KISS – EARLY YEARS 1966-1974 (2 CD)

Description

★The ultimate definitive edition covering their pre-debut history has arrived!!

★Includes tracks such as Peter from his Chelsea days, where you can hear the prototype of “Beth,” Gene from his Bullfrog Beheer days, which also features the basis for “Only You,” and the WICKED LESTER remix created for the official box set, and much more.

　The ultimate, definitive version of the groundbreaking “pre-KISS” album has arrived! A limited-edition 2CD set, featuring the ultimate master obtained through an exclusive source, is being released for permanent preservation!!

　How did the legend of KISS come to be? This album is part of the “KISSTORICUS” project, which delves deep into the history of KISS before its formation, and is a laborious work that unearths precious material from the depths of the archives. It is a collection of extremely rare recordings that have hardly ever been heard before. Moreover, most of them are of astonishing quality, exceeding that of official releases.

　DISC 1 compiles the untold stories of the youth of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss—the three who would later form KISS—before they joined forces on the shared destiny of KISS. DISC 2 features the highest quality remasters of WICKED LESTER, the direct predecessor of KISS, as well as rare recordings from around the time of KISS’s debut. While this release is presented chronologically, we will introduce each member/project individually for easier understanding.
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[DISC 1: Paul Stanley related]
●UNCLE JOE (1 song: Track 1)
　The opening track is UNCLE JOE, a local band in which a young Paul Stanley was a member. “Stop, Look To Listen” was recorded at Mayfair Studios in New York, and features Paul (vocals/guitar), Matt Lail (guitar), and Neil Thieman (drums). According to Neil Thieman, this was a rehearsal that was unofficially recorded on tape when they had the opportunity to use the studio. It captures the fresh, raw voice of a teenage Paul.

[DISC 1: Gene Simmons related]
■17-year-old recording (1 song: Track 2)
　Next up is something related to Gene Simmons. First up is “My Uncle Is A Raft,” composed by Gene when he was just 14 years old. It’s one of the earliest songs he wrote, and it’s a song with a charming story behind it: as an immigrant who was still unfamiliar with English, he mistakenly believed that the phrase “My Uncle Is A Raft” had a deeper meaning. Performed by Gene (g/vo), Mark Nyberg (ds), and Larry Martinelli (g).

■BULLFROG BHEER (5 tracks: Tracks 8-12)
　And a must-listen is Gene’s earliest project, “BULLFROG BHEER.” These tracks are from the famous “12-track publishing reel” and were recorded around 1969-1970.

　Among them, “Eskimo Sun” (original title “Eskimo Sun (A Six Month Waltz)”) is a must-listen track that later served as the melodic foundation for “Only You,” which was included on the album “MUSIC FROM THE ELDER.” Also, “Stanley The Parrot” is one of the earliest demos recorded on acetate by Richcraft Recordings. It appears that Brook Ostrander of WICKED LESTER added keyboards to “Nancy” (original title “A Reevus In The Eye”) and “Put On Your Slippers” later.

[DISC 1: Peter Criss related]
◆THE BARRACUDA’S (2 tracks: Track 3/4)
　The most numerous tracks on DISC 1 are actually related to Peter Criss. In fact, Peter has by far the most extensive career among the original KISS members. First up are two tracks by “THE BARRACUDA’S”. Released as the single “DE-502” by Delight Records, composed by Carlos Canzan and produced by Marty Craft. Peter participates under the name “Peter Crissquora”.

◆SOUNDS OF SOUL (3 tracks: Tracks 5-7) This
　is an R&B/soul cover band that Peter was a part of in the late 1960s before CHELSEA. All of the tracks are covers of famous songs, and the recordings are from rare demos and acetates.

◆CHELSEA (4 tracks: Tracks 13-16)
　This was the band Peter was in before joining KISS, and they signed a two-album contract with Decca Records. They released their debut LP in 1970, but their second album was never released. “Beck,” “Heaven With The Stars Above,” “Run, Mr. Green,” and “You Make Me Feel” included on this album are demos for that lost second album.

　The highlight is undoubtedly “Beck.” Written by Peter and Stan Penridge during their time in Chelsea, this is the original version of “Beth,” which would later become KISS’s biggest hit ballad.

◆LIPS (5 tracks: Tracks 17-21)
　LIPS was a band formed as an evolution of CHELSEA (August 1971). They recorded at Bell Sound Studios. There are 5 tracks, four of which would later be re-recorded on his 1978 solo album, PETER CRISS.

[DISC 1: Paul & Gene related]
●Tommy James recording (1 song: Track 22)
　The last track on DISC 1 is Tommy James’ “Celebrate.” It was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in 1972, with Paul and Gene Simmons participating in the session. It is a valuable record that tells the story of the time when the two were making a living through studio work.
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[DISC 2: WICKED LESTER Era]
●Unreleased Box Set Masters (10 tracks: Tracks 1-10)
　Disc 2 continues with the WICKED LESTER era. The highlight is the 10-track “Unreleased Box Set Masters,” which are full-length WICKED LESTER albums remixed for an official box set in 2001. Although they were never included in the box set, this release features those legendary remix masters digitized directly from the studio reels. You can fully enjoy the soft, eclectic pop-rock feel that is unique to WICKED LESTER. In particular, “Love Her All I Can” and “She” are the original versions of songs that KISS later rearranged and released on ‘DRESSED TO KILL’.

[DISC 2: Various Rare Recordings from After KISS’s Formation]
■Lynne Christopher Recordings (2 tracks: Track 11/12)
　The second half of DISC 2 features rare recordings from the early days when KISS was just starting out.
　First up are two tracks by Lynn Christopher, “Celebrate II” and “Weddin'”, recorded in 1973 with Paul and Gene participating. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios, these are valuable records from the period when the two were working as session musicians, similar to Tommy James on DISC 1.

■CHED Radio Clip (Track 13)
　Next up is the “CHED Radio Clip” from May 2, 1974. This is Gene Simmons’ radio ID recorded for CHED Radio in Canada, and it’s a collection of short clips that KISS recorded for promotion shortly after their debut.

■WNEW Special Program “Nightbird” (Tracks 14-23)
　This release concludes with Alison Steele’s WNEW program “Nightbird.” Recorded on June 23, 1974, this FM broadcast begins with an intro featuring “Strutter” as the lead track, and includes broadcast performances of early hits such as “Deuce,” “Nothin’ To Lose,” and “Cold Gin,” as well as interviews with “Peter & Paul” and “Gene & Ace.” This is a top-quality digital version digitized from a pre-FM transcription disc, allowing you to enjoy this historical FM broadcast, fresh and ambitious from their early days.
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　This is a treasure trove of recordings, totaling approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes. It’s the ultimate compilation, condensing the journey from Mayfair Studios in 1966 to KISS’s official debut in 1974. It includes “Beck,” the prototype for “Beth,” “Eskimo Sun,” the basis for “Only You,” and the original tracks of WICKED LESTER that led to “DRESSED TO KILL.” This historical tapestry sparkles with glimpses of the nascent talent that would blossom in KISS. This is the definitive pre-debut history, told through superb masters unearthed via our own unique channels. Please enjoy it to your heart’s content.

★The ultimate compilation bringing together the journey of KISS before their formation. Composed of superb masters unearthed through unique channels, this is a shocking release with almost all tracks being of official release quality or better. It includes Peter from his Chelsea days, where you can hear the prototype of “Beth,” Gene from his Bullfrog Beheer days, where the basis for “Only You” appears, and even the WICKED LESTER remix created for the official box set, and much more. The ultimate definitive collection that covers their pre-debut history.

Disc:1 (65:33)
Mayfair Recordings Studios New York City 1966
1.Uncle Joe (Paul Stanley) – Stop, Look To Listen
Unknown Studio, New York City 1966

2.Gene Simmons – My Uncle Is A Raft
Delite Records, New York City 1967

3. The Barracuda’s (Peter Criss) -Chicken
4. The Barracuda’s (Peter Criss) – No Use
Gotham Recording Corporation , New York City 1967

5. Sounds of Soul (Peter Criss) – My Girl
6. Sounds of Soul (Peter Criss) – Respect
7. Sounds of Soul (Peter Criss) – Since I Fell For You
Richcraft Recording Company, New york City 1969

8. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) – Eskimo Sun
9. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) – Leeta
10. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) – Nancy
11. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) – Put On Your Slippers
12. Bullfrog Bheer (Gene Simmons) – Stanley The Parrot
Chelsea Unreleased 2nd Album Demos, New York City 1970

13. Chelsea (Peter Criss) – Beck
14. Chelsea (Peter Criss) – Heaven with the stars above
15. Chelsea (Peter Criss) – Run, Mr. Green
16. Chelsea (Peter Criss) – You Make Me Feel
Bell Sound Studios, New York City 1972

17. LIPS (Peter Criss) – Don’t Let The Blues Surround You
18. LIPS (Peter Criss) – Hooked On Rock and Roll
19. LIPS (Peter Criss) – I’m Gonna Love You
20. LIPS (Peter Criss) – That’s The Kind Of Sugar Papa Likes
21. LIPS (Peter Criss) – Don’t You Let Me Down
Electric Lady Studio New York City 1972

22. Tommy James (Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley) – Celebrate

Disc:2 (61:18)
Electric Lady Studios, New York City 1972 Wicked Lester 2001 Unreleased Box Set Remaster
1. Wicked Lester – Sweet Ophelia
2. Wicked Lester – Love Her All I Can
3. Wicked Lester – She
4. Wicked Lester – Keep Me Waiting
5. Wicked Lester – Shout It Out Loud
6. Wicked Lester – Simple Type
7. Wicked Lester – Molly
8. Wicked Lester – What Happens In The Darkness
9. Wicked Lester – Too Many Mondays
10. Wicked Lester – When The Bell Rings

Electric Lady Studios, New York City 1973
11. Lyn Christopher (Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley) – Celebrate II
12. Lyn Christopher (Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley) – Weddin’

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 630AM CHED RADIO 2nd May 1974
13. Gene Simmons Radio ID’s

Nightbird & Company with Alison Steele
WNEW Transcription Disc (Pre FM Vinyl)
Interview with Alison Steele 23rd June 1974
14. Intro : Strutter
15. Interview #1 (Peter & Paul)
16. Deuce
17. Interview #2 (Peter & Paul)
18. Nothin’ To Lose
19. Interview #3 (Gene & Ace)
20. Love Theme From Kiss
21. Interview #4 (Gene)
22. CM
23. Cold Gin : Outro

INFORMATION FOR OVERSEAS’ COLLECTORS

To uncover the history of KISS even further, we have delved deeply into the archives as part of our KISSTORICUS project and brought unique material to the surface.

Material from the pre-KISS era that has rarely or never been heard before. We have compiled this material on this exclusive and unique CD, featuring recordings made by Paul, Gene, and Peter before they formed KISS.

This is historical material that was never officially released and is now finally making its way to the fans.

1. Uncle Joe – “Stop, Look To Listen”
Recorded at Mayfair Studios in New York.
For a long time, 1966 was cited as the recording year, but research indicates the session most likely took place closer to 1970.
Line-up:
* Paul Stanley – vocals/guitar
* Matt Rael – guitar
* Neal Teeman – drums
Neal Teeman stated that the recording originated from informal studio access, during which rehearsals were recorded directly to tape.
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2. Gene Simmons – “My Uncle Is A Raft”
One of the earliest songs written by Gene Simmons. Written when Gene was approximately 14 years old.
Recorded with:
* Gene Simmons – acoustic guitar/vocals
* Mark Nyberg – drums
* Larry Martinelli – electric guitar
According to Gene Simmons, the title came from his early struggles with English as an immigrant, leading him to believe “My Uncle Is A Raft” was a meaningful lyric.
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3. The Barracudas – “Chicken”
Released as a single on Delite Records (DE-502).
Written by Carlos Cancel.
Produced by Marty Craft.
Arranged by Ted Eddy.
Line-up (as documented in session listings):
* Peter Criscuola (later Peter Criss)
* Carlos Cancel
* Joey Lucenti (uncertain)
* Angelo Opper (uncertain)
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4. The Barracudas – “No Use”
B-side of the same Delite single as “Chicken.”
Written by Carlos Cancel.
Produced by Marty Craft.
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5. Sounds Of Soul – “My Girl”
A recording from Peter Criss’ early R&B/soul period prior to Chelsea and KISS.
A cover of the classic “My Girl.”
Circulating versions originate from rare demo or acetate sources.
Concrete studio documentation is limited, and available sources primarily confirm the existence of the recording rather than detailed session data.
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6. Sounds Of Soul – “Respect”
A cover of “Respect.”
Known among collectors for the poor audio quality of circulating copies.
Some versions contain audible defects such as skips or surface damage, originating from the source acetate.
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7. Sounds Of Soul – “Since I Fell For You”
A cover of the standard “Since I Fell For You.”
One of the few surviving Sounds Of Soul recordings known within KISS collector circles.
No detailed session documentation is publicly available.
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8. Bullfrog Beer – “Eskimo Sun”
Original title: “Eskimo Sun (A Six Month Waltz).”
Later formed the melodic basis for “Only You” on Music from ‘The Elder’.
Performed live by Rainbow, the predecessor to Wicked Lester.
Recorded as part of Gene Simmons’ well-known 12-song publishing reel.
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9. Bullfrog Bheer – “Leeta”
Recorded around 1969-1970.
Explicitly associated with the Bullfrog Bheer project in Gene Simmons’ archival materials.
Also included in the 12-song publishing reel.
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10. Bullfrog Beer – “Nancy”
Original title: “A Reevus In The Eye”
Initially recorded as a solo Gene Simmons performance in South Fallsburg, New York.
Later augmented with keyboard overdubs by Brooke Ostrander of Wicked Lester.
Part of the 12-song publishing reel.
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11. Bullfrog Bheer – “Put On Your Slippers”
Recorded in 1970.
Likely included keyboard contributions by Brooke Ostrander.
Also part of the 12-song publishing reel.
The accompanying submission letter listed a runtime of 2:40.
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12. Bullfrog Beer – “Stanley The Parrot”
One of Gene Simmons’ best-known pre-Wicked Lester demo recordings.
Recorded on a Richcraft Recording Company acetate.
Archival notes suggest the musicians were likely members of Bullfrog Bheer, possibly later supplemented with overdubs by Brooke Ostrander of Wicked Lester.
Among collectors, this is often regarded as one of the most significant early Gene Simmons recordings.

Disc 2 – Electric Lady Studios, New York City (1972)
Wicked Lester – 2001 Unreleased Box Set Remaster
This is the 2001 remix of the Wicked Lester album. It was remixed to be included in the 2001 KISS official boxset. Unfortunately this never happened but here it is directly off studio master reel.

1. “Sweet Ophelia”
Recorded during the Wicked Lester sessions at Electric Lady Studios.
Part of the band’s unreleased album project produced before KISS was formed.
Features the softer, eclectic pop-rock style typical of Wicked Lester.

2. “Love Her All I Can”
Early Wicked Lester version of a song that would later be reworked and officially released by KISS.
Demonstrates the transitional songwriting phase between Wicked Lester and early KISS material.

3. “She”
Wicked Lester interpretation of the song originally associated with the band’s broader demo repertoire.
Reflects the group’s diverse stylistic approach during this period.

4. “Keep Me Waiting”
Unreleased Wicked Lester track showcasing a more melodic, soft-rock arrangement style.

5. “Shout It Out Loud”
Early Wicked Lester-era composition that shares its title with the later KISS song, though in a different form and arrangement from the final version.

6. “Simple Type”
Unreleased Electric Lady Studios recording from the Wicked Lester sessions.

7. “Molly”
Another track from the unreleased Wicked Lester album project, reflecting the band’s varied stylistic influences.

8. “What Happens In The Darkness”
A darker-toned Wicked Lester composition, part of the broader unreleased album recordings.

9. “Too Many Mondays”
Unreleased track from the Electric Lady Studios sessions, consistent with the softer rock direction of the project.

10. “When The Bell Rings”
Final track from the Wicked Lester session sequence included in the unreleased album material.
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Electric Lady Studios, New York City (1973)
Lyn Christopher Sessions
11. “Celebrate II”
Recorded with participation from Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley during their early New York session work.
This version is associated with the broader “Celebrate” recording project featuring multiple artists.

12. “Weddin’”
Another track from the Lyn Christopher recording sessions, featuring contributions from Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada – CHED Radio (May 2, 1974)
13. Gene Simmons Radio IDs
Short recorded radio identification clips made for CHED radio in Canada.
These capture Gene Simmons in an early promotional and interview context during the early KISS days.
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WNEW “Nightbird” Session with Alison Steele
Transcription Disc (Pre-FM Broadcast Vinyl) – June 23, 1974
14. Intro – “Strutter”
Opening segment featuring the introduction of KISS with “Strutter” as the musical lead-in.

15. Interview #1 (Peter & Paul)
Early promotional interview segment featuring Peter Criss and Paul Stanley.

16. “Deuce”
Promotional broadcast performance of “Deuce” from the early KISS catalog.

17. Interview #2 (Peter & Paul)
Second interview segment with Peter Criss and Paul Stanley discussing the band.

18. “Nothin’ To Lose”
Broadcast of album track “Nothin’ To Lose.”

19. Interview #3 (Gene & Ace)
Interview segment featuring Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley.

20. “Love Theme From KISS”
Instrumental piece associated with early KISS promotional material and radio broadcasts.

21. Interview #4 (Gene)
Solo interview segment with Gene Simmons.

22. CM
Commercial break segment included in the original transcription disc sequence.

23. “Cold Gin” Outro
Closing performance segment featuring “Cold Gin” as the broadcast outro.