On May 20th, 1980 – KISS released their eighth studio album: Unmasked. Shocking Fact Alert #1: Although not credited, the drummer for this entire album was Anton Fig and not Peter Criss. Now that the shock has hopefully subsided, onwards we go. Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley do play on every song on Unmasked. I just had to reinforce that info, just in case someone was wondering and started to panic. (I pause to laugh and quickly regain control).
This album was released via Casablanca Records, with a large poster inserted inside the album’s jacket. My two favorite songs from this album are: Is That You? and What Makes The World Go ‘Round. I even dig the song Shandi. Truth be told, I really like this KISS album and have no problem recommending it to anyone. This isn’t the greatest KISS album ever and it isn’t the worst either. The Elder will always be the freaking worst KISS album ever recorded; that is a fact and tell ’em Stone says so.
Above: The front cover to my KISS Unmasked album. Some years ago I had flood waters destroy my record collection, save for a dozen or so. Yes, that life event super-sucked infected goat testicles. However, this album was one that was elevated above the water. Go figure.
My first copy of Unmasked was an 8-track version. I bought this 8-track, with loot from my mother, from a (now defunct) department store called Caldor. Around 1983, I traded my Billy Squier Emotions In Motion vinyl for a used copy of Unmasked on vinyl, while in high school. A decent trade, I believe. Long ago trade aside, Billy Squier is alright in my Metal book. The 8-track and 8-track player I had are long gone. That kinda sucks. Some years ago, I finally upgraded to CD, with Unmasked. Why it took me so long to upgrade Unmasked to CD? I just don’t know, go figure.
Shocking Fact Alert #2: Did you know that the Village People were signed to Casablanca Records too? KISS and The Village People shared the same record label. That should keep you up at night tossing and turning. WTF!?
That’s me holding my Unmasked poster, above! Whoa!
I’ve always enjoyed looking at the album artwork for Unmasked. Who was the artist? Victor Stabin. You can learn more about this exceptional artist and view his works by clicking here: http://www.victorstabin.com.
Above: The back cover to the KISS Unmasked CD, with track listing. Whoa!
This KISS album has always reminded me of Summer. Once again, I just don’t know, go figure. I have traded away many, many terrific items, throughout the years. My vinyl of Unmasked and its poster I could never think of parting with. Then again, who knows? Go figure and Metal be thy name. – Stone
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LONG LIVE KISS.
LONG LIVE VINYL.
Stone.
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