Kiss Rock And Roll Over CD

Kiss: Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley (vocals, guitar); Gene Simmons (vocals, bass); Peter Criss (vocals, drums).
Recorded at The Record Plant, New York, New York. Includes liner notes by Robert V. Conte.
Digitally remastered by Joseph M. Palmaccio (Sterling Sound, New York, New York).
Personnel: Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley (guitar); Peter Criss (drums).
Audio Remasterer: Joseph M. Palmaccio.
Liner Note Author: Robert V. Conte.
Recording information: Record Plant, New York, NY.
With the massive success of their previous album, the experimental Bob Ezrin-produced Destroyer (which contained the surprise ballad hit "Beth"), Kiss could have taken the safe route and continued in that direction -- or return to the raw hard rock of their first four albums. They chose the latter. Hooking back up with Eddie Kramer, the producer of their 1975 breakthrough release Alive! and their very first demo, Kiss rented out the Nanuet Star Theater in upstate New York to record their next album, Rock and Roll Over. With a more direct, in-your-face production, Rock and Roll Over is one of Kiss' most consistent records. Two of the album's best tracks became hit singles -- the sleazy hard rocker "Calling Dr. Love" and an acoustic ballad that was originally intended for Rod Stewart, "Hard Luck Woman" (later covered by country star Garth Brooks). But like all other classic rock albums, the lesser-known material is often just as strong -- "I Want You" and "Makin' Love" became concert staples over the years, while "Mr. Speed" is one of the most underrated songs in Kiss' catalogue. Also included are the fan favorites "Take Me," "Ladies Room," "Love 'Em and Leave 'Em," and the original version of "See You in Your Dreams," which was later re-recorded for Gene Simmons' 1978 solo album. ~ Greg Prato
ROCK AND ROLL OVER finds Kiss at its sleekest and most pop-oriented. Fresh from the thundering success of DESTROYER, the band turned out an album jammed with brisk, mostly up-tempo numbers, among which are included some of Kiss's most memorable hits. ROCK AND ROLL OVER was part of a transitional period for Kiss, between the sleazy, more conventional rock of their earlier efforts (HOTTER THAN HELL, DRESSED TO KILL) and the otherworldly, apocalyptic pomp of this album and their other, previous '76 release DESTROYER.
"Hard Luck Woman" became a veritable anthem--sung by Peter Criss, this mid-tempo, largely acoustic number displayed a disarming vulnerability. "Calling Dr. Love" became a signature tune for Gene Simmons--pounding, swooping, and totally lascivious--that's our Gene. Also of note is "I Want You," another instant classic, its start-and-stop dynamics and quintessential Ace Frehley solo (all swagger and scales) making it a defining moment for the group.