Customer Reviews

Symphony: Alive IV [Limited Deluxe Edition]

5 star:		(81)
4 star:		(32)
3 star:		(19)
2 star:		(24)
1 star:		(26)

 

 

Being a die hard KISS fan for almost 30 years now, this new release posed some challenges to my loyalties. I've read the comments ranging from the tunnel visioned "The greatest album ever!", to the equally closed minded "They sucked then, they suck now" routine. I really believe the answer lies somewhere in the middle. Yes, I know this is the 6th collection of live material from "The Masters Of Bombastic Musical Theatrics" (if you count "Unplugged" and "You Wanted The Best..."), but face it...that's what these boys do best...Perform Live. In my book, it's just plusses and minuses as to how good (or bad) this album is.

MINUS: This is, for the most part (actually, with the sole exception of "Psycho Circus"), a rehash of the live stuff that made them the kings of the stadium shows in the 70's and 80's...and that they have continued to exploit for the last 7 years with nothing new or original to be seen anywhere in the near future.

PLUS: This collection has some of the best live recordings of these songs ever released, most notably "Let Me Go Rock & Roll", "God Of Thunder", and "Black Diamond". There are also some songs that have never been released live before..."Psycho Circus", "Shandi", and "Great Expectations" (which lends itself incredibly well to this format), so there is a trace of uniqueness to this particular live set.

MINUS: Some of the songs don't sound as good with full orchestration.

PLUS: Some of the songs sound absolutely incredible (far better than the originals) with full orchestration, especially "Beth", "God Of Thunder", "Shout It Out Loud", "Great Expectations" (a pleasant surprise), "I Was Made For Lovin' You" (I HATED the studio version), and "Black Diamond" (speaking of which, if you like this, check out Yoshiki's (X-Japan) piano version on the "KISS My Ass" tribute album). And I thought that "King Of The Night Time World" wouldn't rock with strings...WRONG!

MINUS: Ace Frehley isn't playing with the band.

PLUS: Tommy Thayer is playing with the band. And he can hold his own. But I agree with some of the critics that the band should have given him his own character, as they did with Eric Carr, and Vinnie Vincent. Ace was and always will be the Spaceman, and it isn't fair to Tommy or the fans to keep him in Ace's makeup for the sake of BIG BUSINESS. Tommy is an excellent guitar player, and deserves to be recognized...as himself. This isn't as obvious in a strictly audio production, but once the DVD comes out...

MINUS: The concert is heavily edited, and the recording uses only 96 of the 140 or so available CD minutes.

PLUS: Although not really a plus for the CD itself, the whole shebang will be out on DVD soon, and should contain the entire concert, uncut. As was the case with McCartney's "Back In The USA", the DVD and CD will compliment each other (although, in Mac's case, the CD had more tunes), and besides, this gives the group a chance to capitalize on the extra material (a plus for them rather than us).

TOTAL: So, maybe it all balances out in the end. Overall, this CD is an excellent live collection of what have obviously been overplayed songs (c'mon...6 live albums, and no fewer than 5 greatest hits collections). I think it would have been in the band's best future interests to have included 4 or 5 more different (previously unreleased live) songs to really make this set a gem, but they didn't... So, it all comes down to what you value in your musical selections. If you value originality, this CD isn't for you. If you are a diehard fan, it is a "must have". But if you listen before you make a judgment, enjoy good "in your face" rock and roll with a slightly different twist, and don't care if you've heard the songs before, then I believe you will find that this CD will make an interesting and worthwhile addition to your collection.

I've been a Kiss fan since 1976 so i was really weary about purchasing a live album featuring the makeup lineup minus ACE and also a performance with an orchestra.
In some cases their concept worked and in some it didn't...
First i must point out that their is an energy present from the band that i haven't felt in many years.
They really sound hungry again most likely because they want this concept to work so much yet i sense also for the first time a sense of insecurity.
You can hear it in Paul Stanley's comments between songs such as "Is this Cool?"
The band knows deep down that it's pretty sad that they have to resort to putting a guy from a Kiss tribute band in Ace Frehley's makeup and costume and sell this off.
The fact that no one can deny is that Tommy Thayer can look like Ace but he will never be Ace Frehley.
Ace Frehley composed those guitar parts for those songs and he gave Kiss their raw unchained sound which Tommy does not have.
Ace also invented his space Ace character not Tommy.
Paul Stanley says that Kiss is not about one member but i must disagree with the point that Ace gave Kiss their sound with his guitar playing.
Basically Paul is saying that any member is replaceable in a rock band.
DO YOU THINK THAT LED ZEPPELIN COULD REPLACE JIMMY PAGE...I DON'T THINK SO!
The sound from a great guitarist comes from his soul and you can not reproduce someone's soul.
Anyway here is my review.
Side one starts off with the usual and overplayed crowd pleasers of "deuce" and "strutter" which are played effectively and with big gutsy bombast.
Gene Simmons is really pumped as you can hear him screaming during the opening of "deuce", "Let me hear you!"..and the fans just eat it up.
I was most impressed with "Lick it Up" as they tear it up with a new arrangement and an exciting mid tempo stop where Paul tells the audience to "Clap your hands". Tommy also provides some blistering leads which add to this highlight.

"Calling Dr.love" is lackluster and is missing it's bite but "Psycho Circus" is a roaring beast live.
Sadly,Peter Criss's drum playing is mediocre through most of the concert with sloppy fills and very weak sound.
The acoustic set begins and unfortunately songs from "Unplugged" are played AGAIN... WHY not play something different like "Hard Luck Woman" or "Reason to Live".
Anyway "Shandi" is exciting and inspired as the band responds to australia's curious love for this song and "Forever" is seen in a new tender light with the help of the melbourne ensemble strings.
Side 2 is a mixed bag as some of the songs work with the full orchestra and some don't.
"Black Diamond" and "I Was made for loving you" are tailor made for the orchestra band blend but tunes such as "Love Gun" and "Do You Love me" fall flat.
The orchestra just gets in the way of these songs and more than anything become a nuisance to the songs original uncultivated rawness.
Finally we come to the expected closer of "Rock and Roll all Nite" which surpisingly rips like it never has before and is one of the most exciting moments ever in live rock n' roll history.
It's unbelieveable.
So to sum it up... a mixed bag hitting some high's and some major low's but those high's might just make it worth your dollar.....
O.F.

I've always been a Kiss fan but ever since the reunion of the original line-up in 1996 their (old) songs have been rehashed and repackaged too often. The DVD version of Symphony is AWESOME and the sales figures of it say it all: Kiss is an audio-visual spectacle, hence the excellent sales of the DVD. On double CD -especially the 'limited' (ahum...) edition digi-pack - the band rocks equally fantastic but the general audience didn't buy the album so saleswise the CD version failed miserable. Let me make clear that this album deserved to be #1 but this cheaply repackaged single disc.... what a joke !!! The beautiful digi-pack double CD only costs some $ 4 more than this sh**ty CD and who oh who is gonna buy it then ??? If you want this CD, spend the $ 4 extra and get the digi-pack double CD.

So Alive IV finally came out after being promised to the KISS Army for, what, two or three years now? This KISS Symphony is waaaaaaaaaay better than what the original incarnation of ALive IV was supposed to be (the Millenium New Year's show in Vancouver). And who can blame KISS for taking the opportunity to fix their old record label's mistake (delay after delay of Alive IV and finally missing the boat completely when KISS left to start their own label) by finding something that they had never done yet - play with an orchestra. Tommy Thayer shines through as the Space Man of Right Now, Peter is back behind the kit where he belongs (E. Singer is great, but No), Gene keeps things tight on the bass, and Paul is, well, hard to shut up between songs. The biggest treat for KISS fans are the performances of Lick It Up, Forever, Shandi, and Great Expectations, all songs never recorded live in make-up. This version of Lick It Up is also the best version I've ever heard played. The show-stopper is God of Thunder with the orchestra adding even more ominous tones to an all ready dark arrangement - Gene had to be happy to with getting the top draw.

Overall it's not fair to compare this to the other three Alive albums, this one plays by its own rules. 4 out of 5 stars since Ace didn't show up to play.

As an early KISS fan coming from just outside New York City, I can say that just about any KISS is good KISS. Even in their 50's and with gray hair, Gene, Paul and cast put on a heck of a show. After 30 years, KISS still defines what a concert 'should' be.

WHAT YOU GET: A handsomely done 2-CD package. One of the best looking double CD's I own. Folds in & out nicely. A 22-page booklet jam packed with credits and pictures of the band performing, as well as the symphony (and conductor David Campbell). A fold-out pamphlet of letters and accolades from fans from this February 2003 concert. 2 discs containing 21 total songs... 42-45 minutes of music on each disc. Disc 1 features six songs with the four members of KISS (only) playing. The 2nd half of disc 1 (starting with Peter singing "Beth") introduces the orchestra. Disc 2 finds KISS accompanied by the orchestra on every song.

THE GOOD: Paul & Gene still sound great. It was a pleasant surprise to see & hear Peter Criss (for some reason I still thought Ace & Peter were on the infamous black list). Tommy Thayer (guitar) is a welcome addition and a very competent Ace replacement. When I first opened the booklet and saw Thayer in the retro Ace outfit... I was fooled for a few seconds thinking Ace had started a workout/rehab program and was once again touring with the band. Thayer comes from good stock and has been around the band for years in one way or another (mostly behind the scenes). Thayer's resume includes playing guitar with his most notable 1980's band Black 'N Blue, and Harlow; various film, video and KISS book projects; project coordinator for the KISS Box Set; and working extensively with Ace Frehley back in 1996 - whipping him back into shape for the Reunion Tour (this is where Thayer learned most of those trademark "Ace" solos). The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (in full KISS make-up) sounds wonderful even tho at times they are overbearing and tend to drown out the guitars. Best songs that work with the orchestra are "Black Diamond", "Goin' Blind", "Beth", "Detroit Rock City", "Shout It Out Loud" and "God Of Thunder". Sound production is crisp.

THE NOT SO GOOD: I wish the music went on longer. Two discs clocking in at under 90 total minutes just doesn't seem like enough (I wonder at this point if any songs were edited out). Keep in mind tho, much of KISS' catalog is in the 3 minute range. The fact that KISS has 30+ albums and this set features TWO songs from the sub par "Dynasty" just amazes me. Several of these song selections sound way to familiar (from their "MTV Unplugged" and "Alive III" releases). Ultimately KISS picks the songs that "work" with the orchestra and for them... not necessarily what we want to hear (just once I'd like to see them record live "Mr. Speed", "Sweet Pain", "Got Love For Sale" or "Ladies In Waiting"). Songs that don't "work" here are, "Shandi", "King Of The Night Time World", "Love Gun" (a very lackluster version here of one of my all-time favorite KISS tunes)... and most importantly doing "Great Expectations" live is a downright sin - even if they are accompanied by the precious Australian Children's Choir. Paul seems very talkative between songs (especially on disc one) and I wish they had edited some of his babble out. Also, why does he need to sing most of what he says in between songs... can't he just talk to the audience? I wish I had a dollar for every time one of the band members said "Melbourne". Again, the symphony orchestra sounds great and, I'm still just not convinced this whole integration of rock & roll mixed with a vast number of violins/cellos/etc works for an entire show. As original as you think it might be, other large acts have done this before (Metallica, Deep Purple, etc).

OVERALL: Sounded like a good show and I wish I had been there. Any KISS fan will tell you - "You had to be there". KISS is felt best when you're there and witnessing the event. As much as it is music, it's a show. Worthy of the purchase - Absolutely. Fans old and new will not be disappointed.

The only (and I mean ONLY) reason to buy this disc is if you're a hard-core fan and absolutely *must* have the bonus track on it. And if you ask me, having KISS fans buy Alive IV *twice* to get all the material from the shows is a pretty lame thing for Gene Simmons to do (tho not surprising). Instead, buy the two-disc limited-edition version of Alive IV (or even better - buy the DVD) and purchase the bonus track from one of the music download services.

I cannot believe some of the reviews posted on this cd. So many people are judging it merely because Ace is not here and that Kiss did the whole 'farewell' thing a couple of years prior. How ,many rock bands have been around for 30 years plus and still have there original lineup? Cant anyone judge a cd for the music?????

Well musically speaking, this album is excellent. The first cd is great and has a great heavy rock feel to the first act. Act 2 offers a new sound to old classic rock ballads and the 3rd act, well it will knock your socks off.

Tommy is an excellent guitarist - sorry Ace fans, Tommy is a much better player, I am a guitarist, i know what im talking about. Paul is excellent on vocals and still has it. The orcestra add a new dimension to Kiss and you will hear it on this album.

here is the breakdown.

Deuce - great opener, great sound, how can you fault this album??? how many bands sound this good live? most sound useless even when in the studio!!! Gene is very good vocally as you will hear.

Strutter - classic Kiss, Pauls vocals are on top form and Tommys guitar work is flawless. I know that Kiss have many best hits albums, but live is always the best and this track is a great follow up from Deuce

Let me go - Tommy Thayer shows on this track who he is, much clearer then Ace ever did. Solid and clear playing and vocally paul delivers the goods.

Lick it up - Good version, Vinnie Vincent owned the guitar on this track but Tommy does a good job.

Calling Dr love - Classic sleaze, all members of the band were in sync. Best live version of this song.

Psycho circus - I saw Kiss on this tour when they visited England. This version is the best live version ive ever heard, better then the studio album version.

Beth - The orchestra add a great classical sound, something ive never heard on any live album or studio recorded album.

Forever - Inspiring version, once again Tommys guitar work is flawless.

Goin blind - The orcestra add a nice clean, classy song and replicate the tone and feel of the lyrics.

Sure know something - Very, very good. Great vocals and backing by the MSO.

Shandi - Rarely performed live, I loved this one.

Overall cd 1 is great, i would have liked to see Hide your heart and reason to live be performed but still a faultless sound.

Detriot rock city - Smashing opener, thundering sound. The MSO pump up the loudness NOT drown the original sound. The IDEA OF THE MSO is to ADD a NEW DIMENSION TO KISS, NOT MAKE IT JUST LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE!!!!!

King of the knightime world - Not bad, could have been better. would have rather had unholy, or creatures of the night instead.

Do you love me - OK, Peter sounds crisp and energic on the drums.

Shout it out loud - Good song, consistant with the original and good to hear.

God of Thunder - BANG, SMASH!!! Probably the most definitive version yet. The MSO add menacing strings and a evil tone to the DEMON!!!

Love Gun - One of my all time favs, love the song, love the sound. Full of energy and awesome sound.

Black diamond - EXCELLENT, everything is perfect on this song, from the MSO, to the guitars to the vocals. PERFECT, JUST PERFECT.

Great expectation - I was nicely surprised with this one, great gospel feel to this and, yeah, very good.

I was made for loving you - Again another SUPER TRACK, probably the best and ONLY version of this song. The original was far too disco and this takes the song to its proper roots. Pure heavy rock. FANTASTIC

Rock and roll all nite - great closer

How can any reviewer bash this album? can anyone simply see an album for its music? not changing lineups? this is a great album, ignore any negative posts, take my word for it!!!

As far as the 2004/5 lineup is concerned, i went to the virginia beach show for the 2004 tour and the band sound the best ever - without any doubt. Dont believe me? buy the ROCK THE NATION LIVE dvd and find out yourself.

Let me start out by saying that I'm as big a KISS fan as anybody can attest to - 30 years of amassed albums, memorabilia. etc... That being said... this album deserves a collective YAWN... It's not REALLY KISS - Ace Frehley bailed out...

I swear I'll never buy another KISS album that's just a retread of everything else, a bunch of the same stuff in different wrapping, and that's all this is. Sure they added an orchestra - unless somebody told you it was there, I'm not sure you'd realize it on most of the songs, and where you can hear it, adds no real value, anyways. I'm sick of the same ol' renditions of Detroit Rock City, Shout it Out Loud, R&R All Night, Duece, blah, blah, blah... Shandi was a nice touch, but stuck to the studio sound...

Don't waste your money - there's nothing ear-catching about this CD...

NOTE TO KISS - How about either hitting the studio for something new, or digging into the vault a little bit for something new and different...

Kiss's live sound has always managed to dwarf its studio sound. The arena just seems to bring their music to life in a way that the studio never has. For their 4th (and perhaps final) live albumn, one would expect to hear them doing what they do best; playing live and raw.

On Alive IV, the guys demonstrate that they have mentally slipped over the edge. They are ending their careers in a way they promised not to: as old, washed up rockers going out with a wimper. The Farewell Tour provided the band with a chance to end with dignity. This opportunity has officially been hijacked, and now Kiss's already shaky legacy seems doomed to become a joke. Several factors have led to this, not the least of which is the departure of Ace Freely. Their solution? To dress up another guitar player to look like him.

In addition, the band has regressed back to wearing ALIVE I era costumes, their cheapest looking and least impressive duds. Rather than looking like a warrior, Gene Simmons now looks like a fashion victim from an S & M shop. Pathetic. This albumn represents a sad, pathetic ending that should never have been.

I am not a critic. I am a one time devoted fan who simply can't spin the sad truth. As a one time devoted fan, I'm sad and dissapointed that this has happened. The guys haven't done the fans a favor by coming out of retirement; they have let us down. It didn't have to end this way, but it has, and its a shame.

As a KISS fan for nearly 30 years, I feel totally betrayed by this disc. As the first reviewer said, KISS' style has always been the "in your face, heavy power chords and dynamic riffs." All of those things are definately muddied by the orchestra. Believe it or not, Metallica's performance with the SF orchestra is far better than this KISS attempt. Add to that the fact that Ace Frehley isn't even performing, and you have one CHEESY 2 disc set. It gets 3 stars only because that is how many original members are playing in the band....THAT IS IT! True KISS Army members will buy it just because it is KISS. But if you are looking for a classic KISS live compilation, buy KISS ALIVE or KISS ALIVE II. Those truly show the bombastic nature of one of the greatest rock bands in history. Sorry Gene, Paul, Peter. But you MISSED with this one (can you say "Songs From The Elder?"). It would have been better for you guys to release live versions of songs that you played on the Farewell Tour (as promised) than to try "re-do" something that has already been done. Oh and one more thing.....ACE IS GOD!!! We miss you ACE.