Customer Reviews

Kiss: Hotter than Hell--The Stories Behind Every Song

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I have to agree wholeheartedly with the reviewer that said the only worthwhile part of this book are the interviews, but that's not saying much. I bought this book thinking I would get, as advertised, "the stories behind the songs". Not only is this completely false, but I'm not sure the author knows anything about KISS at all. All he did was listen to the song lyrics, regurgitate them back with some loose interpretation of what they're supposed to mean, and that's your story behind the song. No other insight, research, or nothing. If you want a good insightful look at KISS, I highly recommend "KISS Alive Forever: A Touring History". Don't waste your money on this ..., even if you're a diehard fan.

If I could give 0 stars, I would. The book is not what is promised. Just explanations about the what the songs are about. Descriptions that are even below the level of amatuer Rolling Stone reviewers. Keep your money and don't waste it on this -- even the pictures are not worth the amount paid.

Didn't Rick Derringer play guitar in All American Man? No mention of that here. This book is just one guys view of what he thinks the songs are about. There aren't many actual facts on what the members were really thinking when they wrote their songs. This book is a total waste of time and money. I am so glad I didn't pay cover price for it. True KISS fans need to just stay away from this book.

Grade: F

This book claims to be the stories behind every KISS song. This is a lie. The book is actually just the opinions of the author and a few no-name British musicians and writers. Who cares what Paul Elliot thinks? I have the U2 book from the "Stories Behind the Songs Series" and each song is covered in detail with quotes from band members, producers, and others involved in the creation of each song. No such luck here. Just some KISS fans offering their opinions. The only good thing about this book is the brief, but interesting, interview with Gene and Paul and a couple of nice photos. Otherwise, you could write the same book by getting together with a few of your KISS fan friends and recording your critiques of each song. This book is a rip-off.

Like anyone cares what the author thinks. Utter [bunk.] You can at least read the real stories behind the songs [online].

DO NOT buy this book. It is pure crap. It does not provide information about each song, rather just this guys opinion. Any information that is passed off as being actual "stories behind the songs" was stolen from other books and magazine articles.

Do yourself a favor and don't buy this.

The stories behind the songs? Not really. It's really a book about what a handful of musicians THOUGHT about Kiss songs. I have it. It is a must for Kiss fans. The interviews are pretty standard Kiss fare - nothing really new. But if you're like me - and you collect every 'slick' book published about the band, you sort of have to get it. Better options are available - "Kiss: the Early Years" and "The Complete Touring History"

I agree with above reviewer and as typical with european publications of Kiss there are the several photos printed backwards! Theres also a pic of the group with Eric Singer in the catman makeup that the author refers to as Peter Criss! I was also lead to believe that the "story behind every song" would include factual and behinds the scenes information not merely "lightening speed fretwork, a real stomper" etc. Stay away from this!