Kiss
MTV Unplugged

THE REVIEW

Dear DeBaser readers, today I'm going to review the Kiss Mtv Unplugged. As always, a small introduction to the album is needed first.

1996: the Kiss had just concluded the "Kiss convention tour," a convention which also included Peter Criss, the catman, an all-acoustic convention that the Kiss managed to exploit until the last second of the last song. That being said, "on with the review"!

I happen to get this "Mtv unplugged" in my hands, but it is in a double version of both DVD and CD. Of course, the double version does not come from Italy, but the fact is that I start watching the DVD.

The first song is "Comin' home", which is part of "Hotter than Hell", and it is performed perfectly. Eric Singer behind the acoustic drums does not disappoint and doesn't let anyone down; in fact, he showcases his best in the easier songs since he makes them more beautiful and catchy, but also more challenging. "Comin' home" is the right introductory song for this type of concert: strong and intense, the Kiss know how to handle their audience, and indeed, right away Gene’s "A" note on the bass is heard, leading into "Plaster caster" from 'Love gun'. The song is performed excellently and Kulick's solo is heard very well here. Gene's voice is perfect, calibrated excellently, and so after "Plaster Caster", they continue with "Goin' blind", another song from "Hotter than Hell". Gene once again shows his skills, although the song is shortened because "The demon" doesn't remember the words and repeats those from the previous verse. Anyway, up until now, the Kiss have been amazing, it's worth noting, and they'll continue to be for the entire concert.

"Do you love me?" is the next song performed excellently, with Eric Singer's Pearl being heard excellently here too. Paul's voice seems rejuvenated, showcasing his best with vocal cords and also with his acoustic Ibanez. Technical problems with Bruce's guitar for the next song "Domino". The guitar is not heard at the beginning, which causes Gene to interrupt the song and sincerely say "Let's do it again." The audience jokes with the Demon about this mistake but doesn’t hold it against him because, after all, he is Gene Simmons. "Domino" starts again, and this time Kulick's guitar has no issues. When the song ends, Gene sincerely says "I'm sorry!!!"with a sad and melancholic voice, as if to emphasize that it wasn't intentional. After "Domino", comes "Got to choose", another song from "Hotter than Hell". As it's not one of my favorites, I'll critique it a bit by saying that they didn't perform it very well, but it is still pleasant to listen to. "Sure know something" follows "Got to choose", a beautiful ballad from "Dynasty" performed as if Paul hadn't aged a day, and the drumming is consistently precise and impeccable.

"A world without heroes" is the next song that leaves everyone speechless for its beauty and sweetness. The following "Rock bottom" warms up the audience to the point where the Kiss play "See you tonight" (it's written that way on the disc, I swear), which is part of "Gene", one of the solo albums of the four. Paul’s guitar starts the notes of "I still love you", always beautiful and full of emotions; Eric Singer replicates the drum parts from "Alive III" excellently. The audience applauds the four, who then perform "Every time I look at you" from "Revenge", also played with a small orchestra composed exclusively of violas, violins, and double basses. The execution is perfect, and it's here that the old generations take the place of the new: Ace & Peter perform two songs with Paul & Gene. The audience, evidently ecstatic, demands "Shock Me", but Ace plays "2,000 man". The audience is satisfied but at least wants "Beth" by Peter Criss. Naturally, the Kiss oblige, and right after "2,000 man" comes "Beth", performed beautifully as well.

And so, the Kiss really show who they are by playing two songs as six: Ace, Peter, Bruce, Paul, and Eric Singer. The first song played by six is "Nothing to lose", performed excellently with the first verse sung by Singer. To close the concert and send everyone to bed, "Rock and roll all nite" is a must, where I liked the dual guitar solo, first Bruce, then Ace.

This live performance is definitely one of the best by the Kiss without a doubt; the only thing that leaves a bit of a bitter taste from this 'Unplugged' is the reunion with Ace, not well-regarded by Gene Simmons, who only thinks about the economic aspect of the reunion. Aside from these details, it must be said that the Kiss are the Kiss, and they will never bow down to any other band, not even the Metallica Unplugged (1997) could remotely compete with that of the Kiss.