Sunday Spins: 'KISS Off The Soundboard: Live In Poughkeepsie, NY 1984'

Back in February, I mentioned that KISS were adding to their "Off The Soundboard" vinyl series, this time featuring the apparently only known live recording with the band featuring Mark St. John. I immediately pre-ordered the album.

KISS Off The Soundboard: Live In Poughkeepsie, NY 1984 was officially released on 2-LP format earlier this month. My copy arrived a week ago.

The packaging is simple as all the "Soundboard" releases are, with the albums coming in two different brown inserts inside the larger LP container. The disc labels feature the Animalize tiger marks to note the timeframe of the recording. The albums are 180 gram vinyl.

The important thing to remember here is that this recording was released because of St. John's participation. There are songs that are not fully complete because of audio issues. Still, this is a collection worth having for KISS fans.

Of course I listened to "Heaven's On Fire" first because that is one of my favorite KISS songs. Paul Stanley does a pretty good job here, but even in 1984 it sounded like he was straining live at times. The crowd didn't seem to care and definitely participated when asked. The favorites "Detroit Rock City," "Gold Gin" and "Lick It Up" are included of course, plus a guitar solo for St. John. The finale, "Rock and Roll All Nite" is one of the incomplete songs, but that's okay. I would rather have a partial recording than not at all. There's something to be said for a band releasing official albums showing warts and all.

You can get the vinyl now everywhere you buy records. It's around $50 for the double set and remember Record Store Day is coming up on Saturday!

I Did Not Have Mark St. John News On My Bingo Card For This Week

KISS will release an official live recording featuring Mark St. John on guitar! In fact, this is apparently the only soundboard recording of St. John with KISS that even exists. It's another addition to the Off The Soundboard series. The show was recorded in Poughkeepsie, NY during 1984. So shut up and take my money I guess! The two-record set is available for pre-order now for $55. It ships in early April.

Mark St. John was only with KISS during the Animalize days. You can see St. John in the "Heaven's On Fire" video which also happens to be my favorite KISS track! St. John He developed bad arthritis and couldn't play live during most of the Animalize tour. Mark died in 2007.

JUST ANNOUNCED! Off The Soundboard: Poughkeepsie, NY 1984! This Animalize Tour show from the Mid-Hudson Civic Arena is the only known soundboard recording with Mark St. John. Available on exclusive 2LP custard yellow vinyl.

Preorder now at https://t.co/g7mBSX1Pv2 pic.twitter.com/2I7hFX6ykh

— KISS (@kiss) January 27, 2023

The Best Rock Videos Of 1998 - Day 1

Picture it: 1998. Allyson is a senior in high school and ready to be done with that stage of life. Still, there were some fun things that happened senior year. Popular music was the literal soundtrack to a lot of it. In many ways, rock music in 1998 was at a crossroads. Glam was not in style. Ska-Swing was having a moment. Some alternative bands ruled the rock world. Then there was a sort of resurgence of classic rock acts, too. Plus some bands I love today were formed in 1998 including Bullet For My Valentine and All That Remains. Rob Zombie officially became a solo artist in 1998 as well.

So while MTV wasn't playing music videos around the clock anymore, the channel still mattered to teens like me. Over the next few days, we'll look at the best rock videos from 1998. I'll also tell you about many of my favorite hip-hop and pop songs that happened to come out in 1998 as well!

Today, our best rock video pick is from KISS with "Psycho Circus" from the album of the same name. This is one of the [best!] songs KISS ever released! The musical interlude is great and so is the guitar solo. The video is goofy in that late 90s way or using all sorts of new production techniques available at the time.

BONUS: favorite pop clip is "Still Not A Player" by Big Pun featuring Joe. Late 90s hip hop videos were always on tilt. Over-the-top expenditures made for some great video clips! Great fashion, too!

KISS, 1977 Live Performance Of 'Let Me Go, Rock 'N' Roll' Now Available

KISS is sharing another recording from Off The Soundboard: Live In Des Moines 1977. The band released "Let Me Go, Rock n' Roll" via their social media earlier today, writing:

The live recording of "Let Me Go, Rock 'N' Roll" from Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium in 1977 is out today, available to hear for the first time since it was performed by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss. Listen now and pre-order Off The Soundboard: Live In Des Moines 1977, out September 9!

Applebee's Uses KISS Music In New Campaign

Nothing says rock n' roll like... Applebee's. I guess.

KISS music is used in the restaurant chain's new advertising campaign. "Rock and Roll All Nite" is the song of course. The campaign is because cheap appetizers are back for late night. I remember going to Applebee's for late night apps when I was in grad school. Seemingly being awake all the time and broke - the ad does bring back some memories. Gene Simmons cashes another check!

March 2022 New Music Playlist

Another month is in the books and now it is April. So Happy April's Fools Day, everyone - just remember to not be a jerk to folks if you play pranks. I woke up to snow this morning and that's no joke. Disgusting! At least it is Friday.

This month, the playlist features new tracks from Reckless Love, Hardcore Superstar, Bad Wolves, Shaman's Harvest... and KISS. I forgot that KISS were releasing a new live album. It's called KISS Off The Soundboard: Live in Virginia Beach. The tracks were recorded in 2004 and I chose "Tears Are Falling" for the playlist. Enjoy!

Gene Simmons Shills For TABTouch

TABTouch is online betting for Australian sports and racing. Gene Simmons of KISS will make a dollar wherever and whenever he can, which I get and respect for the most part. Gene is a businessman first and musician second. To promote TABTouch, Gene is in a few commercials for the brand. They are kind of funny. The campaign is called "You've Got The Touch." H/T to our Metalboy! for sending me these.

Here's #1

Here's #2

Here's #3 - this is the serious one, warning you not to gamble too much.