355. KISS

(September 2021) Episode 355 is KISS. I can’t think of a rock band whose fame is derived from a higher ratio of style over substance. Cock rock has not aged well (other than as period pieces in movie soundtracks), and KISS is no exception. It’s like they presciently made music in order to be mocked by Spinal Tap, and later made music that mimicked the mocking. I was too young for the KISS Army and like to think I would not have succumbed.

Favorite album: Destroyer

Favorite song: Dark Light

Oddest yet weirdly compelling album: Music from “The Elder”

Best late-period album: Carnival of Souls

Best 1978 solo album: Ace Frehley

Favorite member: Ace Frehley

Compared to expectations: same

Recommendation: don’t bother