Songs that came alive, when unplugged

TheSpoiler · Post by **TheSpoiler** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 1:40 pm

For a number of people, especially critics, Kiss Unplugged was a bit of a revelation, when Kiss revealed that yes, they actually could play. IMHO, however, there were some tracks that REALLY came to life in that setting for the first time.

Comin Home (I remember reading that they opened with that and thought "that's a mistake" - how wrong could I be)

Plaster Caster - never a favourite on LG, different story here.

Got To Choose - not on the official release, but those who have seen it will know what I mean. Again just IMHO, SO much better than previous versions.

Anyone else?

Revenge 92 · Post by **Revenge 92** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 2:00 pm

Sure know something. I like the original, but this unplugged version gives it more body.

Comin home is indeed another example.

jestor92 · Post by **jestor92** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 2:07 pm

Comin Home
Sure Know Something
Shock Me (this song sounded great on the Kruise)
Nothin To Lose.

SpaceaceRyan · Post by **SpaceaceRyan** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 2:07 pm

Beth (No orchestra, no problem. This is how it should’ve been done 45 years ago.)

kisswah · Post by **kisswah** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 2:07 pm

Agree ... also that "Goodbye" version someone posted a few days ago.

jestor92 · Post by **jestor92** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 2:09 pm

Comin Home
Sure Know Something
Shock Me (this song sounded great on the Kruise)
Nothin To Lose.

Supertrooper · Post by **Supertrooper** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 2:10 pm

See you tonite and Nothin to Lose worked really well imo. As mentioned Sure know something, plaster caster and Comin home became even better than the original versions. I wish they had skipped Every Time I look at you.

Ace of Bass · Post by **Ace of Bass** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 2:27 pm

Why wasn’t Got To Choose on the official release? I think it sounds amazing.

Where's Drago? · Post by **Where's Drago?** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 2:56 pm

Ace of Bass wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 2:27 pm Why wasn’t Got To Choose on the official release? I think it sounds amazing.

Got To Choose was added to the official vinyl version

I honestly think everything that appeared on this release was an improvement on the original.

I'd easily put Unplugged as one of the very greatest KISS releases. It's also an album I'd proudly have non-fans listen to.

KingOfHearts89 · Post by **KingOfHearts89** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 3:31 pm

Going of MTV unplugged A World Without Heroes, Domino and Goin Blind are the three that strike out. To me Gene's singing voice is at its best at the mellow songs rather than God of Thunder or Unholy.

gabbagabba · Post by **gabbagabba** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 3:41 pm

Got To Choose

kisswah · Post by **kisswah** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 3:41 pm

Oh yes, the semi-acoustic version of Goin Blind on MTV was also great. (Just G&P)

steve · Post by **steve** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 3:47 pm

Comin' Home did nothing for me until I heard the MTV Unplugged version.

torgotheme · Post by **torgotheme** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 3:55 pm

The impact of the 1st 3 songs on Unplugged - Comin' Home, Plaster Caster, and Goin' Blind - is heavy. I imagine they sound fresh and exciting to new or casual fans, and the diehards have to love it. 2/3rds from Hotter Than Hell, perfect. That's a really powerful sequence for me.

69th_B1izard · Post by **69th_B1izard** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 3:59 pm

Goin’ Blind

mbrunn · Post by **mbrunn** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 5:32 pm

torgotheme wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 3:55 pm The impact of the 1st 3 songs on Unplugged - Comin' Home, Plaster Caster, and Goin' Blind - is heavy. I imagine they sound fresh and exciting to new or casual fans, and the diehards have to love it. 2/3rds from Hotter Than Hell, perfect. That's a really powerful sequence for me.

I 100% agree! A great start to (IMO) the second best KISS live album and still one of my favorite KISS releases of all time!

Easy Catman · Post by **Easy Catman** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 5:39 pm

So many, Sure Know Something, A World Without Heroes, Comin Home, Beth but the sound and production on the whole thing is just fantastic it "shines" not forgetting the stellar performances from all involved.

Avidfan · Post by **Avidfan** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 5:47 pm

Hands down Comin Home, and they made it the opener to boot. I would have been hard pressed to sing half the lyrics before, but man, Paul's voice and Eric's amazingly fluid fills gave it so much energy.
Sure Know Something was already a catchy tune but it came alive too unplugged.

I would have liked to see another Ace song, rather than 2000 Man...Save Your love, Two Sides of the coin.

Wiseacre · Post by **Wiseacre** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 6:14 pm

Avidfan wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 5:47 pm
I would have liked to see another Ace song, rather than 2000 Man...Save Your love, Two Sides of the coin.

“what’s on your mind?” is an underrated gem. One of Ace’s best. Would have been great in the Unplugged set. The bridge is on3 of the best things in any Ace song. Pretty similar to the progression in “Comin’ Home”. Ace has a co-write and I assume it was that bit. Along with that the verse has some nice arpeggiated parts. Lots of acoustic guitar in that song.

kisswah · Post by **kisswah** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 6:30 pm

Wiseacre wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 6:14 pm
Avidfan wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 5:47 pm
I would have liked to see another Ace song, rather than 2000 Man...Save Your love, Two Sides of the coin.
“what’s on your mind?” is an underrated gem. One of Ace’s best. Would have been great in the Unplugged set. The bridge is on3 of the best things in any Ace song. Pretty similar to the progression in “Comin’ Home”. Ace has a co-write and I assume it was that bit. Along with that the verse has some nice arpeggiated parts. Lots of acoustic guitar in that song.

Is this version common knowledge ?

Bruce · Post by **Bruce** » Sat Apr 10, 2021 7:03 am

Easy Catman wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 5:39 pm (...) the sound and production on the whole thing is just fantastic (...)

Agreed! Bruce has even said that playing acoustically is not as easy for him, as playing electric. The strings can be unforgiving. A lot of effort and preparation went into that show and every song benefitted from it.

rwgriffith · Post by **rwgriffith** » Sat Apr 10, 2021 7:09 am

kisswah wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 6:30 pm
Wiseacre wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 6:14 pm
Avidfan wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 5:47 pm
I would have liked to see another Ace song, rather than 2000 Man...Save Your love, Two Sides of the coin.
“what’s on your mind?” is an underrated gem. One of Ace’s best. Would have been great in the Unplugged set. The bridge is on3 of the best things in any Ace song. Pretty similar to the progression in “Comin’ Home”. Ace has a co-write and I assume it was that bit. Along with that the verse has some nice arpeggiated parts. Lots of acoustic guitar in that song.
Is this version common knowledge ?

I did not know of this version...

SpaceJase · Post by **SpaceJase** » Sat Apr 10, 2021 7:18 am

“Comin’ Home” became a new KISS favorite after Unplugged aired. I thought it was a superb version.
Actually, I’m going to go listen to Unplugged right now! Thanks!!

Stlouisblue · Post by **Stlouisblue** » Sat Apr 10, 2021 7:58 am

Hillbilly version of God Of Thunder

Hi I'm Witz · Post by **Hi I'm Witz** » Sat Apr 10, 2021 8:01 am

Comin' Home
Goin' Blind

These were the biggest standouts for me. These took on a whole new life when played unplugged. Sure Know Something is a real gem too.

lespaul · Post by **lespaul** » Sat Apr 10, 2021 8:07 am

God of thunder

Beth

kisswah · Post by **kisswah** » Sat Apr 10, 2021 8:17 am

I still love you? ... it became very alive I would say ... too much maybe

Easy Catman · Post by **Easy Catman** » Sun Apr 11, 2021 5:15 pm

kisswah wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 6:30 pm
Wiseacre wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 6:14 pm
Avidfan wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 5:47 pm
I would have liked to see another Ace song, rather than 2000 Man...Save Your love, Two Sides of the coin.
“what’s on your mind?” is an underrated gem. One of Ace’s best. Would have been great in the Unplugged set. The bridge is on3 of the best things in any Ace song. Pretty similar to the progression in “Comin’ Home”. Ace has a co-write and I assume it was that bit. Along with that the verse has some nice arpeggiated parts. Lots of acoustic guitar in that song.
Is this version common knowledge ?

Interesting

rwgriffith · Post by **rwgriffith** » Sun Apr 11, 2021 5:19 pm

“Comin’ Home” was my favorite from the Unplugged album.

Easy Catman · Post by **Easy Catman** » Sun Apr 11, 2021 5:27 pm

Bruce wrote: ↑Sat Apr 10, 2021 7:03 am
Easy Catman wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 5:39 pm (...) the sound and production on the whole thing is just fantastic (...)
Agreed! Bruce has even said that playing acoustically is not as easy for him, as playing electric. The strings can be unforgiving. A lot of effort and preparation went into that show and every song benefitted from it.

Compare MTV Unplugged to the acoustic set on Vegas this shows what BK's contribution was.

Bruce · Post by **Bruce** » Sun Apr 11, 2021 5:51 pm

Indeed! What I love best about MTV Unplugged is that even with the hardcores who believe that only the original lineup was worth listening to, they give Bruce the credit he deserves. The simple fact of Ace & Pete being there meant he would be overshadowed. It meant that the makeup was coming back on. And that when his contract expired, Kulick was out of a job. He knew all those things and yet? He gave a stellar farewell performance. Thats class. Thats professionalism. He's the last of his breed, thats for sure.

DoggFather · Post by **DoggFather** » Sun Apr 11, 2021 8:32 pm

Bruce wrote: ↑Sun Apr 11, 2021 5:51 pm Indeed! What I love best about MTV Unplugged is that even with the hardcores who believe that only the original lineup was worth listening to, they give Bruce the credit he deserves. The simple fact of Ace & Pete being there meant he would be overshadowed. It meant that the makeup was coming back on. And that when his contract expired, Kulick was out of a job. He knew all those things and yet? He gave a stellar farewell performance. Thats class. Thats professionalism. He's the last of his breed, thats for sure.

I pretty agree with all of the above.

Bruce is the unsung hero of Unplugged.

DoggFather · Post by **DoggFather** » Sun Apr 11, 2021 8:32 pm

DoggFather wrote: ↑Sun Apr 11, 2021 8:32 pm
Bruce wrote: ↑Sun Apr 11, 2021 5:51 pm Indeed! What I love best about MTV Unplugged is that even with the hardcores who believe that only the original lineup was worth listening to, they give Bruce the credit he deserves. The simple fact of Ace & Pete being there meant he would be overshadowed. It meant that the makeup was coming back on. And that when his contract expired, Kulick was out of a job. He knew all those things and yet? He gave a stellar farewell performance. Thats class. Thats professionalism. He's the last of his breed, thats for sure.
I pretty much agree with all of the above.

Bruce is the unsung hero of Unplugged.

Mr. Kiss · Post by **Mr. Kiss** » Sun Apr 11, 2021 8:41 pm

Got To Choose is definitely the standout track from Unplugged to my ears! They nailed it!

Post by **Kissoff** » Sun Apr 11, 2021 9:13 pm

TheSpoiler wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 1:40 pm For a number of people, especially critics, Kiss Unplugged was a bit of a revelation, when Kiss revealed that yes, they actually could play. IMHO, however, there were some tracks that REALLY came to life in that setting for the first time.

Comin Home (I remember reading that they opened with that and thought "that's a mistake" - how wrong could I be)

Plaster Caster - never a favourite on LG, different story here.

Got To Choose - not on the official release, but those who have seen it will know what I mean. Again just IMHO, SO much better than previous versions.

Anyone else?

Agreed along with Beth and Sure know Something of which Bruce's ending solo was beyond poetry in motion.

KISS#1 · Post by **KISS#1** » Sun Apr 11, 2021 9:51 pm

Goin' Blind from MTV Unplugged.

Post by **Kissoff** » Sun Apr 11, 2021 11:10 pm

Wiseacre wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 6:14 pm
Avidfan wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 5:47 pm
I would have liked to see another Ace song, rather than 2000 Man...Save Your love, Two Sides of the coin.
“what’s on your mind?” is an underrated gem. One of Ace’s best. Would have been great in the Unplugged set. The bridge is on3 of the best things in any Ace song. Pretty similar to the progression in “Comin’ Home”. Ace has a co-write and I assume it was that bit. Along with that the verse has some nice arpeggiated parts. Lots of acoustic guitar in that song.

I agree that one was always my secret pleasure.

Pete2174 · Post by **Pete2174** » Sun Apr 11, 2021 11:30 pm

Comin's home & Nothin' to Lose are stand out tracks for me on MTV Unplugged.

joma5477 · Post by **joma5477** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 1:13 pm

I agree with Beth. The Destroyer version is meh, Unplugged version is awesome.

Otherwise I think all the song sound great on Unplugged, but I can't think of any other where I think the Unplugged version is awesome, but the original is nothing special.

FlyingInA747 · Post by **FlyingInA747** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 1:19 pm

SpaceaceRyan wrote: ↑Fri Apr 09, 2021 2:07 pm Beth (No orchestra, no problem. This is how it should’ve been done 45 years ago.)

Agreed. The version on the Unplugged album is far superior to the original album version.

rwgriffith · Post by **rwgriffith** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 1:40 pm

It was really killer when Ace and Peter did “2,000 Man” and “Beth”. What a great night!!

Mr.Antonio2005 · Post by **Mr.Antonio2005** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 5:57 pm

Comin Home, Got to Choose, Plaster Caster, See You Tonight and .....
Everytime I look at you simply because they did it with the orchestra live and it sounded amazing!