CHAPTER 55 - Paul Stanley extra-KISS

 

55.01. You’re Out Of Love (Alessi, 1978)

Paul Stanley was the first member of KISS to make a credited guest appearance on another artist’s album. During 1978 he recorded some guitar work, including the solo and background vocals, on the Alessi Brother’s album “Driftin,’” which would be released in August. Appearing on a single track, “You’re Out Of Love,” the recording was done at the Hit Factory in New York City with Kevin Herron producing. Alessi was an AOR-styled light pop band whose primary members were identical twin brothers Billy (Keyboards/Vocals) and Bobby (Guitar/Vocals) Alessi who were from West Hempstead, New York. Some have accused them of being Bee Gees clones, though their musical style would be closer to Journey or Rush with more of a 70s dance beat rather than the full-on disco which jumps into mind when considering the Bee Gees.

 

55.02. Don’t Ever Wanna Lose (New England, 1979)

During 1979 Paul Stanley produced the debut album from a new Boston band, New England, for Infinity Records. This band had originally been discovered by KISS manager Bill Aucoin and had opened up for KISS on some dates of the 1979 “Dynasty” Tour. In his biography, New England’s drummer, Hirsh Gardner describes how Paul got involved in a brief vignette, “The boys were offered a choice of any record producer in the industry, as the record company was really into the band and basically all they said was, ‘OK, who do you want?’ Aucoin suggested Paul Stanley of KISS, who wasn’t really a consideration at that point, but the band was open-minded and said, ‘Sure, send him up to Boston for rehearsal.’ That was it. Done deal. Paul flies in, great vibes, knows the board well and production starts” (Dirtywater.com). Paul would sing backing vocals on the track which would become a radio hit for the band, and reach the top 40 at the same time KISS’ “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” was on the charts.

 

55.03. The Fight (Desmond Child & Rouge)

According to Desmond Child, co-writer of the song: “I met Paul Stanley after a show of Desmond Child and Rouge. He was curious so he came over to see us play. We got together and he suggested we write songs together. First we wrote a song for my next album which I was working on at that time. Then he suggested to co-write a song for KISS, so we wrote ‘I Was Made For Lovin’ You.’ I was very surprised by the success of that song but also very happy ‘cause it helped me to get through many hard, lean times” (Desmond-Child.com). First though, Paul would recruit the female singers from Rouge to appear on his solo album, which was being recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York. Paul wouldn’t appear on the Rouge recording of “The Fight,” but the song would provide the song-writing genesis for a successful partnership that would last into the late-1980s.

 

55.04. Falling In Love (Balance)

Produced by Balance; engineered by and co-produced by Tony Bongiovi. Balance was comprised of Bob Kulick (Guitars), Peppy Castro (Lead Vocals), and Doug Katsaros (Keyboards and Vocals). It stands as one of few “band” projects Bob has been involved with during his long career. Session players on the album would include Andy Newmark on drums and Willie Weeks and John Siegler on bass. On “Falling In Love,” written by Peppy Castro and released on the debut Balance album in 1981, Paul Stanley would sing uncredited backing vocals. It would be released as a single (Portrait 02608) backed with “Fly Through The Night.” The single would reach #53 on the Cashbox charts and #58 on Billboard.

 

55.05. Save Up All Your Tears (Robin Beck)

Produced by Desmond Child, which may help explain how the song ended up on Robin Beck’s album (apart from the fact that several Child compositions were recorded by Robin). Recorded by Arthur Payson and recorded at Bearsville Studio, Bearsville, New York and Kampo Studio, New York City, New York. Paul would sing backing vocals on one track, written by Desmond Child and Diane Warren, on Robin’s “Trouble Or Nothing” album, which also included her cover version of Paul’s “Hide Your Heart.” Some of the other background vocalists on the album included Myriam Valle, Maria Vidal, Richard T. Bear, and Desmond Child who are mentioned elsewhere throughout this book. Robin later married James Christian (ex-House of Lords) and released two further albums before leaving the music scene.

 

55.06. Shocker (The “Dudes Of Wrath”)

Produced by Desmond Child. Recorded at Record Plant Studio, Hollywood, California. Written by Jean Beauvoir, Desmond Child and Guy Mann-Dude. Paul would share lead vocals with Desmond on the performance of the title track to the movie and soundtrack of the same name. The rest of the band, the “The Dudes Of Wrath,” would include Vivian Campbell and Guy Mann-Dude sharing guitar duties, Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot & Whitesnake) on bass, and Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe) on drums. Future and past KISS song co-writers Kane Roberts and Michael Anthony would be among the backing vocalists.

 

55.07. A Lover Like You

Written by Jean Beauvoir and Paul Stanley in 1989, this song would be released on the Voodoo X album “The Awakening, Vol. 1.”

 

55.08. Love Makes You Crazy

While Vini Poncia had been brought back into the KISS fold during the “Hot In The Shade” sessions, “Love Makes You Crazy” would see an interesting combination of writers from that time period. Written by Paul Stanley, Jean Beauvoir, and Vini, the song would never be used on any recordings, even though some Paul and Jean collaborations from this era would end up on Voodoo X and Crown Of Thorns albums.

 

55.09. The Game Of Love

Written by Paul Stanley and Bob Held in 1990, this song would be one of the last demoed with Eric Carr on drums. It was recorded at Track Recording Studios in Los Angeles with Bruce Kulick playing guitar. In 1998 the band Garbo Talks, which included Bob Held, resurrected the demo, and others, for an album project. The original demo was overdubbed with additional parts to complete the recording: “You can tell by your expression / What was going on inside / Like a master of deception / I never saw it in your eyes // Was it more to you than winning? / There was nothing left to chance / Should have known from the beginning / In this slight of hand romance.”

 

Produced by Bob Held the overdubs were recorded at Green Street Studios in  New York. The completed track includes Jon Gorman on lead vocals and backing vocals, Bob Held on bass and backing vocals, and Tony Bruno (of Danger Danger fame) on the guitar solo, in addition to the original KISS member’s contributions.

 

55.10. I Hate Love

Written by Paul, Bob Held, and Joe Lynn Turner, it is not clear whether this song bears any relationship with “The Game Of Love,” which was attributed to Paul and Bob. This song was written around 1990.

 

55.11. Hang Me Up (War Babies, 1991)

The full 4:04 album version of the song written by Tommy McMullin and Paul Stanley. This track would be the lead-off single from the War Babies’ 1992 self-titled album. Unfortunately, the band were from Seattle and were not part of the grunge movement. Having formed in 1990 the band would not survive the movement launched by their Seattle breatheren. Additionally, a video, directed by Katy Lynne, would be made for the track when the single was released in December 1991, but Paul’s involvement would be limited to being a songwriter.

 

55.12. Cry Yourself To Sleep

4:26 album version written by Paul Stanley and Brad Sinsel. Brad had been the lead singer of TKO, along with War Babies drummer Richard Stuverud. In addition to the album version, both a single edit and a “guitars” mix would be released on promotional CD-singles for the track. Paul’s involvement would be limited to that of a songwriter.

 

55.13. Clock Strikes (Wild Side, 1992)

Co-written by Paul Stanley, Brent Woods, and Drew Hannah and released on Wild Side’s single Capitol album, “Under The Influence” (1992), produced by Andy Johns. Following a tour with Babylon AD, the group would split up. The band were managed by famed KISS photographer Barry Levine. According to Drew, “We were introduced to Paul and Gene at the very beginning of our relationship with manager Barry… After meeting Kiss, soon we were hangin out with Paul and all the women that Paul had around him. Brent and Paul talked about writing a song together, and not long after that ‘Clock Strikes’ was born” (Metal-Sludge).

 

55.14. Brite Lites (Kuni, 2000)

Written by Kuni and Denis St. James, this song would feature Paul on bass on the demo recording. The song, much like Garbo Talks treatment of “The Game Of Love” (55.09), was resurrected for use on Kuni’s 2000 album, “Fucked Up!” (J-Disc ZACB-1027). Kuni Takeuchi is a Japanese guitar hero who had released solo albums in the 1980s, the second of which, “Looking For Action” (1988), had been produced by Dana Strum.

 

55.15. China Rain

China Rain was Randy Jackson’s post-Zebra band, which included Ronnie Snow, Brian Tichy and Teddy Cook. Zebra had once opened for KISS during the “Creatures Of The Night” tour in February 1983. Paul Stanley is rumored to have written songs with/for the band, though by the time China Rain’s debut album came out in 1991 only various collaborations with Marc Slaughter, Jack Ponti, and members of Skid Row were included. Both Paul Stanley and Bruce Kulick are thanked in the albums liner notes.

 

55.16. Johnny’s Got A Mind Of His Own

Paul would sing “guest background vocals” on this 3:42 recording released on House Of Lord’s “Demons Down” album. The song was written by James Christian, Mark Baker, and Gregg Giuffria. Amusingly, considering the title of the album, this would be the band’s first release following the demise of their previous record label: $immons Records. While not specifically credited to any single song, Paul’s pipes are very obvious on this track!

 

55.17. Jump The Gun

Co-written by Paul Stanley and Geoff Lieb (Jeff), Paul would sing backing vocals on the recording. The two had originally written and demoed the song back in the 1980s and included it on a publishing tape that also included other Paul Stanley compositions, such as “Don’t Let Go.” Jeff would release the song on his 1993 “Lucky This Time” album.

 

55.18. Winterland (Crown Of Thorns, 1991)

Written by Paul Stanley, Jean Beauvoir, and Micki Free in 1991. This song was recorded and released on the “Crown Of Thorns” album that was produced by Paul, Jean, and Micki. The initially shelved 1993 “Crown Of Thorns” album was finally be released in some markets in April 1994 and included this track. Paul also co-produced the recording, along with others included on the 1991 self-titled “48-Track Masters” EP: “Hike It Up,” “The Rain,” “Standing In The Corner For Ya,” and “I Won’t Wait.”

 

55.19. Dirty Walk, Dirty Talk (Crown Of Thorns, 1991)

Written by Paul Stanley, Jean Beauvoir, and Micki Free for the “Crown Of Thorns” album, but it was not used, though it was included on the 1991 self-titled EP. It was eventually be released in demo form on the 1995 album “21 Thorns,” and on a bonus EP which accompanied copies of “Breakthrough.”

 

55.20. So Long (Christianity, 1995)

This song was probably written by Paul prior to 1995 when Christine Lunde (aka Christianity) demoed it, with Bruce Kulick, for possible use. However, the song was too pop-oriented for the bluesy direction Christine was taking.

 

55.21. The Game Of Love (Version #2)

Produced by Bob Held and Al Greenwood; engineered by Steve Eigner, Steve Hardy, Paul Orofino, Dave Amlin and Bryce Goggin; mixed by Steve Eigner and Bob Held; mastered by Henk Kooistra at 9 West Mastering; Recorded at Unique Studios, New York City, New York, Millbrook Studios, Millbrook, New York, Track Studios, Los Angeles, California, and Sound On Sound Studios, New York City, New York. This 1996 track builds on the original 1990 demo (55.09) recorded by Paul Stanley, Eric Carr, Bruce Kulick, and Bob Held. Overdubs and vocals were recorded at Green Street Studios, New York. These included lead vocals by Jon Gorman, the guitar solo by Tony Bruno (ex-Saraya, Danger Danger), and bass by Bob Held.

 

55.22. I Was Wrong

55.23. If We Ever

Both written by Stan, Paul Stanley, and Curt Cuomo. Paul wouldn’t appear on the recordings of these songs, though Stan’s album, “Higher Than Angels,” was produced by “Carnival Of Souls” producer Curt Cuomo. Interestingly, Stan would win an Emmy Award with a song from this album, “Until I Was Loved By You,” which was featured in a wedding scene on the US soap opera “Guiding Light” in 1997.

 

55.24. You’re Gonna Be The One

Co-written by Paul, Tommy Girvin, and Curt Cuomo. Paul would also play guitar on the track, which was released on Lenita Erickson’s self-titled debut album produced by Curt Cuomo. Lenita had been a member of the girl band “Hells Belles” with former member of Vixen, Roxy Petrucci. Vixen had opened for KISS during the “Hot In The Shade” tour. To support the album, Bruce Kulick would tour as her guitarist in 1997.

 

55.25. If We Ever Get Out Of This Place

Written by Paul Stanley, Curt Cuomo, Eddie Money and Tommy Girvin . This song is a re-written version of “If We Ever” which had been recorded by Stan Bush. This song would be the first single released off Eddie’s 1997 album “Shakin’ With The Moneyman,” which was essentially a live album featuring four new studio tracks. Paul would not be involved in the recording of the song. According to Eddie, “It’s a tune basically about all the people who do double shifts and their wives work & it’s all basically about the people who really deserve two tickets to Paradise” (Rockazine).

 

55.26. Mach’s Dir Selbst

Silbermond are a female-fronted German pop/rock band. This song would be the band’s first single released in March 2004 which would also feature a 3:15 “longer rock mix” of the song. This single would enter the German charts at #56. The band would shoot a video for the song which would feature guitarist Thomas Stolle wearing a KISS T-shirt in honor of the collaboration with Paul.

 

55.27. Angel To You (Devil To Me)

Written by Paul and the members of the pop band Click Five. Released by the band on their 2005 three track EP (CLK-701) that they sold over 10,000 copies of at their concerts. The Click Five toured with both Ashlee Simpson and the Backstreet Boys. If that makes anyone shudder, the band have also shared the stage with the likes of Alanis Morisette, Barenaked Ladies, and Rod Stewart. Along with Paul the band also collaborated with Elliott Easton of the Cars, who plays the guitar solo on the band’s recording of the song (and other tracks). Produced by Mike Denneen, the band are expected to release the song on their full-length album “Greetings From Imrie House” in August 2005. When Paul attended one of the band’s shows in Boston they covered “Detroit Rock City” to honor him.

 

55.29. Impossible

55.30. Bloodtype R

“Bloodtype R” (55.30) had been recorded and released by the German band Silbermond, as “Mach’s Dir Selbst,” on their 2004 self-titled album. Bad Candy recorded the English language orginal version, credited solely to Paul, on their self-titled album: “Blood type R is for rebel / You’re in bed with the devil / I throw my fist in the air / What they tell me I don’t care / Call it all stupidity / Well that’s just me.”

 

55.31. Ready To Rock Your World

Entries 55.29-55.31 are songs written by Paul and Andreas Carlsson, one of the co-writers mentioned for Paul’s planned second solo album. Andreas is better known for having written songs for or with the likes of Celine Dion, Backstreet Boys, LeAnn Rimes, Britney Spears and ‘N Sync. According to Paul, “He’s a great writer, and, actually, a big KISS fan” (Billboard).

 

55.32. Dead End Girl (Stanley/Child)

55.33. Do Or Die (Stanley/Child)

55.34. Face To Face (Stanley/Child)

55.35. Hold On (Stanley/Child)

55.36. Trust (Stanley/Child)

55.37. Like A Bee To Honey (Stanley/Beauvoir)

Entries 55.32-55.37 are songs published through EMI music publishing, the details for which are currently unknown. These all possibly date from the late 1980s.

 

“Live To Win” Album Notes:

Released October 24, 2006 (Originally intended for release 10/3). Produced by Paul Stanley; Engineered and recorded by Alex Gibson; Assisted by Tom Syrowski, Matt Serrecchio, Glenn Pittman, Jon Berkowitz and Kevin Mills; Additional Engineers – Mark Valentine, assisted by Keith Gretlein. Kevin Mills, assisted by Phil Martin; Additional Recording – Greg Collins; Mixed by Greg Collins; Recorded and mixed at Hensen Recording Studios; Strings arranged by Paul Stanley and David Campbell, orchestrated and conducted by David Campbell; Mastered by Steve Marcussen/Marcussen Mastering.

 

According to Paul, who has been very tight-lipped about his project, “I’m not about selling sizzle. My album’s about delivering a steak. It won’t matter who’s involved or what color the cover is. That’s what it’s not about” (PressOfAtlanticCity.com). This sort of comment would be interpreted by many as a bit of an attack at Gene. Regardless, Paul was carefully crafting his solo album throughout 2004 and 2005. Paul has been direct about the album’s style: “From the songs to the playing and singing, everything about this album is consistent without compromise. The album is exactly who I am now and what I want to be doing. It’s got all the sides of what I do, so it’s not surprising that it’s got elements of everything I’ve done plus a leap into the 21st century. I don’t need to hype it. I’ll leave that to everyone else who’s heard it” (KISS Online).

 

55.38. Live To Win

Entries 55.38-55.40 were some of the earliest song titles mentioned in conjunction with Paul’s highly anticipated solo album. This song, which later became the album’s title track, was written by Andreas Carlsson, Desmond Child, and Paul and was the first promotional single issued off the album (New Door Records/Universal Music Group B0007580-02). As a promotional tie-in, the track was also featured in the South Park cartoon episode 1008, “Make Love, Not Warcraft,” first broadcast on October 4, 2006. According to Paul, the title “Is a great motto, it’s a great mantra, it’s a great way to live... So you live to accomplish your goals, you live to succeed in spite of people who think you can’t. So ‘Live To Win’ is the philosophy that’s made me who I am” (PR). When Paul hit the road in support of the album in October 2006, this song became the set opener since Paul felt that it set the tone for everything that followed both on the album and in the set.

 

55.39. Wake Up Screaming

Featuring drum programming, this song is another relationship song about the lingering effects of someone can have on a person after the relationship has ended. According to Paul, “In the throws of trying to wash somebody out of your memory, you can wind up having them hang around longer than you’d like them to. And you’ll see them in dreams and wake up... ‘screaming.’ And the best part about waking up screaming is that you know it’s not real” (PR). Tommy Denander plays some guitar on this track which is complemented with bass by Corky James and the guitar solo by Brad Fernquist.

 

55.40. Second To None

Inspired by the Elvis album title of the same name, since Andreas often had good luck using Elvis related titles for songs. The song took about two hours to write. According to Paul, “The idea behind the song really is that we’ve all got histories. You’re not the first woman I’ve met. And you’re not the first woman I’ve been with. But, you may not be the first, but there’s nobody that compares to you” (PR).

 

55.41. Lift

According to Paul the basic premise of this very modern sounding track is the power of relationships or the need for forgiveness: “It’s amazing how much of our lives are based on relationships. And how profound the effect one can have on you. And, Hell, sometimes we do things and go, ‘Boy, big mistake.’ And sometimes you’re looking for that one more chance” (PR). This song would be one of the four album tracks performed during Paul’s 2006 “Live To Win” tour.

 

55.42. Everytime I See You Around

According to Paul, “I think the idea of running into somebody, that you’ve been involved with, can just floor you, it can just take your breath away, because you just don’t know how to respond. And you’re always initially filled with all kinds of mixed emotions. You know, do you say hi? Do you not? Do you look okay? Who are you with? Am I making a good impression? Do I tell ‘em I miss ‘em? Whatever. So. I just wanted a song like that where you’re trying to pick up the pieces and get on with your life. And you think you’re just fine until somebody comes along and I guess I still got some getting over to do” (PR). This song was one of the four album tracks performed during Paul’s 2006 “Live To Win” tour.

 

Bruce Kulick plays bass on this and the other ballads. Bruce also played bass on numerous KISS recordings, such as “Nothing Can Keep Me From You,” “Forever,” “Hell Or High Water,” “Tough Love,” “Every Time I Look At You,” and seven of the songs on “Carnival Of Souls”. According to Paul, “I’ve always been a big fan of Bruce Kulick’s bass playing so it’s great to have him on some of the album” (PR). Bruce originally laid down bass for four tracks, but not all of it was used.

 

55.43. Bulletproof

According to Warner-Chappell music publishing registration (#875581100) Harry Sommerdahl is also credited as a writer on this track with Paul and Desmond. John 5 played the guitar solo. This song was performed live during the American leg of Paul’s 2006 solo tour. According to Paul, “A great relationship, a great woman, can make you invincible. Makes you feel like nothing can hurt you. You become bulletproof. No matter what other people think may of you, you become a king. And that’s one of the awesome things about a great relationship. Is that it’s empowering and turns you into all you think you can be” (PR). For many fans this song is most reminiscent of where Paul was at in the late-1980s.

 

55.44. All About You

Paul: “Probably a little more hedonistic than the other stuff. It’s basically, you put in a hard days work and you look forward to spending the night with whoever you care about and maybe making them the center of attention. So, or picking someone up and saying ‘I don’t care where this ends, but it’s all about you.’ There’s something cool about seeing your date, or your wife, or whoever you’re involved with getting off. It makes you feel omnipotent” (PR).

 

55.45. It’s Not Me

Written with Holly Knight and Charlie Midnight. According to Paul, “Sometimes you meet people who want you to be that guiding light. Or the person that takes them to some place where they haven’t been or fill some emptiness in them. And as Bob Dylan said, ‘It ain’t me, babe’” (PR).

 

55.46. Lovin’ You Without You Now

This is the first song written solely by Paul Stanley since “Tears Are Falling” in 1985. The true emotional song about being able to love someone without them being there. According to Paul, “You have those memories that are so strong. You can smell them, you can taste them. You can remember those moments together and it allows you probably to love ‘em without them being there. And sometimes that’s what keeps you going on through tough times or times where you’re away from them, is remembering how good it is to be with them” (PR).

 

55.47. Where Angels Dare

Written by Paul, Desmond Child, and John 5 (aka John Lowery). John is a former guitarist for the David Lee Roth band and Marilyn Manson. According to the KISS Magazine, he submitted an untitled song that he’d worked on with Bob Kulick and Bruce Bouillet to Paul for consideration on the album, though it wasn’t used. A long-time KISS fan, John played guitars and the solo on this track. Comments that John has made indicate that this song was written at Paul’s house and it wasn’t the only one the trio worked on together. Like the opening and title track the song continues Paul’s mantra of not giving up, “To not listen to the people who would hold us back” (PR), effectively closing the album with the same message.

 

55.48. Detroit Rock City (Live, NRL Footy Show)

Broadcast on Australia’s NRL Footy Show on April 12, 2007, the first of a few live television perfomances Paul did while on his Antipodean Tour. Filmed at the Channel 9 studios in Sydney with the whole backing band. Unfortunately, the performance was a bit of a train wreck.

 

55.49. Shandi (Live, Today Show)

Paul performed this track solo with an acoustic guitar. Paul conducted a couple of interview segements and this performance for Channel 9’s “Today Show” which was broadcast on the morning of April 13. Paul’s voice sounded a bit rough during this performance, but he gave it his all.

 

55.50. Detroit Rock City (Live, AFL Footy Show)

55.51. Live To Win  (Live, AFL Footy Show)

55.50 was a better effort than 55.48 had been a week earlier. 55.51 was only part of the song as a segue to commercial break, lasting. Broadcast on Australia’s AFL Footy Show on April 19, 2007 and filmed at the Channel 9 studios in Richmond, Melbourne.