"Alive II" Album Description:
For KISS fans and vinyl enthusiasts alike, the German release of the band's iconic live album, Alive II, on 12" vinyl with a gatefold cover holds a special place. This 1977 pressing offers a unique experience, capturing the electrifying energy of KISS' live performances and the visual spectacle of their larger-than-life stage presence.
A Live Masterpiece
Released in October 1977, Alive II served as a follow-up to the band's hugely successful first live album, Alive!. While Alive! was a critical and commercial triumph, Alive II faced scrutiny for containing some studio overdubs. Despite this, the album showcased KISS' phenomenal live show, featuring a selection of their greatest hits up to that point, infused with the raw energy of a concert experience. Tracks like "Detroit Rock City," "Shout It Out Loud," and "Rockin' in the USA" became staples of their live setlist, immortalized on Alive II.
The Allure of the Gatefold
The German pressing's gatefold cover is a collector's dream. Unfolding to reveal a larger image, it typically features the band in action, emblazoned with their signature makeup and costumes. However, for the German release, there's an extra special treat. The inside pages of the gatefold don't just showcase the band – they depict the KISS live stage in all its glory, complete with huge fireworks erupting in a pyrotechnic display. This visual element adds another dimension to the album, transporting the listener directly to a KISS concert and capturing the explosive energy of their live shows.
A German Press with Legacy
The German release of Alive II on vinyl offers a specific listening experience. While some collectors might seek out a pressing that adheres more faithfully to the original live recordings, the German version stands as a testament to KISS' global impact. This pressing found its way into the hands of European fans eager to experience the band's larger-than-life rock spectacle, solidifying their legacy as international superstars.
Album Production information:
The album: "Alive II" was produced by: Produced by Kiss and Eddie Kramer for Remarkable Productions
Edwin H. “Eddie” Kramer – Producer, Audio EngineerThe guy who could take Hendrix saying “make it sound green” and somehow turn that into real audio. Read more... Edwin H. “Eddie” Kramer, in my book, is rock’s ultimate behind-the-glass magician: starting in London studios in the early 1960s, then going full-throttle with Jimi Hendrix from 1967–1970, capturing Woodstock (1969), engineering major Led Zeppelin work from 1969 onward, steering Electric Lady Studios as engineering director in 1970–1974, and later locking in that arena punch with Kiss through the mid/late 1970s (and beyond). When I see his credit, I expect big guitars, bigger atmosphere, and a mix that still feels alive.
|
Record Label & Catalognr:
Casablanca Records NB 7027 |
| Packaging:Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with photos of Kiss Live on Stage on the inside cover pages. ed |
Media Format:
150gram 12" Double Vinyl Full-Length Stereo LP Gramophone Record
Album weight: 430 gram |
Year & Country:
1977 Made in Germany |