Alive

TRIBUTE: ACE FREHLEY

There are some people in the world that leave such a lasting impact on many and that legacy will hold on forever. When you look back at rock n’ roll history the band KISS, is without a doubt, one of the biggest inspirations to so many that have picked up an instrument or started a band. Yes, KISS had the makeup and schtick to really make it something else but the real deal was the music and the songs. I can’t help but think about the very first KISS album and how that really changed everything. The album cover with all four faces of Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter in their respective makeup. I can only imagine being a kid when that came out, going to the record store and buying it solely based on the cover art. Then you get it home and drop the needle down and track one is “Strutter?!” I mean how perfect does it get? As you listen through the first album, you hear banger song after another. From “Deuce,” “Cold Gin,” “Nothin’ To Lose,” “Let Me Know,” “100,000 Years,” and one of my all time favorite KISS songs, “Black Diamond.” When you speak of the best debut albums, this first KISS album has to be on the list and high up. The songs are there but, Ace Frehley really put his stamp on this album as well as all he played on. His guitar work is otherworldly. After all he is the “Spaceman.” The style he played with had such a swagger and looseness that really complemented Paul’s playing and the balance of rhythm between Gene and Peter. That Les Paul Ace had too, with the smoke coming out of it is so iconic. And how can you forget about his solos! While not “flashy” Ace played with a grace and freeness that only so many can. I had the great chance in 1998 on October 31st, to see KISS live at Dodger Stadium on their Reunion tour and for the Psycho Circus album. It was one of those shows I will always remember. A spectacle for damn sure but, KISS had a way a lot of the bands they inspired, to make you feel like you are right in front of the stage. I distinctly remember watching Ace that night and being in awe of the way he played and made it look so easy. Thank you Ace for all the years of great music, candidness and inspiring so many to pick up that instrument and start playing. Your impact and legacy is intact forever!

R.I.P. Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley (April 27, 1951- October 16, 2025)!

Kiss:

Hotter Than Hell:

Dressed To Kill:

Rock And Roll Over:

Destroyer:

Love Gun:

Psycho Circus:

ALIVE:

ALIVE II:

ACE 1978 SOLO ALBUM:

Band Of The Week: Edge Of Paradise

16178980_1393561493989299_4502280354080353479_o.jpg What do you get when you mix bits and pieces of the best parts of the 80’s a la Iron Maiden, Dio, Metallica, a dash of early 2000’s rock and a touch of glam? Well the answer is Edge of Paradise. This Los Angeles based band has been steadily making a name for themselves with their electric live shows and throwback sounding tunes. Edge Of Paradise’s melodic heavy rock is the right sound at the right time. Fronted by singer Margarita Monet and her sultry vocals, she guides the rock to where it needs to be. The band consisting of Dave Bates, John Chominsky, Nick Ericson and David Ruiz, pack a blistering punch with their rock assault. The addition of guitarist David Ruiz, who I’ve seen and heard in other bands, really adds another layer of heavy to the band. Their new album ALIVE, is full of dark and epic songs that will leave you swaying and grooving along.

 

Edge Of Paradise- Alive:

Upcoming Tour Dates:
06/28 Lucky Strike Live Hollywood, CA
07/28 Funhouse Seattle WA
07/29 Rock Hard PDX Portland, OR
08/08 Dipiazzas Long Beach, CA
08/09 Brick By Brick San Diego, CA
08/25 Jub Jub’s Thirst Parlor Reno, NV

Album Debate: Pearl Jam TEN or VS

ten

(1993)-Vs

 

To create an album that is absolutely memorable, relatable, and sonically amazing is no easy task. However during the musical renaissance of the 90’s there was an abundance of bands that did just that. Pearl Jam came out swinging with their debut album TEN. Songs like “Once,” “Black,” “Garden,” “Alive,” hell the entire album is a gem. There is not one ounce of filler on this album. The only thing I can really pick on about the album are the mixes. The band was never completely satisfied with the final result. When TEN was re-released, longtime producer Brendan O’Brien remixed it to the way the band had envisioned it originally. You can definitely tell the difference. A couple years later in 1993, Pearl Jam released what I consider to be their finest piece of work, VS. This album had a much more together feel along with a rawer and more aggressive sound. There was also a more natural, band-oriented album, rather than each member bringing in a bunch of songs that was already arranged. It really does show. As a whole its a more cohesive put together album. This is where the bands identity lies. It also showed a broad section of the band and their ability to do ballads, faster songs, slow songs, and the more punk driven songs. Again, there is not one song on this album that is filler. From the heavier side of things like “Go,” “Animal,” “Rearviewmirror,” to the more delicate like “Daughter,” “Elderly Woman…” and “Dissident” and closing it out with the more than beautiful “Indifference,” this is such a well rounded album.

Obviously I pick VS as my favorite album of theirs. Where do you stand?

 

By: Brian Lacy