Covers And Fake Demos
Contents |
Part I - Wicked Lester's Covers
While Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley had hoped that Wicked Lester would become a band doing mostly original material they still got stuck in the situation of playing covers versions of other artist's songs. For the Epic album these included: "Sweat Ophelia", "Too Many Mondays", "(We Want To) Shout It Out Loud," "What Happens In The Darkness" and "When The Bell Rings" were purchased by Ron Johnson for the band to perform.
- A Jethro Tull song performed live by Rainbow/Wicked Lester...
- A Jeff Beck Group song performed live by Rainbow/Wicked Lester...
- A Rolling Stones song performed live by Rainbow/Wicked Lester...
- A Free song performed live by Rainbow/Wicked Lester...
- A Neil Young song performed live by Rainbow/Wicked Lester...
- Originally recorded for Barry Mann’s 1971 album “Lay It All Out.”
- Originally recorded for Barry Mann’s 1971 album “Lay It All Out.”
(What Happens) In The Darkness
- Originally written by Tamy Lester Smith and recorded by the gospel-R&B band “Infinity” in 1971.
- Originally written by Austin Roberts and Christopher Welch in 1970 and recorded by Newport News.
- Originally recorded for the Hollies’ post-Graham Nash album, “Confessions Of The Mind” (1970). Written by Allan Clarke and Terry Sylvester.
Part II - KISS' Covers
There's a lot to be said of both the songs that KISS have covered and the songs (usually 'Demos') that have often been attributed to KISS or KISS related members, that justify this slightly unconnected discourse, to explore both the origins of those songs, and the actual artists involved in the original recordings (as such). Some material has become a matter of urban legend in KISS fan circles. Ever heard a fellow fan say, "hey, I've got my hands on this really rare demo called 'Give It To You Easy' which was recorded by Wicked Lester". Or something similar. Did you ever wonder where the covers KISS recorded came from? Some of the detail in this article has been covered briefly in the actual album focus articles, this feature gives the opportunity to go into a bit more depth on the topic, for information that may be in interest.
- Reworked version of the Bobby Rydell hit of the same title...
- Reworked version of a song originally by The Hollywood Stars...
- Reworked version of a song originally recorded by The Crystals in August 1963.
- Song originally recorded by the Dave Clark Five...
Jailhouse Rock (Proposed Cover)
- Kiss urban legend. Proposed by Gene as a cover IDEA for "Alive II," but NEVER recorded...
- Rolling Stones cover...
Is That You?
- Kiss' was the first version of this song released, so it's not a cover...
Odyssey
- Kiss' was the first version of this song released, so it's not a cover...
- Reworked version of a song originally recorded by Bachman-Turner Overdrive...
War Machine
- Kiss' was the first version of this song released, so it's not a cover...
- Partial reworking of the Wendy O. William's song "Party."
God Gave Rock And Roll To You II
- Reworking of song originally recorded by Argent.
Do You Remember Rock And Roll Radio
- Tribute recording of a Ramones song...
Ace Frehley's Covers
"New York Groove" (1978)
Originally recorded by the British band (from Tottenham, London) Hello in 1975. The members of this band included Bob Bradbury (Guitar & Lead vocals), Keith Marshall (Guitar & Vocals), Jeff Allen (Drums and Vocals), and Vic Faulkner (Bass). The song was a Russ Ballard composition, which was produced by Mike Leander. "New York Groove" backed with "Little Miss Mystery" (Bell 1438-7). This song (and other Hello singles) would be a success in Germany spending 19 weeks on their charts reaching a high position of #7. The song itself was released on the album "Keeps us off the streets" (Bell Records BELLS-263) released in 1976. The song is currently available on CD.
Original Hello Version
"Into The Night" (1987)
Ace obviously had an appreciation for the songwriting ability of Russ Ballard. He first demoed this song in 1985 and would later record it on his "Frehley's Comet" album in late-1986. The song originally appeared on Russ' 1984 self-titled album (EMI America/Capitol ST-17108) as "In The Night" and was produced by Russ Ballard and John Stanley.
Original Russ Ballard Version
"Calling To You" (1987)
while this, once again, is technically not a cover, but a reworking, the original version, then titled "Megaforce" appeared on the 1982 707 album "Megaforce" (Boardwalk NBI-33253)though the original song was creditted to Howarth/McClarty/Russell, though Jonathan Cain clains a cowriting credit. At the time future Frehley's Comet keyboardist/vocalist Tod Howarth was a member of this band which was on Neil Bogart's post-Casablanca label. The cover was released on Ace's "Frehley's Comet" album in 1987 The song was heavily reworked from the original version for inclusion on the album. The song had been released as single as "Megaforce", and got decent reviews, "the title track is from the movie of the same name which is getting a big push this summer. The music is forceful mainstream pop-rock" (Billboard, 7/3/82). It was Howarth's last album with the group.
Original 707 Version
"Hide Your Heart" (1989)
Ace also get's note for his unfortunate and unintentional cover of Paul Stanley's "Hide Your Heart" which was released at the same time as KISS' version...
"Do Ya" (1989)
Also included on the "Trouble Walkin" album, this song was a cover of an Move/ELO track, written by Jeff Lynn, that was originally released as a B-side of The Move's 7" single with Ella James fronted by California Man (United Artists UA-50928) in 1972. That single would only manage a dismal #93 on the singles charts as the popularity in the band, notably in the UK, declined. The song, and the other two from the single, were also included on The Move's "Split Ends" compilation album of that year (United Artists UAS-5666) which was essentially a compilation that replaced the weakest tracks off an earlier LP, "Message From The Country" (1971), with the single's tracks. Later that year Lynn, Rick Price, and Bev Bevan formed ELO on the departure of Roy Wood from the band to explore melodic rock with classical undertones. Several years later ELO re-recorded the song and released it on a 7" single backed with "Nightrider" (Jet UA-XW939-Y) and on the album "A New World Record" (United Artists UA-LA679-G).
Original Move Version
Peter Criss Covers
"Polly Von" (1970)
A traditional Irish folk song about love, pain, murder and betrayal. It has and recorded by the likes Frankie Armstrong, and most famously Peter, Paul and Mary on their landmark "In The Wind" album (1963) attributed to Yarrow/Stookey/Travers, though like Chelsea that credit may be for the arrangement. Differering arrangements have been coming up for decades. See the image of one from the 19th Century, which simply illustrates how old the song is...
Peter, Paul & Mary Version
"Tossin' And Turnin'" (1978)
While much of Peter's material could technically be considered covers, with the fact that most of his 1978 solo album was recycled earlier material, most of it had originally been developed for his pre-KISS bands Chelsea and Lips. "Tossin' And Turnin" was an exception originally being written by Richard Adams and Malou Rene and recorded by Bobby Lewis in 1961 and released as a single backed with "Oh Yes I Love You" (Beltone 1002).
Bobby Lewis Version
"You Better Run" (1980)
Peter's first solo album, "Out Of Control", was more a matter of leftover demos rejected from the KISS Dynasty sessions of 1979. While that new album did include mostly original material, interestingly Peter did chose to cover the Young Rascals hit "You Better Run". This song had originally been included on their "Groovin'" (Atlantic 8148) album in July 1967. The album reached #5 on the US charts while the single backed with "Love Is A Beautiful Thing" (Atlantic 7-2338), which had originally been released in 1966 had reached #20 on the singles charts. While this would later be covered more successfully by Pat Benatar, Peter's version showed that he did want to rock, and the vibe of the Cavaliere and Brigati compositions, which made the Rascals/Young Rascals so popular in the beginning, came through well with his vocal style.
Young Rascals Version
"As Time Goes By" (1980)
This song barely counts as a cover. Only one line from the song is simply used as an outro piece on original copies of Peter's 1980 solo album, where he can be heard quietly whispering, "You must remember this, A Kiss is still a Kiss", no doubt as a poignant reminder of his past (but then recent separation from the band)... "As Time Goes By" was written by Herman Hupfeld and sung by Dooley Wilson in the 1942 classic Humphrey Bogart film "Casablanca". Peter Criss' version is included here because many fans have not known that this since song was covered since it was omitted from the CD Reissue of "Out Of Control" released in 1997...
Dooley Wilson Version
"Some Kinda Hurricane" (1982)
One of two songs written by Russell Ballard that would be used on Peter’s “Let Me Rock You.” Originally recorded by Russ Ballard, this song had also been covered by David Wolff on his 1980 “Aura” album (Buddah BDS-5725). Russ’ original was released in the UK (Epic EPC-4985) on February 4, 1977. Backed with “You Can Do Voodoo,” from his 1974 self-titled album, it was produced by Phil Wainman. Peter’s version differed only very slightly from Russ’ version, though was the more slickly produced of the two. The outro section’s lyrics are more developed on Peter’s version.
"Jealous Guy" (1982)
With the comparisons laid down between KISS and The Beatles, and the influence on the members of KISS that that band had, it is surprising that this is the only Beatles related song ever covered by a member of the band. The song was originally released on John's most successful commercial album, "Imagine" (Apple 3379), which was released in Late 1971 (the release dates vary between September and later). The song was released as a single in the US backed with "Give Peace A Chance" (Capitol CAP-44230) in 1988.
John Lennon's Version
"Ya Know What I Mean" (1990/91)
While it was never released, this song had been demoed by various line-ups of Peter's "Criss" band, including the band he had for a while with Mark St. John. The original version of the song, written and recorded by Lee Michaels, was a Top-10 (#6 - A&M 1262) hit in 1971 and can be found on his “Fifth” album (One Way 33644).
"Heart Behind The Hands" (2007)
From the musical, appropriately in title and subject matter, “Brooklyn: The Musical.”
"Send In The Clowns" (2007)
This song was written by Stephen Sondheim and was originally featured in the 1973 musical, “A Little Night Music.” It was the first song Peter recorded following his departure from KISS.
"What A Difference A Day Makes" (2007)
Written by Maria Grever and Stanley Adams. Recorded by Dinah Washington in 1959 providing her with a #4 hit on the R&B charts...
Gene Simmons Covers
"When You Wish Upon A Star" (1978)
Gene Simmons has (so far) only released on solo album. This song was a tip of the hat to the Disney cartoons that helped him learn English soon after moving to America in 1958. Additionally, Gene's belief in the subject matter of the song, that all things are possible embody the American dream, something he has certainly attained. The song was written by Ned Washington and Leigh Harline and was performed in the movie "Pinnochio" (first released in 1940) by Cliff Edwards, the voice of Jiminy Cricket. This song has also been covered by Louis Armstrong and Linda Rondstadt.
Original Disney Version
"Black Tongue" (2003)
A track that was supposedly based on an unused Frank Zappa riff and vocal which Gene wanted Frank’s sons Dweezil and Ahmet to appear on. However, the riff had originally formed the basis of a Zappa instrumental "Black Napkins" which had been released in 1976 on Frank's "Zoot Allures" album.
Frank Zappa Version
"Asshole" (2003)
This is a song by the Norwegian band Shirley’s Temple, written by guitarist/vocalist Frank Tostrup, which Gene purchased for use on his solo album. The song was originally released as the title-track of the band’s September 2002 EP on Capitol/EMI.
"Whatever Turns You On" (2003)
A song from another band that submitted a demo to Simmons Records...
"Beautiful" (2003)
Written by Nina Singh and Mark Addison from the band “Kitty Gordon” from Austin, Texas. This song was originally released as “Somebody Beautiful” on the band’s 1999 debut EP “Seven.”
"Firestarter" (2003)
Gene covers the classic Prodigy track.
Vinnie Vinent Covers
Mr. Vinnie Vincent doesn't need to cover other people's songs on his few albums... However, if you want to get techincal... Vinnie cops some of Francis Scott Key's "Star Spangled Banner" for the 1:29 introduction of "Let Freedom Rock" on his 1988 "All Systems Go", but that really is rather pedantic!
Mark St. John Covers
Bruce Kulick Covers
Eric Singer Covers
Part III - Not Necessarily KISS Related After All
The material that has commonly circulated in KISS fan circles, presented as "KISS Demos", which is actually not:
1980's Ladies
Suicide
Take It All From Me
Rock Me Slowly
Wet And Wild
Ring Dang Do
Fuck You
Give It To Me Easy
Thunder In My Heart
Five Dollar Shoes
