, but that was back in the day, but I do have it on cd if you'd like me to burn a copy. I mean, I'm jumping way ahead.
I agree with pretty much everything Manley mentions. With "Unmasked" I'd go for "Is That You?" over "Shandi." If you can get a copy of the "Dressed to Kill," which is more classic early 70s pre-fame style recording, I'd go for "Room Service." For me personally, if you wanna go for the "Creatures of the Night" record (which is eighties, but still make up, they were trying to make up, no pun intended, for the commercial travesty of the concept record "Music from the Elder" (first Kiss record after the ALIVE rekkid broke 'em that didn't even go gold..."Unmasked" went gold just 'cause enough kids were still buying anything that had Kiss's picture on it.
The problem with suggesting Kiss songs is that I can chase down endless avenues of best/worst and "best of the worst." As Manley & I would brag on the LLShow digressionary Kiss specials, "If you think you don't like Kiss, you don't even know why you really don't like them. We can make you hate them more, or even perhaps turn that distaste into love."
So what I'll do is simply type up a current top ten list, without qualifications (I will think that these are all good songs, regardless of anyone else), or autobiographical asides, which is not a definitive top ten list, or even in order from best to worst, but simply the first Kiss songs that pop in my head that I wouldn't mind hearing again in the near future. 5 from the eighties. 5 from the seventies. Song first, album title following.
80s:
Get All You Can Take --Animalize
Thrills In the Night--Animalize
Who Wants to Be Lonely--Asylum
All Hell's Breakin' Loose--Lick It Up
The Oath--Music from the Elder
70s:
Tonight You Belong to Me--70s Paul Stanley solo record
Nothing to Lose--Self-titled debut
Two Timer--Dressed to Kill
Great Expectations--Destroyer
Mr. Speed--Rock N Roll Over
These are only the tip of the Kiss-berg(stein). I could go on forever, there's no doubt in my mind. Songs immediately spring up in my mind that are perhaps better or make my mind go in equally as good/funny directions. I really have know idea of Manke's Kiss expertise. I mean, even listing those ten songs could be like speaking another language to anyone who is not a scholar of Kisstory. Maintain a sense of humor, and Kiss just keeps on giving. You gotta keep me comin'. They do it for the fans, man.
Hell, I'm going to put my old cassette tape copy of the first album on right now. Sheeit...
100,000 years,
Paul "Rip it Out" Frehley, Jr.
Jeffrey Scott Holland replied:
Two words: "Journey of 1000 Years".
Is that more than two words? OK.
Other notes: while I almost entirely agree with the sentiments expressed by mssrs. Dockery and Manley, it must be said:
* I think the new Paul Stanley "Live to Win" CD rules this end of the galaxy with a firm hand. "It's Not Me" and "Where Angels Dare" are the best thing to come outta any KISS member since the "Revenge" album, says me.
* Regarding Mr. Stanley's genius first LP, I think "Together As One" is the finest moment there. Listen to it again and imagine it as being part of "The Elder" and suddenly it all makes sense. (But "Ain't Quite Right" might be the worst non-Peter Criss song in the entire KISS oeuvre)
* "I Walk Alone" was sung by Bruce Kulick. I can never tell if Manley's kidding or not.
JSH
Manley replied:
I thought Bruce sang "I Walk Alone," but sometimes I wonder if I made that up back when it came out, and so fear my own defenses.
Jesus. I actually (a rare moment to be sure) don’t remember how "Journey of 1000 Years" goes off the top of my head. Then again, I only remember a few of the "Psycho Circus" or "Carnival of Souls" songs anyways.
I'll have to disagree about Paul's solo album, Mr. Holland. Although I appreciate its worth among objects that exist sonically, its still tough to swallow. Or spit. And I chalk the blame up to Desmond Child. I wish he would stop exerting his damning powers over these poor songwriters in KISS. Get his Bryan Adams/Michael Bolton supportin' ass away from Paul's plush biceps and fake hips. I've learned to like the ballads, and I've come to an understanding with the title track actually, but that was only after seeing a homemade synch-up on YouTube to scenes from Spider-Man. But, even though I may rag on it, I still listen to the fucking thing. The photos of Paul inside the cover make it worth it.
I may try the suggested re-listening of Paul's 78 solo album (my favorite of the solo LPs) with "The Elder" in mind, just to see what you're talking about, Jeff. That shouldn’t be too hard, though. I think I walk thru most of life with "The Elder" on my mind some way or another. I think I was listening to Pearl Jam 's "Ten" album last week with "The Elder" on my mind.
But, I may have to agree with the statement about "Ain't Quite Right." Not one of the best.
As far as Dockery's list, yeah, those are all good. "Get All You Can Take" I could definitely stand to hear soon. Although, my brother seems to only own "Destroyer" at this point in his career, and has re-burnt me on the entirety of it, again, so I really could not take "Great Expectations." But, I guess I'll never get tired of "Flaming Youth."
And actually, the song that I want to leave work and go home right now to listen to is "Down on Your Knees" from "KISS Killers." For some reason, over the last few months, that song has repeatedly popped up in my head, even though I probably haven’t listened to it in 9 years or so.
But the same thing can be said about "Squeal Like a Pig," by the Crunchies.
Everybody's got a reason to live,
Vinnie Vincent (that's Mr Cusano to you, pal).
Dockery replied:
Yeah, "Down on Your Knees" is a helluva song, I gotta admit. But the funny thing is, Manley needs to remember, in his Desmond Child/Bryan Adams/Mikey Bolton bashing, that Bryan Adams himself co-wrote "Down on Your Knees" with Herr Stanley.
Like Lambs We Are Led to the Slaughter,
Bob Ezrin
Manley replied:
Oops. Uh, yeah. Well. whatever, man. Fuck it. Maybe I need to listen to more Kix, and less KISS. Damn, got called out.
:::::::::::::: QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/SUBMISSIONS ::::::::::::::::::::::::
email thelexingtonproject@yahoo.com
